Happy Valentine’s Day To All!

By: Veronica Leighton

 

Happy St. Valentine’s Day to all our readers, friends, advertisers and associates on this love month of February. The special day of February 14th celebrates all forms of love—romantic, familial, and platonic—not just romance.

Although being termed as a “commercialized celebration,” research suggests that celebrating Valentine’s Day can have positive effects on relationships. Couples often use the occasion as a catalyst for communication, reflection, and intimacy, strengthening their bonds and creating lasting memories together in these modern times.

Its origins stem from ancient Roman festivals and Christian traditions honoring St. Valentine. Expressing love and gratitude strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of connection. The popular “My Funny Valentine” song has also been a favorite ditty in this modern era.

Funny (not My Funny Valentine song) that I ran across a wonderful article that I wrote in Veronica’s Vibes column four years ago about the “most loving couples in our community with lasting relationships, the Ardientes, Edith and Nestor; the Abieras, Pastor Nancy and Dr Jonathan; the Ladlads, Nelia and Dr. Ed; and the Dizons, Melody and Dino. I thought of requoting their special recipes for their love/long-lasting relationships in “Veronica’s Vibes” column this month as they are all beautiful stories of love and relationships. You can ask to send you a digital copy, if interested,

Happy to welcome a new VT columnist who recently joined our VT team. Her name is Nirmla Johnson who is authoring “Careless Whispers” column. Nirmla is a dedicated entrepreneur and a writer who leverages her platform to advocate for the underrepresented communities while promoting social responsibility through her philanthropic work and pursuit of truth in her writing. Enjoy reading her maiden contribution to the Via Times Publication.

Enjoy likewise the special Valentine’s love messages and articles of your favorite VT columnists in this issue/ We proudly present and we want you to enjoy our beautiful February cover features, father Mark Vives and his pretty daughter Mykee Vives, in the 20th anniversary celebration of the New Breed Training Center, a martial arts outfit which Mike owns.

ERRATUM and we apologize to Ms. Nelia Ladlad…

“Your January 2025 issue on page 11 was saying that the charter president of thr Chicago Mabuhay Centennial Lions Club is Mr. Reynel Espiritu. Please correct as he was not the one. We left the organization because the current leaders just did not even acknowledge our previous position and contributions. This organization was not formed without the hard work of the late Carlota Domantay and my dedication as the charter president of the club. Reynel is good, but he should also acknowledge that I was the charter president who worked hard at one point to create the said organization.” Nelia Ladlad.

 

VT’s “most loving couples” in VT Valentine’s issue 2021.

Happy Birthday to Maria Girlie Pascual, VT’s talented columnist for many years. Girlie and Veronica enjoying a birthday luncheon at the Fogo de Chao Rosemont.

VT’s “most loving couples” in VT Valentine’s issue 2021.