Love potions for Valentine’s Day?
Some Filipinos believe there is no need for love potions or “gayuma” despite reports that demand for it has increased ahead of Valentine’s Day.
According to vendors in Baclaran and Quiapo, demand for love potions has surged in the days leading up to the Day of Hearts.
Prices now range from P150 to P250, higher than their usual rates.
Vendors said they increase prices during special occasions because the demand for it rises.
Reports said that some love potions include a “love juice” that can be mixed into a person’s food or drink, as well as a “love oil” containing a special prayer, leaves and bark, which is applied to the person’s ear or arm.
There are also incantations and “love spells” available.
Vendors claim that the love potions, locally known as “gayuma,” usually take effect a week after they are applied or used.
Aside from these, colored candles and charms are also in demand.
Meanwhile, reports of increased demand for love potions ahead of the Day of Hearts have generated buzz among some Filipinos, who say there are other, more effective options.
“Pera po ang da best na gayuma,” a Facebook user commented.
“Money is the key,” another said.
“No need na niyan, pera lang, masaya na hahaha,” a different Pinoy commented.
“Kung meron kang pera, ‘yon ang pinakamabisang gayuma,” another quipped.
The Philippines, despite having the largest Catholic population in Asia, also has deep-rooted beliefs in superstitions and the occult.
These include belief in love potions, which are said to induce affection and attract love.
Last year, a wedding in Cagayan de Oro was reportedly called off after the groom claimed he had no knowledge of the ceremony, saying he had been “hexed.”
It was reported that the wife of his friend splashed him with salt, allegedly causing him to “wake up” from the supposed effects of the love potion.
The bride, meanwhile, reportedly spent around P500,000 on wedding-related services but did not settle her remaining balances with the planners.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Philippines has warned the public that there is no scientific evidence proving that love potions are effective.
The agency also urged sellers of “gayuma” to properly label their products and disclose their ingredients.
