As the month of February rolls in each year, the air is thick with romance, and hearts are brimming with love as sweethearts anticipate the most romantic season of all. Filipinos, like people from many countries around the world, celebrate Valentine’s Day by expressing their love and appreciation for their loved ones, be it a spouse, fiancee, children, parents, best friends, among others.
‘Saint Valentinus’
Valentine’s Day originated as a liturgical celebration of one (or probably more) early Christian saints named Valentinus. Several hagiographical accounts chronicling the story behind the real St. Valentine have surfaced over the centuries, but one of the most popular is set on the court of Emperor Claudius II. According to this particular story, the emperor decided to outlaw marriage for young men because single men are decidedly better soldiers than those who have wives and children. Valentinus, an Italian priest from Rome, is said to have defied the emperor and continued to secretly perform marriage ceremonies to young lovers, angering Emperor Claudius II and landing the priest in prison.
Another story claims that while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter who would often come to visit him. On the day of his execution, he left her a note which he signed, Your Valentine, an expression which is still commonly used today.
Through several different chronicles about the saint called Valentine, there remains one common thread: the Italian saint named Valentine or Valentinus (his Roman name), is a heroic figure that will forever remain as a romantic legend.
Filipinos and Romance
Filipinos are known as an inherently romantic people. Since old times, Filipino men have been wooing their women with traditional courtship practices such as harana (serenade), gifts, and even acts of service to the lady and her family. In current times, harana is no longer widely practised except in rural areas, but that doesn’t mean the romance has faded. Flowers, balloons, stuffed toys, cakes, chocolates, and all kinds of gifts are being showered by lovers to each other come Valentine’s Day.
In Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, Primavera Residences will be making Valentine’s Day even more special by treating employees, clients, and visitors to free roses that they can, in turn, give to their loved ones. Primavera Residences, the flagship project of Italpinas Euroasian Design and Eco-development Corporation, is a product of an Italian-Filipino joint venture; a perfect intermingling of Italian and Filipino culture and values. Its CEO and Executive Chairman is a renowned Italian architect with the second name “Valentino” who was born on Valentine’s Day!
To spread love, romance, and joy this Valentine’s Day, guests may claim their free roses at the Primavera Sales Office located at 2/F Primavera Residences Tower 1 on February 14, 2015 from 9am to 6pm, and will automatically be qualified to join the #PrimaveraValentineRoses promo.
Everyone who receives their free roses are enjoined to (1) give it to their loved ones, (2) snap a photo of the exact moment the rose was given, and (3) email the picture to janice@italpinas.com. The best photo will be selected and will win an overnight stay at Primavera Residences.
Sharing love and expressing how much your loved ones mean to you is something that should happen everyday, and not just on Valentine’s Day. But you can make Valentine’s Day even more special by simple gifts and flowers that are sure to brighten their day. The romantic folks at Primavera will be happy to help you spread the love!
For more information about Primavera Residences, visit primaveraresidences.com.
