VALENTINE'S. San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan has recently launched its very own love lock repository called Rising HeARt marker. February 14 is celebrated as Valentine's Day in various Christian denominations. (Photo Courtesy of Rep. Rida Robes' office)
MANILA – The custom of love locks is a quintessential way to seal the romance deal on Valentine’s Day.
But you don’t have to fly out of the country just to attach these symbolically-laden padlocks on famous bridges, because San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan has recently launched its very own love lock repository called "Rising HeARt" marker.
The heart-shaped structure is also a viable and sustainable alternative than the traditional bridge-locking practice across Paris, United States and Japan, which can pose structural and environmental risks.
San Jose Del Monte City Representative Rida Robes said the establishment of the love lock marker is the city’s bid to be part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Robes also noted that more creative arts markers and installations will be built around the city in the coming months to support the bid to be included in the UNESCO list.
“If they have love lock bridges in Paris and in Japan, then we also have our own love lock marker. It's something that the entire community can participate in. My husband and I have the honor of being the first couple to place a love lock in the Rising HeARt marker," Robes said.
Love lock is a romantic symbol which is often inscribed with names or initials of sweethearts.
The couples attach the padlocks on a public fixture, more often bridges, and throw away the keys to seal their inseparable love. The idea here is that the only way to break their love is finding the key and unlock the love lock.
The Rising HeARt marker and Love Lock Repository is located along Barangka Road in Barangay Paradise 3 in SJDM, which is a hilly area that offers an unobstructed view of nearby cities, Padre Pio and Manila Bay.
People may visit the site and put in their locks as a symbol of their love for one another.
Robes said the Rising HeARt marker serves as "a constant reminder that to all of us that the world, despite the chaos, will always be governed by peace, love, and compassion towards one another".
"We look forward to having so many more love locks join ours. The more the merrier. We get to see that there is so much love in San Jose del Monte. Congressman Robes and I like to think that all the happy thoughts will help us get a Creative City designation from UNESCO,” she said. (PNA)
