When love filled the city

In the City of Smiles , romance was in the air from Feb. 12 to 14, not only for the Valentine's Day but also during the Bacolaodiat Festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which turned out to be a huge success.

Restaurants, karaoke bars, Manokan Country and even in “turo-turo,” people of all ages enjoyed the festive mood as well as the spirit of the love month.

Flowers shop and stalls at the plaza and at the Capitol Lagoon were also busy with groups and families flocking to the areas. Except for the drizzle that interrupted the fun, the month of love was marked by happy faces of Bacoleños and Negrenses.

Oh! What a day Valentine was for me, too. I had lunch with Luz Hilario at the jampacked Louie Resto. In one of the long tables were Judy Roxas and her Golden Girls classmates from Assumption. In another were the Franco sisters and their husbands, and Chat Berba who just arrived from L.A.

Merienda was with Mafel Lachica and Baby Ramos and, in the evening, I, Ninfa and Perla Leonardia went to L'Fisher. We arrived a little late due to traffic, but the soothing music welcomed us to the romantic ambiance of the hotel.

We joined the table of Gene Mapa, Millet de Leon and Delia Ciocon Granada. Almost all the ladies were well dressed and the gentlemen were elegant.

In one long table were officers of the Lions club, Cecilia Ferrer and Alan Ang with doctors, discussing their forthcoming medical mission.

Sumptuous dinner served buffet style (eat as much as you can) and under the watchful eyes of L'Fisher staff, replacement of food came easily. We had to sample new menus introduced by the chef.

We left early as we had work to do yet. Again, passing all other restos, lagoon and plaza, we felt the spirit of love in the air.

Remember: At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.*