Cupid's Prey

 

                                                 (photo: youtube.com) 

Kahapon da nagkapuliki na pwede man sab kuman…

As of January 2025, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) warned of a potential rise in "love scams" as Valentine's Day approaches. These scams, according to dzrh.com.ph, often involve perpetrators deceiving individuals into romantic relationships to extract money or personal information.

But why do people so easily fall victim to these scams? Is it the relentless societal pressure to celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic partner? Could it be the overwhelming influence of commercialism, with businesses aggressively marketing flowers, cakes, and extravagant dining experiences to drive consumer spending? Or perhaps, is it simply that many individuals invest too much emotion in occasions like this, making them more susceptible to deception?

A 2024 survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that 58% of Filipinos described their love life as "very happy," indicating a deep emotional engagement with romantic relationships during this period (GMA News Online, 2024).

This emotional investment is further reflected in consumer behavior; for instance, a 2025 report highlighted that Filipinos are increasingly opting for personalized and experiential gifts over traditional items, suggesting a desire to create meaningful connections through their Valentine's Day celebrations (P&A Grant Thornton, 2025).

However, this heightened focus on the holiday can sometimes lead to financial strain, as individuals may feel pressured to spend beyond their means to express affection, underscoring the complex interplay between emotional desires and economic realities in the context of Valentine's Day.

Filipinos tend to place great importance on celebrations like Valentine's Day due to deeply ingrained cultural values that emphasize love, relationships, and social connection. This focus stems from a collectivist society where relationships - whether romantic, familial, or platonic—are central to one's identity and emotional well-being. Additionally, media and commercial influences amplify the significance of these events, shaping societal expectations around grand romantic gestures and gift-giving.

In the past, only the affluent had the privilege of receiving bouquets of flowers. However, with the growing influence of social media, the practice has become more widespread and normalized. Today, even men are receiving floral arrangements - an act that was once considered unconventional way back then.

These trends also persist due to the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO), as individuals feel pressured to participate in celebrations simply to stay socially relevant. The desire to have an ideal online presence drives many to engage in these events - after all, what would they post on their social media accounts without photos that align with the occasion?

While expressions of love and affection are natural, allowing emotions to dictate one’s actionsespecially in materialistic or socially constructed celebrations - can lead to unnecessary strain. Stoic philosophy teaches that reason must govern emotions, ensuring that one's happiness is not dependent on external validation or fleeting moments.

By practicing temperance and focusing on what is within our control, we can appreciate these occasions without being consumed by societal expectations or emotional excess.