Valentine’s Day came early this year, and I couldn’t be happier! ❤️ As a hopeless romantic and lover of all things love, I am beyond excited to share the beautiful long-distance love story of one of my first and dearest friends in Spain — Hannah🌸🎀
After earning her degree in Management Accounting from Laguna College in 2016, Hannah took a leap of faith and moved to Spain, leaving everything behind - including her boyfriend of six years. Her story of maintaining a long-distance relationship, built on trust and unwavering commitment, is a beautiful example of how love can not only survive but flourish across 8000 miles.
A lover of K-Pop, travel, concerts, food, crochet, and everything else in between, let’s get to know my beautiful (inside and out) sister in Christ, the true lover of life - Hannah!
Where were you born and raised in the Philippines?
I was born and raised in a small town called Tiaong in the province of Quezon.
You just graduated from university and had a great life (and budding relationship!!) ahead of
you. What urged you to move abroad?
It was one of all those typical immigrant family stories where the whole family decided to move
It was a month after I graduated from university that I had permanently migrated to Spain. My mom was the first one to move abroad and from then, she petitioned everyone in the family. I came here in 2012 but at that time, I was just 16 y/o so I ended up going back to the Philippines to finish my studies. I went back here in 2016 and finally stayed permanently!
What was your first impression of Spain when you just first arrived? Any culture
shock?
When it comes to first impression, the first thing that comes up in mind when we talk about
Spain - particularly Barcelona - is the amazing architecture. Sagrada Familia, Park Guell and Gaudi
ring a bell right? Even when I was still in the Philippines, I was already looking forward to seeing the
famous Sagrada Familia and it was beyond what I have expected. The birds eye view of the whole
city of Barcelona is one of kind! I can’t help but be amazed at how they planned the aesthetically
pleasing lay-out of the city thousand of years ago.
Spain is also known for its diverse and rich culture but despite that, I can’t get used to hearing
how people often curse here. On a daily basis, people curse as often as they drink water and the longer
the curse word is, the more intense it becomes.
Another thing that definitely shocked me about Spain was how late their meal times are. It was
definitely a struggle at first for someone like me who lived most of my life in an Asian country
where lunch times were set around 12:00 and come here to find out they serve it around 14:00 or
much later. Dinner is no different. They usually have it around 22:00.
How people enjoy parties here is also quite different. Maybe having siesta helps a lot at
how people can stay up late. Take note, the party doesn’t start until 24:00 and ends at 06:00.
Safe to say after living here for 8 years, now I fit perfectly fine!
How did you manage to stay in love despite the distance?
Our story isn’t different from others. It’s just another typical relationship that have started from
“asaran” to “ligawan” turned into “ibigan” for lot of years. In a span of 14 years of being together,
half of those years we are in a long distance relationship.
Navigating a relationship like this can be quite challenging. There were times mixed of uncertainty
and optimism while figuring out how to maintain connection with my partner despite the distance.
But in spite all of that, we stayed committed and have always worked through challenges. Maintaining a long distance relationship involves a consistent communication, trust and creative ways of staying connected with each other. It is important to talk regularly, sharing each others thoughts and
feelings as well as listening to each others needs. The key is nurturing the relationship and staying
committed to each other, even when we’re apart. Totoo yung sabi nila na “hindi naman araw-araw
mahal mo ang partner mo, pero sa hirap at ginhawa siya at siya padin ang pipiliin mo.”
Can you give some tips to people who are undergoing the same experience of LDR?
There are plenty of ways to stay connected and nurture your bond with your partner, no matter the distance. These are some tips I find helpful:
Embrace Technology
We are living in a time where everything is just a click a way! Sending message everyday and
dedicating a day to do video calls is what works for us. Technology helps bridge the gap of physical
proximity. As we share day to day life, the distance can somehow feel smaller.
Constant What’s up
We start our day by sending simple messages or a call. We always send messages to each other
whatever or whenever, even the other replies fast or late. Keeping this kind of routine can help
maintain a sense of connection and keep you both involve in each others´ lives. Not every
conversation need to be big, deep or emotional one.
Listen and communicate as much as you feel the need to be connected
The lack of physical presence tends us to put extra effort into understanding each other’s feelings
and needs. Communication isn’t just about talking but making sure you partner’s feelings are heard and valued. Always be clear and open in your conversations. It all about understanding, communicating your needs and meeting halfway.
“Be there” even when you can’t actually be there
It seems tricky because your partner can’t physically show up, give you a hug or comfort you
whenever you feel sad. But it is the feeling of reassurance that someone will always be there, will always have your back and listen to your whimps and problems. Long distance couples need the assurance that you will always have to show that you’re there for each other, no matter how far apart you might be.
Focus on the positives
Yes, distance sucks but despite that you should not cave in to it. While it is important to feel your
feelings, try not to get stuck in them. You should recognize the advantages of LDR like having
more time for personal growth and friendships, and learning to communicate more effectively. There are more aspects of relationship you can focus in times of loneliness.
You were 22 when you moved to Spain, what has been your biggest challenge in living abroad, and how did you overcome it?
I was a fresh graduate with no working experience and was not capable of speaking Spanish when I moved. Imagine moving to a country with a degree that basically won’t be accredited …
Though it was quite challenging, I pushed through! Living in another country allowed me to step out of my comfort zone which was a good way to learn new things and get to know people from different backgrounds. It took me some time to learn the language. I took some weekend Spanish classes and did some online lessons as well. For the first year, it was really tough and I was struggling from homesickness. I was really thinking of just going back to the Philippines and just apply for jobs there. But thankfully I met friends and joined church groups which really helped me through. Taking part in these activities and being in a Filipino community really helped me get through my homesickness.
How has your faith influenced your journey and your relationship?
Faith has truly influenced my journey abroad and has influenced my relationship. Faith impacts my
life and it helps me overcome circumstances through a different view. In a way of overcoming fear and just putting my trust in Jesus instead of myself.
My journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. I have my times of doubts and I question my faith at times. Though these times have been hard, I always find comfort in God.
Faith keeps me centred with the realization that I am never alone in my journey in life and I can do
everything with Him - living every moment joy-filled and confident. It truly changes how I see things and how I walk in and out of situations.
As for my relationship, faith has been really an integral part for us. Without faith, we wouldn’t last
this long. Through the years of our relationship we both put work, patience and commitment to
build trust. I personally believe that love is built in foundation of faith, honesty and commitment. If
two people are in-love, the last thing that will come up to their mind is to seek any kind of
affection from someone else. Being faithful helps us be more open, honest and also vulnerable.
Having faith and trust help us resolve conflicts, support each other and feel closer and connected.
No distance can hinder a relationship bonded by faith and loyalty!
Looking back, what would you say has been your proudest moment since moving to Spain?
My proudest moment would be having my Spanish citizenship. Though it took years before we decided to apply for it, finally after 8 months from the date of application, I have been approved! It is such an emotional moment for many immigrants like myself. Citizenship opens a new chapter of possibilities, and better job prospects. I am always thankful for the small wins throughout the years that brought me through this moment.
Final words/advices to fellow Filipinos who want to chase their dream lives abroad?
Don’t be afraid to take that first step because if you just stay on the same place or position nothing will ever happen today or tomorrow! So take that first step because you never know it might be now or never. Make that “impossible” a journey fulfilled.
Get to know Hannah and her journey more @hnnh___aa on IG
Hasta luego!
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