Valentine’s a Constitutional Right

Annually, on February 14th people all over the world celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Traditionally, it is a religious event that western Christianity associates with St. Valentine, patron

saint of love. However, in more recent times, Valentine’s Day has acquired a more secular and

commercialized persona. It is no longer about the saint, but it has become about love and how we

express our love to others; either through material things, heartfelt words, or gestures. In other

words, it has become about self expression, and as an advocate for upholding our constitutional

right to freedom of self expression, I move that we not only should, but we must celebrate

Valentine’s Day.

In the 1987 Constitution of the Philippine Republic, Article XVI, Section 10, it is clearly

itemised that it is state policy that we be guaranteed the right to express ourselves freely. As self

expression is now the heart and soul of the ‘modern’ Valentine’s Day, then it is only fitting that

we uphold our right stated in the constitution and celebrate it proudly. For if we do not, then it

would be like desecrating the foundations of our Republic’s Democracy, something many have

died to build, and many more have perished trying to protect. We would be pissing on the hard

work of our ancestors, our great, divine national heroes, Rizal, Bonifacio, and the like. Their

sacrifice would essentially have meant nothing if we do not exercise our right to self expression,

if we do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. Their deaths would have been for nothing.

In summary, February 14th has emerged in the modern era as beacon of self expression,

and as self expression is a right upheld by the constitution, then celebrating Valentine’s is

exercising our constitutional right. Therefore, from the bottom of my heart, and remembering

those whom have dedicated their existences to uphold our rights, I reassure my stance,

Valentine’s Day not only should, but it must be celebrated.

Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

In my journey through life, I’ve walked a somewhat vainglorious path. Along which, I have

made a countless number of enemies. However, I’m not really sure why they like to antagonize

me. Perhaps, I threaten them? They find me offensive? Or do they simply choose to dislike me,

without reason? Thinking about this particular subject reminds me of a specific enemy I’ve

made. However, to kill that person with kindness, something he/she clearly does not deserve; I’ll

opt to not reveal their identity. Well to get to the point, I got tangled up in a little quarrel rooted

from one friend’s jealousy, which soon turned into a war of deceit, and backstabbing. My

confidant soon turned into my rival, and we warred until we grew tired. Although, I encountered

that verse and soon the way I treated my enemies would change. I became more benevolent and

took the high road. Hard as it may be for me, I would sometimes show that person little acts of

kindness, hoping to “heap burning coals onto his/her head”. I’d continue this behaviour of

dealing with my enemies, as their number grew and keeps growing with every breath that my

body makes. I’d keep doing and will keep on doing good to them, I will keep killing with

kindness, as the verse suggests. However, a warning to my enemies: just because I have become

benevolent, does not mean you can cross me, just try.