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MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila mayors celebrated Valentine’s Day in different ways, some solemnizing marriages, attending various ceremonies, or sharing “hugot” lines — lines that suggest something they relate to personally.
“Kapag nagmahal ka, mahal lang. Huwag mahal na mahal. Para kapag nasaktan ka, masakit lang, hindi masakit na masakit,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said during a flag raising ceremony.
[If you love, just love. Not too much. So if you get hurt, you do not get hurt too much.]
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto posted pictures of the weddings he officiated with the simple tagline: “Happy Valentine’s Day. Congratulations sa mga bagong kasal! [Congratulations to the newlyweds].”
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte held a similar public ceremony — but for couples belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
“Isang araw na makulay at punong-puno ng pagmamahal at ligaya dahil sa ikatlong pagkakataon, naghandog ang lokal na pamahalaan sa pangunguna ni Mayor Joy ng isang commitment ceremony para sa mga kapatid nating kabilang sa [LGBTQ+] community,” she said.
[A colorful day full of love and happiness because for the third time, the local government, led by Mayor Joy, offered a commitment ceremony for our siblings in the LGBTQ+ community.]
Sa QC, love is equal; equality wins; may respeto sa bawat isa; sa QC, we respect diversity. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
Isang araw na makulay at punong-puno ng pagmamahal at ligaya dahil sa ikatlong pagkakataon, naghandog ang lokal na pamahalaan… pic.twitter.com/vwtuHTPOsY
— Mayor Joy Belmonte (@QCMayorJoy) February 14, 2023
In Marikina City, Mayor Marcy Teodoro held the “Seniors Moment: A Valentine’s Day Event,” which had singing, dancing, and other presentations for the elderly citizens of the city.