Speed Dating Questionnaire

Character by: Shienene

Current Matthew (26 years old)

1. Do you believe that our lives are predetermined by fate? No, especially after becoming a Christian, I've learned that there's no such thing as fate, but rather in God's will. Fate is a fancy term for us humans to blame onto once we get into a situation that we fail to have control with but really, our lives are shaped by what we do, and what God allows in our lives.

2. Do you believe in God? Yes, I see Him moving in my life.

3. What do you think equity means to you? Equity is when someone is given the opportunity that elevates them in a fair play with others in his/her desired position.

4. What do you see yourself as in five years? I see myself coming back to Hawkwell to open a branch of our company, much more grounded with my father and brother, I will be staying close to my grandmother Davina's house (and by extension, close to Lucy as well), and maybe, I can start courting her.

5. What's one thing that would scare you off in a relationship? If my future partner turns to be a control freak, I don't want that on me anymore.

6. What is a challenge that you think might break your relationship apart? Honestly speaking... if they fail to reciprocate transparency with me. I don't like lying and putting people down, but that could also be the reason why I was spiraling down when I wasn't able to be transparent with my father due to fear of being disowned.

7. What's an attitude you think you can tolerate in a relationship? Considering the phrasing of this question, although I'm not yet in a relationship, I think I can tolerate silent treatments, but only to a point where they don't like responding because they mind their choice of words or mood in that time of the day. I still want them to be transparent with me though.

8. What's a hobby you do that helps you find your purpose in life? Drawing, always was and always will, maybe a little music too, I like singing.

Matthew 10 years later (36 years old)

1. Do you believe that our lives are predetermined by fate? No, still speaking as a Christian, fate doesn't exist in the Bible. What we do now is the extension of what we'll be in the future once we turn to face God during judgement.

2. Do you believe in God? Most definitely, He helped me get to this stage in life, living with a purpose and now trying my best to give what I have to live simply.

3. What do you think equity means to you? When the people around me, regardless of their socioeconomic standing is given the opportunity that levels them into the life that they deserve to be, which is living simply.

4. What do you see yourself as in five years? Turning 41 by that time, maybe I can use more of my time to spend with Lucy and Noel, she's thriving in her own element as well so maybe I would be more present in her life. I have Carl to assist me anyways, I'm thinking of letting him oversee this branch once I hit 50s since I want to make more time with my family.

5. What's one thing that would scare you off in a relationship? Nothing, really. I've accepted the reality that there will be moments with me and Lucy that may come off wrong in the moment but after listening to my lola's advice, that being "having a benefit of the doubt" where I should always think that Lucy does not mean it with a bad intention, just bad execution (and hoping that she sees me in that way too), it gave me hope that both of us just wants the best in our lives.

6. What is a challenge that you think might break your relationship apart? None I could think of. Honestly, it's not even a question I'd consider, God has it pretty tight between me and my sweetheart. *chuckles*

7. What's an attitude you think you can tolerate in a relationship? Everything that Lucy does, whether the good or the bad, but that makes her real.

8. What's a hobby you do that helps you find your purpose in life? Drawing, it’s my way of bonding with Lucy and Noel. Also, I don't like calling it a hobby, but it is something that helps me find my purpose in life, which is to read the Bible, of course applying it, doing daily devotions, then working with a few organizations for charities (I'd rather my contributions be not named, I really ask my partners to not name us or even give a clue to the recipients at all, but I like putting Bible verses relevant to good deeds, maybe they could be won and inspired to learn more about God).

Matthew 10 years before (16 years old)

1. Do you believe that our lives are predetermined by fate? If my fate is to help my father in the company, maybe I do, yeah.

2. Do you believe in God? I do, though I'm not sure if He really moves in my life.

3. What do you think equity means to you? I think I've heard that term before... is that when someone is given the same opportunity as the others? Or is that equality?

4. What do you see yourself as in five years? I'd be 21 by that time, maybe I would be helping father and brother Magnus in the company, although dad wants me to finish my degree in Business Management first.

5. What's one thing that would scare you off in a relationship? ...can you promise me not to tell it to Dad? I don't really feel good when I'm being controlled but, I don't want to get hurt too.

6. What is a challenge that you think might break your relationship apart? If they turned to be overbearing, I'm trying my best to keep my promise with mom... but I can't even do the things that other teenagers my age can do.

7. What's an attitude you think you can tolerate in a relationship? I'm not sure... maybe if they're silent instead of being loud and grating? At least I could take a deep breath.

8. What's a hobby you do that helps you find your purpose in life? I liked drawing before but, my purpose right now is to help my father with keeping the company alive so... managing documents for now, I guess?

P.O.V. Paragraphs

First P.O.V. (Current Matthew)

The sunrays started seeping through the curtains of my bedroom, casting a soft glow on my skin as I come into consciousness. Today was warm, but the air conditioner and soft chirp of the birds outside somehow wanted to lull me into sleep. As I try to get my bearings, when I looked at the bohemian bed sheets and colorful duvet, it finally clicked to me that I wasn’t in my apartment in Veridian, but my lola’s house, I couldn’t help but to smile. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity you’ve given to me this morning, I couldn’t be more grateful even if this opportunity started from a nightmare.

(Matthew 10 years later)

Before the sun has even risen, I woke up refreshed. It was quiet, peaceful, and I can see my beautiful wife smiling in her sleep. My hand softly caressed her cheek, making her giggle a bit. “Good morning, sweetheart.” I whispered before reaching the Bible from the nightstand. After turning on the lamplight, I prayed to God my thanks. For waking up, for the pleasant sleep, for the blessings and challenges that will come my way today, and for my family, that I hope to be given opportunities to grow my wisdom, love, and patience for Lucy and Noel.

Eirene Ignacio

--

4