IT'S that time of the year... again. The day of love, happiness and “bitterness” (for some): Valentine's Day.
While couples are out on their lunch or dinner reservations and movie dates, filling the air with their suffocating, lovey-dovey aura, individuals who don't have anyone to call as their "lover" spend Valentine's Day working and/or studying as February 14 is both a school and working day.
Eric Coraza Arreglado, web technical support, said Valentine's Day, for him, is an ordinary day as he doesn't feel the essence and excitement brought by the season of love.
"Though I have so many crushes or admirations to the girls I like but I didn't tell anyone of them due to shyness or clumsiness. Maybe destiny of love matter doesn't belong to me, but I am hopeful that God will find a girl to love and care for me till the end," Eric said.
Tricia Ann Makasakit, a government worker, said she will be spending the day at work, adding that Valentine's Day is a "normal day na lang ngayon (now a normal day)."
Working and studying during Valentine's Day is great but for some singles, they would rather spend the heart's day differently, here are some ways to make your day productive and entertaining:
Going to church. Since February 14 is on Wednesday, it means the day of love falls on Ash Wednesday. For singles religious enough to abstain from eating chocolates and other treats, you can go to church and let the priest ceremonially place a cross of ashes on your forehead. Instead of thinking of your (lack of) love life, have the time to reflect on your past actions.
Group dates. Being single doesn't mean you should be alone on heart's day. Grab your phone, contact your fellow singles and go somewhere to relax and have fun, be it by window-shopping in malls, walking in the park, relaxing in a spa or singing in karaoke bars.
Spending time with your friends will make you forget the bitterness of not having a significant person in your life.
Playing games and watching shows. If your friends are too busy to be with you in your time of need, occupy your mind and waste your day away by playing games or watching your favorite shows.
Although I suggest, if you’re the type of person to feel bitter by seeing couple-y stuffs, refrain from watching romantic shows. Rather, watching horror movies will surely scare the bitterness out of you.
Kyle Janelle Caballa, a college student, said she is planning to amuse herself with playing idol mobile games and eating cupcakes.
"Probably maglalaro ng mga mobage (mobile) games ko dahil Tsukipara (an idol mobile game) event (Probably playing mobile games since there's an event in Tsukipara)," Caballa said.
However you spend Valentine's Day, be it in a couple's or single's way, remember that “love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
And also, "walang forever."