Thursday, February 11, 2010
NOW that I have caught all your attention, I would like to greet all of our dear readers a very warm, loving and affectionate Happy Valentine*s Day and a very prosperous, harmonious and lucky Chinese New Year!
It is remarkable to celebrate two huge and immense occasions in one day. And we are very lucky this year because we are not only celebrating Hearts Day on February 14 but also the Chinese Lunar Year of the Tiger!
I don’t remember having these two great occasions celebrated in one day until this year. I just hope that there will be overflowing love from everyone since we are starting another great year. And as the song goes, “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love!”
How do we say I Love You (Wo Ai Nee in Mandarin) on this special day? I believe that love should come from the heart. Make sure we mean it when we say these three simple but very meaningful words. We should show our loving and caring side to the people we love and adore. Be it to your boyfriend, girlfriend, grandparents, parents, brothers or sisters, teachers, relatives or even, friends.
On this special and auspicious day, here are some funny, clever ways that can brighten and cheer up your special someone. And even make him/her laugh out loud (LOL)!
a. Start the day with a cheerful burgundy, crimson, scarlet, cherry or red note that says “I Love You!” posted on an area where it can be seen right away, like the cabinet door, refrigerator or mirror. Better yet, include that sweet note in your “breakfast in bed” scheme with a red rose or a bunch of roses. Use chopsticks for that “Chinese” feel! Cover the tray with a velvety red cloth for added excitement and thrill. Sprinkle red rose petals on the floor leading to the breakfast table that has an “Asian” theme.
b. Send her a bouquet of flowers she likes very much. It doesn’t have to be red roses. It can be red mums, red gerberas, red orchids, or any other red flowers. Artificial flowers will last...forever! Give him something or saying something special in return. Like a kiss or a hug. Or maybe something unforgettable (like saying “Wo Ai Nee”)
c. Treat him/her to a special meal (Chinese meal will be great! Especially if it’s “Eat All You Can!” so you’d have your money’s worth!) where both of you can spend “quality” time. It can be in his/her favourite restaurant, diner, turo-turo or even the beach or mountain where there is “unlimited rice and drinks”, too. Have some wine, coffee or iced Chinese tea.
d. Give a special item that he/she adores. A red stuffed toy, a red candy bar, a layer of red-colored cake, a heart-shaped cookie, a piece of gold or gold-like jewelry, or an “Ang Pao, a red envelope with a lot of money inside.” Anything as long as it is meaningful and red! See? So valentine and yet so “Chinese”!
e. Go on a short day trip wearing red (Chiongsam for the women?) and enjoy the scenery bringing with you a “surprise”. Remember, Hearts Day and Chinese New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday this year! So better have a day off or else...
f. Go to a mall and watch the “Dragon Dance” and be enthralled & enchanted by the skills and dexterity of the dragon dancers while holding hands. Sometime they also visit the neighborhood. So if you happen to be in the vicinity, go watch it together. And if you feel generous, these dancers accept “Ang pao”.
g. Go shopping for good luck charms (this is the year of the metal tiger), watch a Chinese movie or better yet, buy or rent a Chinese-themed DVD (Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger, perhaps?) and watch it together in your own abode decorated with red lamps munching on Chinese delicacies like “kiamoy, water melon or squash seeds, champoy, etc.” Or listen to authentic “Chinese” love songs for that oriental love theme & mood.
h. Hold her hands. Hug her. Kiss her. And make sure she wears “red” lipstick so you’ll end up having lipstick marks all over! Wouldn’t that be great? What a show off!
i. If you are more on family ties, why not prepare the authentic Fresh Chinese Lumpia? This is good for your health, remember. Take the pleasure of being with your love one and his/her family on this exceptional day. Get to know your partner’s family.
j. End the day with a big bang! Have some colourful and noisy fireworks (to drive out “evil” spirits as they say)! And if you’re afraid or scared of getting hurt because of the explosions, well, think of something that can be done safely. Oh, come on, think of something!!!
k. But most of all have fun. It is the start of a new year and what a better way to say I love you in a very special but funny and out-of-this-world way!
On a serious note, giving love on this special day doesn’t have to be expensive. One need not spend so much on anything. There are so many affordable items that can be bought in the malls or stores. Better yet, give your love one something edible. Something he/she will enjoy alone or together. Like a layer of heart-shaped cake, heart-shaped cookie, or rose or heart-shaped chocolate candy.
This Valentine/New Year, Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop offers a “good for 2” Chocolate Moist cake or Mini Black Forest Cake at P85.00. Heart-shaped cookies with Valentine messages start at P15.00 and up depending on the sizes. Dark, luscious and mouth-watering Chocolate candies on a stick starts at P12.00. Other heart shaped or valentine-themed cakes can range from P150.00 and up. On the spot message can also be written on the cake. One can also have their cake customized to their liking depending on their budget (pre-order only). A nice idea is to give her a very personalized Edible Image (Photo Cake) with your “love” photo or a dozen of chocolate cupcakes decorated with roses!
Tikoy (sweet sticky rice cake), another delicious Chinese delicacy is also being sold at very affordable prices. Because Tikoy is sweet and sticky, it is said to bring good luck and good family ties, especially when given to you. If it can do wonder for the family, then why not your special one? But I am sure buying one for oneself serves the same purpose. And since it is Valentine & Chinese New Year, why not give both instead?
Tikoy can be eaten as it is, sliced pieces fried in oil, coated with scrambled eggs or wrapped in lumpia wrapper. To make your Tikoy more special, it can be prepared in this manner: put a slice of Tikoy with a slice of langka (jackfruit), a dab of ube jam, chopped nuts or pieces of corn kernel before wrapping. Then fry as usual. With a crunchy wrapper & a soft & chewy filling inside, it is just delightful! What a delectable treat! Savor it with a cup of hot tea, plain or flavored. Coffee also goes well with Tikoy, if you prefer it that way.
Take time to relax and enjoy it with friends, family and loved-ones and have fun. Remember, these two special occasions rarely happens together and on a Sunday at that! So, make it a point to take pleasure in appreciating what life has to offer! Start the New Year right! Give love and be loved all year round!
Kung Hei Fat Chuy! (in Mandarin). Kiong Hee Huat Chai! (in Fookien)
(Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com , website: www.potsnpans1976.multiply.com)
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/funny-ways-say-i-love-you-chinese-new-year
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