What is Love? (According to an “Unaffectionate” Guy)

Love… For me, this word has a lot of weight. I can’t seem to let it roll off my tongue. In our family, we did not develop the custom of saying “I love you” to each other. I’m somewhat envious of families that can casually drop the phrase and really mean it. There were times that I wanted to start saying it to my mom more frequently after my dad passed away but I still haven’t gotten the hang of it. I still stick to my “3 I love yous quota”. (One for my mom’s birthday, another for Valentine’s day, and one during Christmas.) I’m an “actions speak louder than words” type of guy; but somewhere in my heart, I want to be an “actions + words” man, especially when showing affection to my loved ones.

That’s why something interestingly ironic happened to me. I was invited to J’s Diamond’s flagship store opening last October 17 in Ayala Malls Manila Bay. I was really wondering why I was there because I’m way off of their target market. Also, the theme of their store launch was #LoveIs. Imagine that: a guy that is nonchalant about love was at an event where you could practically breathe in affection.

Js Diamond Flagship Store Opening 14J’s Diamond Flagship Store in Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Half of the time during my event coverage, I was wondering: How could these people be so in love? What is it that I’m lacking? Aside from a girlfriend (I apologize for the #Hugot), I realized that my dad wasn’t consistently romantic with my mom when he was still alive, either. I mean, we had a happy family; but my role model of being a passionate man was not exactly the most sentimental person.

There were a lot of thoughts running through my head during the event, but I couldn’t help but be in awe of the love in the air. Good food and glasses of wine were served to guests. Lovely music accompanied by violins and flutes reverberated through the event, creating an ambiance of romance and bliss. The atmosphere was so warm and nice that I felt like I was the Grinch when his heart was growing bigger.

Js Diamond Flagship Store Opening 16I got to see my churchmates and soon-to-be husband and wife, Kevin and Joyce

Js Diamond Flagship Store Opening 19An ambiance filled with good food and company

I browsed for some pieces and envisioned what would look perfect for my mom. The store was very inviting and stylish.

Js Diamond Flagship Store Opening 10The interior is very modish and unintimidating

Js Diamond Flagship Store Opening 01The boutique emanates a millennial vibe

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There was a fashion show showcasing wedding rings by their cute ring bearers. I even found myself planning to buy the engagement ring and wedding ring for my future fiancée/wife at J’s Diamond because they may throw in a ring bearer into the package. :p

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Js Diamond Flagship Store Opening 17Cute ring bearers will surely bring a smile on the wedding date

I know I don’t say this often, mom, but let me use this platform to say that I love you. Thank you for taking care of us. Ate, bunso, and I will try our hardest to cover for dad now that he’s no longer with us. I know you can’t put a price tag on love but I don’t mind putting up the effort to afford a piece of jewelry because you deserve it, mom.

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Thank you, J’s Diamond, for having me and congratulations on your flagship store. I learned something about what #LoveIs.