A collection centered on love, inspired by the way we as parents look up to our children when they fall in love. As a child, I once believed that falling in love was something forbidden.
And then there’s the rose: a flower wrapped in thorns. How did it become the ultimate symbol of love, passed from one person to another? Is it meant to wound as much as it delights—to make her cry, or to make her feel? I’ve always been drawn to that contradiction.
Maybe that’s why I connect so deeply to “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus—the idea that love doesn’t always have to be given; sometimes, it’s something you learn to give yourself.
Watch out—not all lovers are true lovers. Some come wrapped in sweet words but carry hollow intentions. They will promise forever, yet disappear when things get real. The will hold your hand in public but let go when you need them most.
A true lover doesn’t just say “I love you”—they prove it in consistency, in respect, in staying when it’s inconvenient.
Real love feels safe, not confusing. It builds you, not breaks you.
So be careful who you give your heart to someone. Not everyone who says they love you knows how to love you.
This piece is inspired by my uncle’s serenade, “Sing Ganda mo’y Hila Buwan,” which means “you shine like the light of the moon.” It’s a Sambal song that compares a woman to the moon—a common image in old love songs and poetry.
But it made me wonder: why the moon? Is it truly the most fitting symbol of beauty? The moon, after all, is ugly and imperfect. Isn’t the Earth, in many ways, more vibrant and beautiful?
Love is often called blind—lovers can become so wrapped up in their feelings that they fail to see clearly. It’s as if they are inside a droplet, only realizing the consequences once it finally bursts. So be mindful: true love is mutual, not one-sided. It is built on balance, where both people give and receive equally. A one-sided relationship isn’t love—it’s driven by desire or need.
Girls and boys, remember that marriage is sacred, a union meant to build a family with purpose. Be cautious of relationships that lead nowhere.
May Angel Raphael guide you toward a genuine and fulfilling love. Pray, and may your heart’s wishes come true in this time of faith and trust to God, the creator.
