| Love is one of the strongest
emotions known to bind people of all ages, races and creeds. In the Philippines,
one of the most celebrated occasions is Valentine's Day during which love
is expressed in so many ways. Among the enduring ways to express one's
love is through love letters and greeting cards sent and received here
and abroad. Receiving one during
Valentine's Day triggers
shivers of excitement. The feeling of being loved and remembered on this
special day will be felt more intensely if the message of love of the sender
is known to the recipient even before the mail is opened. For Valentine's
Day 2002, a set of four (4) colorful, cheery and distinctively Filipino
stamps will be issued for this special day for lovers:
1. "I Love You in Nine Dialects"
- In the Philippines, love can be expressed in many languages. Springing
out of an envelope is this endearing message in nine (9) predominant languages
in the Philippines: Tagalog - "Mahal Kita" llocano - "Ay-ayaten ka", Pampango
- "Kaluguran daka", Bicolano - "Namurnuot ako sa imo", Cebuano - "Hinigugma
kita"', Hiligaynon - "Palangga ko ikaw"-, Maranaw - "Pekabebayaan ko sika"',
Waray - "Hinigugma ko ikaw"', and Pangasinense - "Inararo taca".
2. Love Beyond Religion -
Cute caricatures of a man clad intypical Muslim costume and a woman dressed
in a traditional baro't saya framed by a heart underscores that love can
blossom even among individuals of different religious beliefs.
3. Love among God's Creatures
- Cats and dogs are universally known to be natural enemies but these pets,
when raised together in love, exemplifies the universality of love among
God's creatures.
4, Love Flying in the Air
- Love knows no geographic boundaries. It flourishes even among people
across nations. This is artistically presented through a passenger air
balloon studded with hearts set over stripes of different colors. |
