ON THE PROWL, IN THE KNOW
LOVE BEYOND BORDERS By Rian Miranda – Riyadh
“Will you join me in Bahamas?” David asked me two months prior to his scheduled company convention in the Commonwealth country. I knew I was due for an annual vacation but I could not leave work on such short notice. But I missed my love and I wanted an actual date with him. With land and sea between us, being in a long distance relationship is not the most convenient for any couple who mean the world to each other, especially since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. So with slight hesitation, I applied for the Bahamian visa and prayed for the best.
First Things First You can apply online through the UK Border Agency’s site and follow their clear instructions. Airline ticket costs between S1,600 - 2,000. Passing through London via air transit is easy for Filipino passport holders since Philippines is among the countries that can benefit from the transit without a visa (TWOV) concession.
Define Love
Arriving in the Islands Twenty minutes before landing, I excitedly looked out the window to see the rumored beautiful city but I didn’t see anything but bodies of water. I was delighted to be greeted by some locals performing a reggae song. After seeing my loving partner at the customs area, we were safely dropped off at The Atlantis hotel, in Paradise Island. I felt an overwhelming bliss as I took in all that was before me.
Bahamian Experience David indulged me in a two-hour complete body pampering at the resort’s spa before we explored the exquisite island. We walked through man-made caves and waterfalls and saw medium-sized sharks and sting rays swimming freely across the artificial pools and beaches inside the resort. However, we were unable to enjoy the beach much because of the cold winter breeze. All in all, it was a very wonderful experience despite the cold season. Everything else came in second since being together is our primary goal. I believe our deep commitment and individual respect to each other are what keeps the fire between us burning despite the lack of proximity. These may be easy guidelines, but they lay the foundation for a healthy and longstanding relationship; and of course, prayers…lots of it.
finally getting a good grasp of this thing, of what this so-called madness is all about.
By Kristine Abante-Dubai, UAE
So it’s February again, the month of Love, the month couples anticipate and singles usually hate. Normally, I would let this day go by like any other day, except that this time I feel the urge to discuss it. Love. I have spent most of my younger days pining for it, and most of my adult life trying to understand it. Being single and in my 30s, things do seem a lot clearer now, and I am
ILLUSTRADO 98
After millions of pop songs, chapters and volumes of books, short stories, poems, movies, TV series, and countless hours spent with friends gushing over, getting over guy after guy, I think I am finally getting it. It’s not about chocolates, Shakespeare sonnets, or silly love songs. I don’t believe that Cupid or his arrow has much to do with it. It’s not about movie dates, or liking the same bands, or obsessing over the same
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hobbies. It’s not about wedding gowns, or romantic getaways. It’s not even about marriage proposals or destiny, although a lot of people will probably disagree with me for this. What I believe is this: love is a choice. A choice you make everyday, a choice that keeps defining your relationship with another person who is important to you. And by important, I mean the one you’ve chosen to give that VIP backstage pass to your life to. The person you can be yourself with, no matter how difficult you or he/she