Celebrating V-Day

Valentine's day has become extra special for me because of the people around me. These people give me the inspiration to celebrate love beyond the limits of romantic love.

First of all, I will never forget exchanging heart-shaped-art-paper cards with my friends back in school. I will not forget those glitter-designed red art paper cut-outs with love messages that I gave to and received from my dear teachers and classmates.

I also treasure a time in junior high when mom and dad gave me an everlasting flower necklace from Antipolo. I was so fascinated to see flowers that didn't seem to wilt. Funny thing is that I learned later on that the flowers are the one people put on religious images.

When I was 17, a dear friend gave me a red rose. He was quite shy giving flower for the first time to his first girlfriend... and I was thrilled, too, receiving flower for the first time from my first boyfriend. It was a "kilig" moment. We were at McDonald's across our school. His parents arrived so he went outside to meet them. Then he returned with a rose, which he asked for his parents to buy, so he could give it to me.

Then when I was 22, I gave out chocolates to my friends in the office, just so I could give my crush a chocolate without him noticing that his was special -- it came with my favorite love quote from the Bible.

Then last year, Britny -- a niece by a cousin -- gave me and my parents pocket-sized heart-shaped balloons. Such a sweet girl, and she was only 9 then. I was so touched by her gesture. Compared with me, she made an effort to express her love for us on V-day and she truly made the occasion special.

Britny also did the same last Sunday afternoon. She gave me a heart-shaped pocket-sized Valentine pillow with a note "Tita Jing, I love you, from Britny." Her mom told me that Britny had been waiting for me to come home, so she could give the gift to me personally. But it took her a few days before she could give it to me because I usually get home late. Britny is really such a lovable kid and I am more inspired to celebrate this occasion.

And last night, another niece, Gerell, gave me chocolate doughnuts and ornament rose with a surprise gift inside--a really cute red lingerie! Gerell, 18 years old, showed the importance of reminding someone, even in a simple way, that they are loved.

I'm not expecting anything from anyone, but gifts keep on coming to me... and I am so touched for having received these gestures of love from these people, especially on Valentine's Day.