How can you find genuine connection through an organic encounter?

Organic encounters is nothing new. It’s a way of meeting people in certain circumstances without technology. In other words, it’s the traditional way people met back in the day.

On Sunday’s “24 Oras Weekend” report, sociologist Bro. Clifford Sorita said that an organic encounter has three defining aspects: it should be unscripted, unfiltered, and unforced.

“Ang tao, hindi na spontaneous, kasi mahilig na tayo mag-edit,” Sorita said.

[People are no longer spontaneous because we like to edit.]

“’Yung mga organic encounters, unfiltered ‘yan,” he added. “Sa panahon ngayon ng technological advancement, you can simply filter so many things about who you are as a person.”

[Organic encounters are unfiltered. In today's age of technological advancement, you can simply filter so mant things about who you are as a person.] 

Sorita added that today’s technology and algorithms “often dictate or influence who we get to encounter or connect with” on social media.

So, for those who are tired of dating apps and are yearning for an organic encounter, what should you do?

According to Sorita, the first step is to step out of your house and put yourself out there.

“If you want to meet people, you have to put yourself out there. Go to places where people hang out,” he said.

“How do you start an interaction? With a simple gesture of a smile,” he added.

Sorita also advised keeping a “cordial disposition,” so that if other people are open to interacting with you, they will.

In February 2025, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that only 46% of Filipinos were “very happy” with their love life in 2024 — the lowest level in two decades.

“The latest percentage of 46% very happy with their love life was 12 points down from 58% in December 2023, and the lowest in 20 years since it was first reached in 2004,” the SWS said.

The survey also showed that the most common love language among adult Filipinos is Acts of Service, with 67% of Filipinos saying this is how they express their love. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News