On Valentine's day: "Companionship is best gift"

CEBU, Philippines - It’s Valentine’s Day and many are hoping for a romantic and unforgettable experience but for some, a simple bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolate is enough to complete this special day of love.

In a random interview of women, various answers came up from the simple to the eccentric. But still, every expectation or ultimate disappointment is still up to their partner to figure out, or to simply overlook.

As a working mom of four, Emee could only hope to give enough time for her husband to bring more “sweetness” to their life as a couple.

Though Emee only wants a simple gift for his husband, she could only dream because both of them do not have the financial liberty to spare.

That is why Emee took out a loan so she could buy a gift for his husband. She wants to do everything to show her love to her husband, she reasons.

Twenty-three-year-old Niña, on the other hand, just recently discovered that her boyfriend of three years is planning to give her a surprise Valentine’s Day bash of gifts.

But even if she already knows of his boyfriend’s plan, she is still looking forward to the arrival of her gifts all the way from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia where her special man works. 

She considers herself tough but admits that when it comes to her boyfriend’s surprises, she could not help but break into tears.

Even the mere thought of her boyfriend’s plans brings her into a state of nostalgia, she says: “It’s the thought that counts.”

Though engulfed with work, 22-year-old Jess aspires for a romantic Valentines Day with her partner. But overall, she simply prays for her man to love her unceasingly, as she promises to give him all the love that she could give.

She no longer asks for material gifts, for more acts of love or for more time to love. She simply seeks a love of truth and of lasting love, she says.

“Love is the feeling you share with the person whom God chose to be by your side for the rest of your life,” Jess said.

Emee, Niña and Jess might have different stories but they have one thing in common - the gift of love expressed through companionship. 

Times may change and the signs of love may fade away for some, but many still believe in the value of Valentine’s Day.

History of Valentine’s Day

The modern St. Valentine’s Day celebrations are said to come from both ancient Christian and Roman tradition.

A legend says that the holiday was believed to have originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalis/Lupercalia, fertility celebrations observed annually on February 15.

But with the rise of Christianity, many pagan rituals were renamed and were dedicated to the early Christian martyrs. Lupercalia was no exception.

In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius turned Lupercalia into a Christian feast day and set its observance a day earlier, on February 14.

He proclaimed February 14 to be the feast day of a Roman martyr whom we know today as Saint Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century.

Regardless of its origin and purpose, Valentine’s Day is a global symbol of the importance of loving and being loved. — (FREEMAN)