February marks the love month. The season when sales of roses and chocolates and bookings of hotels and restaurants rocket the market. It has always been predominantly about romantic love being in the air as couples prepare for Valentine’s Day. But beyond romantic love, friendship is another kind worth celebrating (especially for singles!) at this time.
I was reminded of this celebration recently when I saw ABS-CBN actresses and real-life best friends Angelica Panganiban, Bela Padilla, and Kim Chiu, also known collectively as AngBeKi, sharing snaps from their Galentine’s dinner. It was a heartwarming sight—three women who have been through life’s ups and downs together, making time to celebrate their friendship and “sisterhood by choice.”
Seeing this, plus the flood of Galentine reels and photos popping up on my social media feeds, made me curious about how this unofficial holiday started. I learned from a 2020 Inside Edition report that the term “Galentine’s Day” was coined by Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, in a 2010 episode of American sitcom Parks and Recreation.
In the episode titled Galentine’s Day, Leslie gathered her closest gal friends for brunch, gifted them personalized presents, and showered them with words of affirmation and appreciation. From there, what started out as a fictional celebration quickly resonated with women all over the world.
Why it matters
Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female friendships, self-care, and empowerment. It’s a reminder that love isn’t just about romance—it’s also about the people who support and inspire us every day.
With life’s fast pace, Galentine’s Day offers the perfect reason to pause, reconnect, and appreciate the women who bring joy into our lives.
It’s also about self-love. Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to indulge in a little self-care and appreciation. As cheesy as it sounds, we all need a reminder that the most important relationship we’ll ever have is the one with ourselves.
How to celebrate Galentine’s Day
However you choose to celebrate (if you choose to!), the key is to connect with your gals. Here are some fun and meaningful ways to enjoy Galentine’s Day:
1. Crafting/Vision boarding party
Gather your girlfriends for a vision board session to map out your goals and dreams for the year. Grab some old magazines (or print out photos), scissors, and glue, or go digital with apps like Canva or Pinterest. Sharing dreams and manifesting each other’s visions is worth celebrating!
2. Sparty/Spa party
A little self-care goes a long way! Whether it’s a DIY spa night with face masks and scented candles or a luxurious trip to the spa, pampering yourselves is the ultimate Galentine’s treat. Light some candles, sip on coffee or tea with chocolate thins or butter cookies, and let the relaxation begin.
3. Netflix and chill
Instead of the usual popcorn-and-couch setup, turn your Netflix night into an elegant candlelit dinner. Set the table with flowers, candles, and a delicious meal (home-cooked or takeout!). Pick movies or series that celebrate womanhood and sisterhood, like Legally Blonde, Gilmore Girls, Sex and the City, or even Parks and Recreation.
Galentine’s Day is a fun excuse to meet up and celebrate love, but it’s also a reminder to nurture the friendships we have as adults. So, every Feb. 13—the unofficial date for Galentine’s Day—take the chance to raise a glass to the amazing women in your life, including yourself.
Happy Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day!
For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.