something to smile about valentines
growing up in a family that doesn’t celebrate Christmas or birthdays, it was natural for me to love valentines day and all the celebration it brings. I was a valentine baby after all (go figure). I find joy in looking at shopping windows and wondering how department stores literally paint the town red. Since my family was underprivileged, I found contentment in dreaming that someday, I will get to experience Valentines Day with that special someone and that day will be one of the best days of my life.
After 25 years of my existence in this world, I haven’t experienced my Valentine dream. But my best valentine memory would be attending UP Fair and feeling happy because I found a school that embraced me even if I’m different from the rest of the world. I find comfort in seeing the oblation and remembering how the school encouraged me to show what I can do to change the world and be one of the many selfless, sacrificial people who gave up their lives for the sake of our nation. This is definitely way better than finding romantic love that conforms to conditions like physical attraction, family approval and (believe it or not), same religion.
Five days to go and I still don’t have plans for Saturday. But I guess that’s better than senseless fights and recurring insecurities sometimes.
Happy Valentines everyone.
—cubi, will try to update the “about the writer” page soon J
