Get your flirt on with BBM
MANILA, Philippines - If you just signed up for Globe’s BBM-only plan, which comes at a cool P99 a month, you’re probably using it either for business (in which case, we can’t help you) or for getting to know a special someone. If you’re still familiarizing yourself with the BBM code of ethics, with its special sub-set of rules when it comes to flirting, then you’re in luck because TV and events host, and The Amazing Race Asia finalist Rovilson Fernandez and model, TV and events host, published author, and make-up artist Bianca Valerio share how BBM, the messaging platform exclusive to BlackBerry smartphone users, can be an ally in today’s ways of woo.
Basically, there are five steps: Gauging the person, attracting attention, getting to know the person, testing the waters, and finally, going for it. In this interview with Rovilson and Bianca, they answer all the questions related to flirting in the time of BBM:
If it’s not posted on their Twitter bio, how will you know if you can ask for someone’s BBM PIN?
ROVILSON FERNANDEZ: For me, BBM is a casual tool — like Facebook — but it is a great communicator. I can give my PIN to anybody. You can send me a message and I’ll check it at my convenience.
BIANCA VALERIO: BBM is such a private, niche world. If I give you my PIN, there’s a level of trust that you give to a person. For me, my BBM circle is my circle of trust. It is very sacred to me.
How do you go about exchanging BBM PINS?
BV: You know what I’d do? I would bring out my BlackBerry phone so he knows I have one. It is a subtle hint for him to ask for my BBM PIN and to know that I’m available!
RF: Absolutely! But, instead of asking for her BBM PIN, I would do the scanning of the QR code trick. I’ve done that a couple of times. Some girls don’t know how to do it so I’d explain it to them and they’d find it so cool! That, in itself, is already a great conversation starter.
BV: (After just learning how to scan a QR code) It’s such a clever way to flirt! It’s a great way for the guy to show the girl that he is willing to help her out — kind of like playing billiards. Or, if the girl is the one that knows how to scan a QR code, it’s a way to impress the guy! Pogi points yan for the girl. It’s a two-way street!
Once you’ve exchanged BBM PINS, how do you subtly initiate a conversation?
BV: I’d compose my status in such a way to let him know what I’m up to or how I’m feeling at that moment…sort of getting him to be interested in maybe wanting to BBM me. And it’s worked! Sometimes I use it as a test to see if he’s sensitive enough to show concern. BBM is a window to the personality of the person you may be interested in. It is such a great, unintentional and unexpected way to get to understand his behavior.
RF: Another way to show your personality is through pictures — they’ll react to that, as well.
BV: The pictures that you put actually are sparking the interest of certain people. It’s almost like inadvertent flirting or maybe attracting attention.
RF: I agree! I love BBM because you infuse more of who you are, making it a more organic experience.
What do you make of the Ds (delivered), the Rs (read), and “writing a message” features?
BV: BBM is such a blatant sign of interest, or lack thereof. Because if they don’t reply and you see the “R”… that says a lot. You can take it as the person getting kilig or dyahe, or maybe they just don’t care. It could mean so many things!
RF: BBM is such a tease!
BV: It’s the chase — the “D,” the “R,” the “writing the message.” You don’t know what to expect. When flirting, it could work for you or against you.
How do you, in a manner of speaking, go for it?
BV: Flowers are very generic. For a guy to win me over, he has to give or do something that I know he put careful thought in. It’s all about uniqueness!
RF: BBM is just right for that. It is a wonderful tool for courtship. Voice notes are a phenomenal thing to take advantage of. For instance, you and your special someone have a song. What I’d do is, if I hear the song on the radio, I would record a voice note of the song and say, “Hey, I was just thinking about you.” Rather than simply sending a message, show her. You don’t know it, but it can complete her day!
BV: Another tip for the ladies — it is important to show appreciation. For example, my guy sent me flowers. I’ll take a photo of them and show them off. Remember, it is vital to show that your man’s efforts were not left unnoticed, and you can do that through BBM.
RF: Use technology to your advantage. Don’t be so black and white when flirting via BBM. Think out of the box! She will appreciate that.
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Visit BlackBerry Pilipinas on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BlackBerryPH) to find out how you can join the BBM Photo Contest for a chance to win a BlackBerry smartphone.
