Does Valentine Still Matter To You?

“Valentine’s Day is one of those special occasions where being in love doesn’t seem mushy at all. So we should not throw our backs to love when it’s already in front of us because someday, we will think why we let love fly when it was once next to us.”

— Victoria Benedicto

In Japan, February 14 is the day when women get their turn to show how much they love their men. It is the day when men receive gifts, mostly chocolates from men. I don’t believe in Valentine but I believe love is really powerful.

— Isama Yasuda

Tour coordinator, Nippon Travel Agency

Valentine’s Day is special but only when celebrated in the way it should be. The occasion has become highly commercialized these days. You don’t have to go out in a fancy dinner to feel love, all you have to do is look your special someone in the eyes and you’ll know everyday will be Valentine’s Day.

– Elmer Chavez

Manager, Sam’s Electronics

I can’t let Valentine’s Day pass by unnoticed. There should be something really sweet that should take place every February 14. A romantic dinner maybe. Both of us have to make it extra special.

— Anna Olaes

Administrative Assistant, McDonalds Restaurant

It’s a once in a year occasion when you can prove your love to your woman. At least a month before Valentine’s Day, we plan what we will do. This year, we’ll have a very romantic dinner and will dance the night away. We make it a point that we go out every year on Valentine’s Day.

— Andy Nepayal

Assistant Manager, Payless Supermarket

Valentine’s Day is one of the very few days in a year that makes me really happy. So I never fail to spend a very memorable moment with the one I love on this special occasion. After all, we pass this way only once.

— Diane Luistro

Merchandising Manager, Townhouse Department Store

I used to think that Valentine’s days are mushy and one of those Western-inspired holidays that rake in profits for Hallmark and related businesses. But look at the world now, it needs all the reminders there is to remind people that they should sow love not war, that they should share their blessings with those who are in need.
Today, we commemorate a lot of dark events –– massacres, plane crashes, wars. Adolf Hitler even nearly made it as man of the last century because of the way he gassed generations of people out of the face of this planet. Isn’t it time we go back to old traditions and take the time to remember enduring values like love and sharing? People are sick and tired of death, violence, uncertainty and callousness in this world. For God’s sake give somebody a Valentine’s card, take somebody, even your grandmother, to a Valentine’s dinner and hand over that red rose to another human being and utter those words –– I love you –– to banish the evils of our time even for a single day.
– Cookie B. Micaller
Editor, Saipan Tribune