It’s normal during this time of year to look for love anywhere we think we can find it. Whether it’s the usual places where tired hearts thread or the strangest places where the quirkiest minds convene. In my case, it’s both.

I went to the last couple of nights of the UPLB Feb Fair and I looked for love. Like always, I found it all around me.

I looked upon lovers and the glimmer in their eyes as they celebrated Valentine’s Day in each other’s arms. The most common way to find love.

I looked upon old friends. I realized that I still have a lot of those. I met new friends too. Someday I hope to look upon them with as much glee as I have upon seeing my old ones. I may have met future lovers as well, but it’s too early to tell. How exciting.

I looked upon the old places I used to frequent. Campus buildings, restaurants, bars, apartments, parking lots, roads, patches of grass, and dark corners. All reminded me of how I loved staying in the university and how I love coming back to visit.

I looked upon two fraternities at war with each other. For those of us outside the Greek system, we may say that we only see rage and violence in fraternity rumbles, but in a twisted way, I know there is love in that mix. Brotherhood. Sisterhood. Hey, it’s still love.

I looked upon the fair grounds, an area called “Freedom Park”. I love the name, what it stands for, and what it means to different people.

I looked upon the stage with people performing, parading around in gowns, and shouting REVOLUTION! I marveled at the fact that the UPLB Feb Fair is not just an annual gathering of students, alumni, amateur and professional bands, stupid campus cops, and food vendors. The heart and soul of the Feb Fair is the spirit of activism. Most of the younger crowd may have forgotten about the fair’s roots, but I still saw the fire on that stage with a huge banner that says “SERVE THE PEOPLE”. I pray that the love for country isn’t lost in today’s “Iskolars”.

I looked upon college girls wearing quite revealing clothing. I’m only human. I can’t deny my love for the flesh.

I looked upon the wet grass I was standing on and the stars peeking through the rain clouds, a cup of beer in hand. It was the greatest feeling in the world. Being in love with that place. Being home.

Whenever I’m driving southbound on the South Luzon Expressway, I look upon the majestic Mt. Makiling. I look upon her and I know that at the foot of that magnificent mountain lies love. All kinds of it. Always ready to be found whenever you feel like looking.