Known to be highly traditional, we Pinoys tend to stick to the classic examples set by our folks and courting rules as well as finding romantic connections are not to be spared. But then again, times have changed and so did the course of searching for the significant other too. With the high demands of the new millennium, it leaves little or even no time for young, single yuppies to go through the whole Maria Clara courting process; hence, the advent of speed dating.

Relatively new in the Philippines, speed dating is an organized way of matchmaking. It is a pseudo-group date in which total strangers talk to each other for a short time in rotation to assess their compatibility within the circle of participants. Coordinated by an event organizer, it is somehow comparable to a blind date only twisted with a surprising approach of engaging at least 20 single people all in search of a potential hubby all at one place and one time.

Ready, get set, date

The event is pre-planned by an organizer who also screens the participants and supervises the whole duration of the date. During the activity, men move while women are seated. The affair lets single individuals meet and interact with each other one-on-one for a brief period of time, usually less than ten minutes. The time limit ensures that everyone gets equal opportunity no matter how much you are enjoying the present interface or, conversely, you don’t like the next one, once the time is over you move on to the next possible prospect. This feature offers participants the chance to compare and assess, therefore increasing chances of finding someone suitable for a romantic relationship. At the end of the event, participants submit a list of persons they would like to meet again. The matching process takes place after the event to ensure no one faces rejection. The organizers then look for matches and if two participants pick each other, they are matched. In a speed dating event, no contacts are exchanged directly. Arguing is prohibited and an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment encouraged. Though the process may vary with each organizer, the basics of speed dating usually remain the same.

Less risky, more opportunity

One of the advantages of this date is obviously and as its name suggests, speed. For busy professionals who want to find their match or even a new set of friends, speed dating is the shoulder to depend on because it offers much convenience. No more hectic schedules to find a partner with this new trend of dating. Just set aside an utmost of seven to ten minutes then there you go, with just a minute or more, participants find their match. Speed dating is also more fun compared to regular one on one dates. It is simply because the prospect of dealing with diverse people and meeting them in a unique way brings much to offer. Another good thing about this is that people expand their socialization. It also paves the way to an easy means of getting acquainted with new people who meet a certain criteria. Speed dating also helps timid individuals to build up the kind of self-esteem they need to keep going in the face of constant discouragement and rejection and also just being themselves.  Rejection here is very minimal.

Compared to online dating, speed dating is relatively safer. It is secured because, apparently, it occurs mostly in public places. You are with different individuals who are screened and supervised by event organizers. Supporters of speed dating also claim it is more efficient and cost effective than going to bars and hitting on chicks and dudes randomly.

Less sincerity, more frustrations

In speed dating you have no control over who shows up so whether you like the participant or not, you have to spend the time with him/her. A chance that nobody will be interested in dating you still exists most especially when there is an uneven number of participants. Worst case scenario, it will lower down the participants’ self confidence leaving them more discouraged in exerting effort to find a match.

In speed dating, less than ten minutes is given for a talk with co-speed daters. As we all know, a few minutes will not suffice to know each other very well. It is very difficult to trust people at first glance. First thought is not always truthful. This event emphasizes first impressions which may not be necessarily the indication of future compatibility.

Speed dating can definitely offer us both conveniences and inconveniences. There’s nothing wrong in patronizing such methods as long as we know how to differentiate between what we want and what we need, as well as what we already have. Also, maturity is a must-have in these situations as this can direct our minds and hearts towards discerning what is right and what is wrong for us. (Kathrine Trimocha)