Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Affairs of the heart By Gigie A. Agtay
VALENTINE'S Day is a wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for people we love.
Although some approach this holiday as if they are facing the fate of St. Valentine, the Christian martyr who was beheaded on February 14, many Dabawenyos convey the special romance and tender loved ones during this traditional western festival, in unique ways.
Sweethearts, with smile on faces, send gifts to each other, which symbolize love, friendship and even marriage.
Hand-in-hand sweethearts, couples with their children can be seen everywhere in the city. Over at the malls and parks, lovers have photos taken to mark the occasion.
Several college students said that it was very important for them to celebrate Valentine's Day or V-Day.
"Today is the anniversary of our relationship, and we feel very happy to celebrate it here," said a couple who was taking photos in front of Rizal Park along San Pedro Street.
At a flower shop in Bangkerohan market, a young man, in his early 20's, was choosing red roses for his girlfriend.
"Flowers best represent my love for her," said Lawrence while holding his girlfriend in his arms.
Business opportunity
Valentine's Day is also a golden business opportunity as businessmen do everything possible to create romance. Well-packed chocolate gift box in supermarkets and department stores, red, yellow and white roses in follower shops as well as lovers walking along the street with roses in hands add more romance and sweetness.
In other parts of Davao, customers will be intoxicated with the zealous dances and lively music. Restos and bars have been decorated anew for the lovers.
"As Dabawenyos, we have our own interpretation of Valentine's Day. Papers cut into hearts are associated with auspiciousness and love and we hung them with hope of flourishing love and sweet love," said a resto manager.
Apart from those, bars also made thorough preparation for V-Day. Some gives a free glass of red wine to customers who order dinner; another bar offers a concoction of brandy mixed with chocolate kisses.
Romantic lovers and zealous businessmen are the role in Valentine's Day.
Everyday is V-Day
A pair of young executives in love said they agree that V-Day gives them chance to express love.
But for businessman Billy Parilla, "everyday is Valentine's Day because I am in love everyday."
"Ideally, everyday should be Valentine's Day regardless of your status. It should not matter how you celebrate it. All that matters is you are celebrating it with the one you love," says Leah Librado, 28.
But for some of the old, it would not be so exciting. "I don't not know what Valentine's Day is, and that is for the young. I am quite old-fashioned," a granny said.
A lady in her 40s chose a handkerchief and a bundle of roses for her husband for the occasion. "Our love is still young though we are middle-aged."
Meanwhile, children and parents often exchange cards to emphasize their strong bonds of love. For Mina, a mother of three, exchanging of cards help children understand family love as part of the holiday.
"Remember that as parents, we transmit values to our children through our behavior. If we celebrate Valentine's Day by exchanging expensive gifts, it is likely that our children will want to do the same," she said.
Finally, we may probably have painful memories of, at least, one Valentine's Day that left us full of heartache rather than joy, but every time Valentine's Day comes, it is never too late to help others express love and friendship.
By watching you give gifts of kindness, time, compassion, respect, and thoughtfulness to the people you love -- not just on V-Day but throughout the year -- they will learn that "I love you" means so much more than three words inscribed on a candy heart.
