KUALA TERENGGANU: Valentine’s Day was alive and well in this conservative state last night, as numerous couples celebrated the occasion by dining at a host of restaurants in the city here.
While there were couples out on their first dates, there were also many who were celebrating a repeat Valentine’s; while a number of married couples marked the occasion with a family gathering.
This year’s Valentine’s held special significance for the Chinese community, as the celebration was a prelude to Chinese New Year, which falls on Friday and Saturday.
Catholic couples also welcomed Ash Wednesday, which coincides with Valentine’s this year, and ushered in the season of Lent that marks 40 days of fasting or abstinence until Easter Sunday on April 1.
One of the favourite eateries for Valentine’s lovebirds last night was the Gossip Kitchen at Jalan Sultan Ismail here.
Information technology entrepreneur Chua Siong Joo, 42, and his banker wife Tan Ya Ying, 40, celebrated with daughters Shino Chua, 9, and Chua Xuyi, 13.
“We have been marking Valentine’s for the past 15 years to commemorate our partnership that blossomed into marriage.
“Now that we are married, the occasion is more of a family affair with the children, rather than a romantic outing,” said Ya Ying.
Meanwhile, pet shop owner Ong Kok Ann, 23, and girlfriend Chi Wen My, 22, a sawmill clerk, were only marking their second Valentine’s.
“Although it is not cheap for a night out like this, I cherish my relationship with Wen My. I would also make the effort to celebrate her birthday in a romantic manner like this,” said Ong.
It was a first Valentine’s for motor vehicle foreman Lau Sei Kee, 24, and partner Cheng Kay Leng, 23, a sales assistant.
“We have been friends for four years now, but this is the first time I managed to gather enough courage to ask her out for a such a romantic dinner.
“I am happy to have met Kay Leng and hope our relationship will flourish,” said Lau.
Kay Leng said she is a shy person, but took the challenge to get to know her boyfriend better.
“We chose this restaurant for its ambience and good food,” she said.
Restaurant owner-cum-master chef Chris Chew Sau Ming and wife Audrey Chua, a kindergarten teacher, offered complementary red roses and crème brulee for the couples.