Why Shaina prefers not to take an ex back

Shaina Magdayao

After all the love battles I’ve survived, I’ve learned that it’s better to stay single than to settle—and that I can be happy even without the “ever after.” For more love lessons about this, catch Star Cinema’s “Single/Single (Love is Not Enough).”

Whether you’re single, taken or in a “no label” kind of relationship, there is something you can relate to in the film—it’s a “been there, felt that” sort of thing. It tackles the woes of a live-in millennial couple (portrayed by Shaina Magdayao and Matteo Guidicelli). The domestic front can turn into a battlefront as couples get caught up in the roller-coaster of emotions.

In the movie, Joee (Shaina) is about to give birth, while Joey (Matteo) remains in love with her as he tries to become a responsible foster father. The baby changes the dynamics of their relationship and redefines the couple’s sense of commitment. Are they holding on too long, or giving up too soon? Love isn’t always the answer—sometimes, it is the big question.

Here’s my chat with Shaina:

What’s the best and toughest thing about being in a relationship? The best thing would be sharing moments with your partner. Walking through life with another human being, who has so much faith in who you are that he brings out the best and not the worst in you. The toughest would be the same, if you go overboard. Sometimes, you’re way in too deep in it that you lose your personal space, or worse, your identity.

What’s the most important love lesson that you’ve learned so far? That no one else can complete you, but you.

Would you take an ex back? I haven’t done that. I always exhaust all options to save a shaky relationship so that if it ends, I will have no regrets.

Do you prefer being single or in a relationship?  I prefer to be in a “healthy and good place.” When I’m in a relationship, I want that person to be a complement, and not a distraction. When I’m not, I make sure I devote all my time to improve myself and spend it with family and friends while patiently waiting for “the one.”

In what ways can you relate to your character, Joee? She tries, just like me. I may not be able to relate to “single motherhood,” but I do know how it is to “choose” to do what’s right and what’s good, no matter how challenging or uncomfortable that is sometimes. Choosing to be responsible, in Joee’s case, and trying her best to be a good mom to her child.

What’s the craziest thing you did for love? When I was younger, being reckless—all in the name of love. Abandoning and forgetting “myself,” my family and friends, who have been there during my lonely nights. We all have a tendency to disappear when we are in love. Now more than ever, self-love and respect come first.

‘Ex Factor’

Philip Salvador was spotted watching the basketball game of James Yap’s team Rain or Shine versus Ginebra San Miguel last Sunday at the Big Dome. I wonder what team he was rooting for.

After the game, I texted James and asked him if he got to talk to Ipe. His reply was, “Kanugon waay ako ga hisa iya kay damo tawo kag kapoy ako guid sa hampang.  (Too bad I wasn’t able to say hi to him because there were so many people, and I was so tired after the game.)” Apparently, there’s no bad blood between the two gentlemen despite the controversies hounding them because of their common “Ex Factor.”