DAY OF HEARTS

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. When we're still in our high school years, the date was marked by sending poems, love letters and simple gifts such as flowers, chocolates, stuff toys and the like. There was also a social gathering or a prom.

Personally, February 14, 2002 was my first Valentine's day with my long time friend, bestfriend, boyfriend, lover, my better half Buen. We celebrated it with full of surprises from him - the bunch of white roses delivered to the office, white toblerone chocolates, greeting cards, and the most "kilig" surprise was when he proposed marriage to me last Feb. 14, 2006 at Majestic Restaurant. Last year was our first valentine as a husband and wife. We had dinner, watched movie together. He bought a shapes blouse for me and the flowers, chocolates thing were still there...

This year, we'll be celebrating the day of hearts apart from each other. I don't have yet any plans of what to do. Perhaps, we could just have to talk over the phone or to have a chat or whatever... hmmm... come what may....