Thoughts on Valentine's Day

This is Valentine's Day. I want to greet my readers, especially those who gave me feedback. I thank those who agreed with me as well as those who disagreed. I never expected nor did I want you to agree with me all the time.

I also want to thank you who appreciated me, my style of writing, and my thoughts. In the same manner I thank those who hated some thoughts I dished out. I welcome them all as long as they don't take it down to personalities.

Happy Valentine to you all.

* * *

Love is the world's most beautiful four-letter word. The most beautiful poems written and the most beautiful songs ever composed are about love. People never tire of talking and thinking about love. For as long as there is life, there is love. And as long as there is love, there is life.

When people tell me, “You look young and strong,” I just thanked them. If only it were proper I would have answered, “Because I am in love.”

For if I were to confess, I am a great lover. My heart is full of love. And it is that love that keeps me going, it is that love that keeps me active, it is that love that keeps me strong. And young.

* * *

I love people because that is one way to be reciprocated with love. What do Spaniards say? “Amor con amor se paga.”

I love the light because it shows me the way. And I also love darkness for it shows me the stars.

I love the rich for they are so few and emotionally miserable. And I also love the poor for they are many but emotionally contented.

I love the sun for it gives me the strength. And I love the rain for it cleanses my body.

Love is the best arrow to pierce a hardened heart. Yet it is love that can provide the best shield against the arrows of hate and anger.

I love success for it gives me inspiration. Yet I also love failure for it teaches me lessons.

I love the people who are hard to get along with for they live a miserable life and look for sympathy. And I love those who are kind, amiable, and generous because they also want to reach out.

“All thoughts, all passions, all delights,/ Whatever stirs this mortal frame,/ All are but ministers of Love,/ And feed his sacred flame.” That's Coleridge on “Love.”

* * *

So much for love. We go down to work. Yesterday I wrote about the different feedback I got. I am proud to have plenty of feedback.

Yesterday I got some reactions on what I wrote yesterday. One from La Carlota wrote me he appreciated architect Ramiro Esteban for his interest in La Carlota. He said Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer should listen to him.

Then I got an e-mail from Raming himself also yesterday. Raming wrote I was assuming he was giving advise to Ferrer “as if to tutor.” He added, “That would be too presumptuous of me. Let Cong. Ferrer judge if my SUGGESTIONS (capital letters are his) are valid.”

So, Raming Esteban is suggesting, not advising. I find my friend Raming quite amusing. He is not old yet. He is only 77, according to him. Why insist on suggesting to Ferrer when he ignores you?

Ferrer is my friend, especially his father Piding. I am just angered by his ignoring Raming. Prove to him you are a better man than he by sending your money here to donate to the schools or provide scholarship for the poor like what Rudy Niere is doing. I am only suggesting.

* * *

I also got a letter from a reader to thank me for writing his thoughts in an earlier letter. He asked that the opinions he sends me are just contributions and no attribution. He confessed my being the object of his silent admiration. Thanks. I always respect confidentiality. I was sued once for refusing to reveal my source.

To my readers who want to send their reaction, give me your name and just tell me if the identity is to be kept secret. It will always be confidential.

One reason why I always quote contributed opinions is I want to show it is not my opinion. It's unfair to own somebody's opinion.

There's one television man who bombards his guests with supposedly phoned in questions but he does not give the number nor the caller. To us media men, we know these are his questions, but he is just afraid to own them.

* * *

I also want to acknowledge the letter and a copy of the speech of Ms Anna Balcells who wrote me, she and Gawad Kalinga Founder Tony Meloto missed me at the turnover ceremony of the GK Alberto Balcells Legacy Village in Talisay on Feb. 4.

I missed that too because the Balcells family knows I was one of those very close to their father. I recall when Alberto died only very few were asked to speak at his necrological services. I was one of them. I look forward to writing about Mr. Alberto Balcells, my boss at Sugarland Magazine.

The speech of Anna is very beautiful.*

back to top