++ St. Valentine ++

kabuwanan na naman ng mga mag lovers...ng may minamahal sa buhay...bigayan ng cards, candies e.i. chocolates, bulaklak, regalo, dinner date at kung anu-ano pang ka ek-ekan para lang madama at maki join sa ibang nagce-celebrate nito...ang lahat ng ito para lang kay St. Valentine... alam mo ba yon? ako di ko pa alam...kaya tuklasin natin ang history nya...

from : The History Channel

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

pero alam nyo ba? hindi kami nag ce-celebrate nyan...kasi hindi naniniwala si Joi...dahil para sa kanya ang araw ng mga puso ay hindi lang sa Feb. 14 o sa buong buwan ng Pebrero kundi 365 days 24/7 dapat pinagdiriwang....isn't it sweet?