12 Life Lessons from Starting Over Again (Spoiler Alert + Pics)

A lot of my female friends has been recommending "Starting Over Again" directed by Olivia Lamasan as a must-watch Romantic Valentine Movie.  This film with a love triangle between Piolo Pascual as Marco, Toni Gonzaga as Ginny and Iza Calzadoh as as Patty has made a lot of people cry!  Many attribute its success to being realistic and relatable.  Relate to what?  Well, relate to the foolishness and mistakes that we had to go through and learn from.

12 Life Lessons from  Starting Over Again

1. Acceptance and Selfless Love are Essential for a Successful Relationship.

      You need to accept everything about your significant other which means his/her past, present and future.  A selfless love is one that puts the other before yourself.  While some may believe that it's about timing and readiness like Ginny (Toni) who believes that she is ready for the second time around, it is really acceptance that matters because you can prepare for the past and the present but the future will always be uncertain and you'll need a degree of acceptance to take that risk.

       Patty's (Iza) love for Marco (Piolo) is a love that fully accepts him and a selfless kind which is why it surpasses that of Ginny's.  Patty accepted Marco with his painful past, the present him with weaknesses as he is being swayed by his recollections with Ginny, his struggles and the fact that they are still on their way to being successful.  She believes in him and fully supports him in pursuing his passion.  She trusts him completely without fear.  She was consistently calm, patient and understanding. Whether they fail or succeed, Patty is sure to stick with Marco. 

      On the other hand, Ginny is focused only on herself.  All she cared about is fixing her regrets and living in her own dream.  She didn't even bother to understand what Ginny felt when she abandoned him.  She couldn't accept that he now has issues with trust because of what she did.  And, since she has left him before, there is no assurance that she won't be scared in case he becomes unsuccessful and leave him again. 

2.  Nothing is Constant so We Have to Move On.

      Everything changes especially people.  We all have to move on whether towards the same direction or not.  Time, experience and many other factors in life make people change.  The experience of being abandoned by Ginny changed Marco in a way that he now values trust more than sparks and chemistry.  This is a change Ginny had to accept as she moves on.

3. Life is How We See It.

     We are the ones who give things meaning.  Everything is subject to our own interpretation.  For Marco, their second encounter is for closure.  While, Ginny led herself to believe that it is for a second chance.  Ginny made herself stuck with the shadow of the past.  In reality, they've changed.  And, the past which was so magical and beautiful for her has long vanished.

     Moreover, you cannot measure the success or progress of one's life with just one aspect.  Ginny prioritized financial security over love only to realize later on that she wants love too.  From the romantics perspective, Ginny is pitiful.  On the other hand, those who value career progression will envy her Barcelona degree.  On the other hand, Marco valued love and relationship.  He has already established a strong foundation with Patty who supports him as they both go along their journey to success. 

4.  Even If You're a Handsome Hunk, You Can Be Dumped, Abandoned or Worse Cheated if You Can't Take Care of Your Lady.

     Ladies want a good provider so you guys have to work hard and be man enough to take care of your lady just like the hardworking future Marco.  Otherwise, face the same painful fate as the past Marco. 

5. You May Only Have One Chance So Make the Best Out of It.

    Although we always wish for a second chance, life may only grant us one chance so we have to make the best out of it.  Whether fair or not, that is how life goes.

6. There's a Thin Line Between Love and Hate. 

     It is a scientific fact that hate may be a defense mechanism we adopt to prevent us from falling in love.  But as it turns out, love may blossom uncontrollably and the hate defense mechanism may just be a dilatory tactic.

7. Life is NOT a Bed of Roses.

   Life is not a bed of roses or a fairy tale with happy endings.  Life is an endless twist of fate with unexpected struggles and obstacles.

8. There are Many Ways to Love.

     Love isn't always the romantic (Eros) kind.  There's Storge (affection), Philia (friendship), Agape (unconditional love) and maybe those which can't be defined in words that don't result to a romantic relationship.  We can't unlove so there's no point denying it.  Moreover, love alone does not make or break a relationship.

9. Your Success is Not Dictated by Your Course.

     Your course doesn't define which profession you should pursue.  Have the courage to follow your passion and success will follow.  Marco's big shift from being a history professor to a chef may seem ridiculous but he followed his passion which made him work harder towards his success.

10. Anyone Can Succeed As Long As You Work Hard For It.

     Marco may seem hopeless at first which is why Ginny left him.  But, lo and behold, with hard work and determination, he has proven himself otherwise to Ginny's regret.

11. A Slow-burn and Secured Love Can Surpass the Great Big Magical Love.

    Regardless of how the relationship began, what is important is establishing a good foundation with trust, respect, acceptance, understanding and all other necessities that complete a relationship.

12. As One Door Closes, Another Door Opens. 

   As long as you're alive, it's not over.  Life goes on so deal with what comes along.  Marco thought it was over when Ginny left.  But, he was able to change into a better person with a fresh start in terms of his career and relationship.  Ginny is also rewarded the chance of a fresh start after a proper closure with Marco.