MANILA residents are being urged by Mayor Honey Lacuna to invite their friends, neighbors and relatives even from other cities to visit the ‘MayniLove’ at the Mehan Garden, the city government’s Valentine’s Day offering for those who want to celebrate the month of love without having to spend too much and to let love prevail not only during the month of February but everyday.
Lacuna made the call as she formally opened to the public the “MayniLove” at the Mehan Garden in Ermita, Manila, a project undertaken by the city through the Bureau of Permits headed by Levi Facundo and the local economic development and investment promotions office.
“Ito ang ating paraan para kahit paano ay mabigyang muli ng pagkakataon na bumangon ang maliliit na negosyo mula sa hagupit na dala ng COVID-19,” said Lacuna, as she called upon Manilans to support ‘MayniLove’ which she said showcases micro, medium and small entrepreneurs.
For his part, Facundo thanked all those who made the event possible and cited ‘the inspiring and dynamic leadership of Mayor Honey’.
“Looking back, the effects of the pandemic still linger. That’s why we continue to support our local businesses especially MSMEs through the Manila Support Local activities like MayniLove! The goal is to continue to assist our MSMEs in a creative, innovative yet efficient way,” he said.
‘Wish 107.5 bus’ was also there on Feb 3 and 6 and will come back on February 10 to feature live performances and we also have “Puppy Love” for dog lovers and play pen for their fur babies plus more surprises from our partners,” Facundo said.
Dog owners are allowed to bring their pets provided they are wearing diaper and they may also leave their pets in the play pen for free, while they go around the venue, where puppies may also be seen and bought.
Surprise gifts also await sweet couples who will be randomly chosen once they are caught on camera.
Meanwhile, Lacuna said that while Valentine’s Day is traditionally celebrated on February 14, love must reign all throughout the year and one must first learn to love himself in order to be able to care for others.
“Ito ang panahong pinadadama natin ang pag-ibig sa isa’t- isa, ito man ay pag-ibig sa pagitan ng mag-asawa, magsyota, nagmamahalan sa pagitan ng anak at mga magulang, sa pagitan ng magkakaibigan at para sa sambayanan at sangkatauhan. Pero siyempre, dapat lagi nating isipin muna na unahin ang pagmamahal sa sarili upang tayo naman ay makagawa o magawa nating mahalin ang ibang tao,” the lady mayor said.
She added: “Ang pagpapahalaga natin sa ating kapwa ay madali nating magagawa katulad na lang kung paano natin pahalagahan ang ating mga sarili.”
The ‘MayniLove’ project which is under the ‘Manila Supports Local, gives every Manila resident the chance to celebrate Valentine’s month at the Mehan Garden while giving entrepreneurs the chance to promote their products.
