Date of Performance: 02/27/2025

Nationality: Filipino

Occupation: Student

Primary Language: English

Residence: Los Angeles, CA

“Walang forever”

Context: Subject is Filipino born and raised, and their parents or other similarly aged relatives would repeat this phrase to the unlucky target upon learning of a romantic relationship’s end. “Walang” means “no”, or “none of”, in Tagalog, so the phrase essentially means “there is no forever”.

Analysis: In a more family-oriented society like the Philippines (where I also grew up), relatives commenting on your romantic and personal relationships is quite common. Even if the remark were to be unappreciated, it is likely to be made regardless — such comments reflect and demonstrate familial and age-related social hierarchies.