A Single's Valentine

CEBU, Philippines - I was pleasantly surprised - and bemused - when I did a little survey on what single people do for Valentine's. Or whether the day is special to them. Many of those I asked begged not be included in this article. Their answers ranged from they were shy, or they didn't want to be "caught" on what it is they actually do on Valentine's. One respondent even told me to "interview yourself!" knowing that I am not in a relationship presently.

So what is it about February 14 that brings out such emotional responses from people? I honestly do not see why the big deal about this day. During the times when I had a boyfriend on this day, we would spend it with the usual dinner and movies. On Valentine's when I don't have a boyfriend, it's mostly spent with family, laughing and bonding over a love-filled day. I believe it's all about one's attitude towards this day - you can be with your friends, your lover, or your family as long as you're happy and content.       

Several cool, brave souls agree with me. Below, they share what it means to be single, on top of one's career, and happy on this most celebrated day of hearts. 

"Every day is Valentine's Day. Spending time with loved ones does not have to be on just one special day in a year, but to make people feel loved every day.  I hope to spend February 14 with family and friends.  Although work dictates what I do on that day, I intend to have dinner with my parents and close friends on that week. I am not the master of my schedule. As a fellow-in-training at one of Cebu's tertiary hospitals, it is a possibility that I may need to be within hospital premises on that day. But physicians have been trained to adapt to these situations.  We occasionally have to sleep late or, worse, reschedule Valentine's Day on another day.  Every week for me has a Valentine's Day. It can be any day of the week as long as I am off hospital duty. I spend one special night every week with my parents. We have dinner then watch a movie. We do this every week unless something really important comes up. We spend time catching up to what we missed since our last night out. This happens because I spend most of my time in the city and in the Hospital. After a few laughs and a midnight snack, we part ways again. Flowers on Valentine's day would not hurt either. Girls love them. No matter what they say, they do love them". 

- Dr. Raymund Reel Bontol

(Raymund, a doctor, does subspecialty training at one of Cebu's hospitals. He goes on duty three times a week, spending around 36 hours in the hospital. Off work, he goes to the gym to exercise or train, since he is also a triathlete. Raymund has joined a few races, and lives a relatively healthy lifestyle.)

"For Valentine's, I usually go out of town especially when it falls on a weekend. It's memorable because my birthday falls just days before so I often find myself delighted with not just Valentine presents but also belated birthday gifts & greetings. It's so heartwarming how loved ones make an effort to make me feel like a star."

- Anne Manubag

(Anne is a fitness director, educator, and financial adviser.)

"I'm usually busy at work on this day. For example, we at Casa Escano believe love comes through the stomach, so this Valentine's Day we prepared a dinner menu which would absolutely bring life to romance. We have a romantic plated dinner for Php888 net per person. The main course is the Casa Escano all time favorite Jimmy Rib-eye, inclusive of soup, salad and dessert with a glass of red wine. We will also have a singer to sing love songs to make the ambiance more romantic."

- Aneth Galoy

(Aneth is the General Manager of Casa Escano, a cozy bed-and-breakfast place located in Juana Osmena Street.) (FREEMAN)