'Love specials' mark heart's day
Iloilo City -- It was to be a red-letter (and shirts) day, literally, for the Ilonggo community with this year';s Valentines particularly celebrated on a high note. With restaurant-bars throughout the city and outskirts of the city coming up with Valentines treat, "love specials" were offered in the menu as buffets after buffets formed part of the day';s choices.
Guest performers from the 'big city'; were also in town that included a group of gay impersonators - "Tina Turner" was here, "Mariah Carey" too and the 'compilation'; of talents in American idols Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez in the person of Rose Spears Lopez. There was also the 'version'; of R & B artist, Shakira in the talented Shakira Kirara. And of course, the singing feminine wash, Virginia PH Care.
One fave nightspot, Aris owned by international Ilonggo balladeer Aris Demavivas also had great Ilonggo talent, Cynthia Patag alongside bands and boy bands that literally filled the city';s bars.
"Filled" too and most busy were major and minor drive-in motels with one veteran motel worker saying, business was most brisk this year.
"Actually, two days na kag asta pa ni sa weekend nga amo ni ang dalagan sang gua-sulod diri sa amon. Padugang kami gani tawo para sa housekeeping namon (already and this will continue until weekend that such is the situation of the in and outs here. We even had to add more staff to do housekeeping work)," he said with a wide grin while adding that majority of their clients were students, some even coming in uniform, yet there are also the "regulars."
"Office hours kahapon sige-sige sudlanay diri, sila na 'ya mga naga-extra-extra ah. Kay te pagkagab-i, si misis ukon si mister na (Office hours yesterday, the clients were on a steady flow. Those were the ones doing 'extra'; activities because at night, it will have to the "mrs." or the "mr.")," he added of his 'analysis'; on the scenario as observed.
As such, taxi cabs had a hectic day in keeping up with the demands. From the usual waiting areas in city';s malls, taxi drivers took exception of yesterday and littered in the drive-in motels waiting for customers that were breezing in and out as "Wanted Taxi" sign remained on and on.
Radio stations also heard just about all kinds of on-air love greetings yet it was to be 'dating game'; of one radio network that had the most in audience participation.
Valentines saw again five broadcast journalists from Bombo Radyo Iloilo got cozy with the lucky and persistent fans. Station Manager Don Dolido was the 'most-sought-after'; followed by Henry Lumawag, then Camille Sueta, Ronald Cabacas and Capitol beat reporter and Zona Libre anchor, Roger Gencianeo.
The winning fans got a free date and a lot freebies in gratitude for their support of the network';s programs.
Yet it was to be the stories of lost and found loves that highlighted this year';s Valentines.
A number of Ilonggo families are now much happier with the reunions made possible through on-air search for lost family members and missing 'loves.';
One was a former member of the defunct Philippine Constabulary who for 36 years did not know of a love-child from a former girlfriend. 36 years later, Rudy Daraper of Barangay San Roque, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras discovered he is not only a father but a grandfather in a reunion arranged by Bombo Radyo.
The reunion has now raised hopes of Merly Ballaner-Jurilla of Santo Domingo, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo who was separated from her sister Dolly some 45 years ago.
And Tuesday being Valentines and the promise it brought being a "love day," street crimes were significantly low.
"Pati mga snatchers kag pickpocketers ta saku sa date ah (Even our snatchers and pickpockets are busy with their dates)," quipped one city cop in jest. "Tani Valentines lang adlaw adlaw (I wish it was Valentines everyday)."