The most talked-about moments today often begin offline—through chance meetings, unplanned conversations, and fleeting interactions that no algorithm could predict. It didn’t start with a notification or a calendar invite—it started with a glance, a coincidence, and a moment that couldn’t be replicated.

You might have seen the term “organic encounter” floating around the internet or heard it through word of mouth. Many people on social media glorify it, and those surrounding you say that they want to experience it, but what exactly is an organic encounter, and why is it ruling the dating scene recently?

A meeting of fate

(Artwork by LOST7)

According to various pop culture blogs, an organic encounter is one in which two people meet naturally, free of predetermined agendas or expectations. However, it’s expected that an instant connection would bloom from this encounter, leading to the two falling in love. Think of a scene in a romantic comedy where the two love interests meet in a café for the first time and instantly spark a connection—this is exactly what an organic encounter is.

Yet, despite its movie-like setting and almost unrealistic premise, people still desire an organic encounter of their own, often daydreaming and singing its praises, hoping to find “the one” meant for them.

In the Philippines, tales of romance, whether real or fictional, often capture the attention of people across different generations. Books and movies solely for the romance genre dominate the media, with Filipino audiences eating up love-centered stories each time.

Knowing this, it makes sense that the people would want to experience an organic encounter. The very idea that destiny meant for two souls to meet at the right place and right time seems all too enticing. The meeting isn't forced, nor was it planned, making it seem as if even the world itself had conspired for two people to meet.

Organic encounters provide people with the setting to engage face-to-face, rather than through a screen. In a world where even the Internet has taken over the dating scene through dating apps, organic encounters give people a chance to really connect with each other as they are—raw and human.

From a spark to a flame

(Artwork by Irina Lisichkina)

The irony, however, lies in the phenomenon itself. Organic encounters are supposed to be meetings of chance, yet people still go out of their way to actively seek for them—purposely placing themselves in situations where they could meet someone “naturally” and form a connection.

And while instant connections are possible, some overlook the reality that relationships themselves take a lot of work, and that a spark isn’t always enough to sustain a relationship.

However, the beauty in organic encounters lies in their possibilities. People may instantly “click,” but organic encounters are only gateways that let us take the next move, plan the next step, and decide whether to pursue something further from this connection. Knowing this, the next step from this organic encounter is the most important if we want something out of the connection; staying stagnant won’t make any progress.

Yet, in the midst of looking for love, people run themselves ragged trying to find the person meant for them. But we don't have to push ourselves so hard trying to find this love. While connections find us through encounters, love is only built through time and effort.

We do not have to devote so much time searching for our person. We are allowed to wait and focus on other things in the meantime. The chance at love does not slip away when we choose to allow things to be. And in the midst of waiting, the love you seek from someone else should also be given to yourself, from yourself.

In a world filled with moments decided by our own hands, the chance to experience a single moment woven by the hands of destiny itself is enticing. In a society slowly being dominated by technology, the allure behind the organic encounter makes hopeless romantics everywhere believe in the possibility of raw human connection and true love once more.