"Feb-Ibig" 2024

This year, students' lives were once again engulfed in a flurry of love, romance, and occasionally mayhem on Valentine's Day. I could not have helped but observe the different responses and experiences that my peers on this particular day had. I am a student after all. The day itself was nothing short of extraordinary, with a wide range of feelings expressed by everyone from deluded romantics to ardent opponents of Valentine's Day campaigners.

For some, Valentine's Day represented the conclusion of thoughtfully thought-out love actions. Heart-shaped balloons, roses, and a delightful sense of anticipation filled the campus. Intimate moments were shared, presents were exchanged, and love was celebrated in large and simple ways. It was touching to see the sincere love that friends and classmates had for one another, from handmade love messages to elaborate surprise dates.

However amid the expressed love and affection, there were also people who belonged to the opposite end of the range. Some single students experienced emotions of isolation or rejection on Valentine's Day. Their social media feeds were overflowing with pictures of bursting shows of affection, candlelit meals, and couples, which served as a sharp reminder of their own single status. Nevertheless, a lot of people found comfort in their friends' companionship, in planning anti-Valentine's Day events, or in just practicing self-love and self-care.

Interestingly, students this year also showed an apparent shift in viewpoint. Many chose to celebrate love in its broader sense rather than concentrating only on romantic relationships. Acts of goodwill were numerous, family ties were reaffirmed, and friendships were cherished. Valentine's Day evolved from being a celebration of handwritten cards shared among classmates to planning selfless activities in the neighborhood.

Valentine's Day 2024 brought with it highs and lows for me as a student, and it made me think about the meaning of this day in our life. Valentine's Day is an opportunity to appreciate the connections that make our life meaningful, whether they are romantic or platonic, despite the commercialization and social pressures around it. It's a time to show appreciation, share goodwill, and acknowledge the wonder of all types of human connection.

So, keep in mind that love knows no boundaries, whether you spent Valentine's Day with your significant other, with friends, or just spending time with yourself. Together students, let's continue to celebrate the love of Valentine's Day by strengthening the relationships that make life happier and more meaningful—not just on February 14th, but every single day.