What are some of Malta’s familiar faces up to on lover’s day? And more importantly, what about their fails? Ramona Depares puts the questions.

Alex Alden Singer and musician

Photo: Svetlana SP

What was the best gift you ever received for Valentine’s? A good friend of mine once sent me a handmade card when we were in middle school. The card containing a startlingly bright, sugary lollipop taped neatly inside, with a very direct message: “Dear Alex, Will you be my Valentine? From ——”

I was very flattered and told him “Of course!” and so we were declared Valentine’s Lovebirds for the day. It passed in glorious, awkward glances and hair twirls and the next day thankfully rolled on where we met at school again. My friend was still floating amidst the blissful fantasy that we were a couple (by any 10-year-old’s definition), however, my hard-headed self understood it was only for the day and proceeded to tactfully break his poor heart to smithereens.

I regret it to this day. We could have had something special, man! I have the card somewhere in my bedroom in a drawer, with the lollipop still intact.

And the worst? Probably exam results. They never were very adorable.

Do you have a funny Valentine’s Day anecdote to share with us? There was this one time when I found a small statuette underneath my desk, in middle school (once again), of a bee holding a heart. I immediately suspected who the secret admirer was and I confronted him soon after. I have a vague recollection of him crying hysterically, because he was so embarrassed. But don’t worry, I still like you Steve!

If you ever had to go on a dinner date with your favourite celebrity, who would this be? I would definitely take Peter Jackson out to dinner. We’d pump fists and I’d congratulate him on his great cinematic achievements over a tipple of whisky, and we’d feast on roasted chicken.

Then, as the night draws to a close I’ll bring up the topic of how abruptly the second Hobbit movie ended and flip some tables over. But I’ll still foot the bill, because I don’t want any hard feelings between us when he releases the third installment.

How do you plan to spend this Valentine’s Day? Doing the same thing we do every night...plan to take over the world!

Owen Bonnici Television host

What was the best gift you ever received for Valentine’s? A flight on a small aircraft. It was a really cool experience, as you get to fly all over Malta. The flight was obviously very different from what we are used to on commercial flights, so it felt a bit like it was a flying Mini. The cool factor is increased by the fact that I got to be a pilot for a couple of hours, which was my dream job when I was younger.

And the worst? That would be a set of cufflinks with “best boyfriend” written on them. I really hope she doesn’t read this.

Do you have a funny Valentine’s Day anecdote to share with us? There was this time when I had just turned 18. I had picked up my girlfriend at the time in my Dutson Cherry when, on the way to St Paul’s Bay, my car ran out of petrol. To add insult to injury, after the meal I realised I had left my credit card at home and she ended up having to pay for the dinner. Big fail!

If you ever had to go on a dinner date with your favourite celebrity, this would be? Nicole Kidman, as she’s my favourite actress. I’m more than sure it would be a Valentine’s day to remember.

How do you plan to spend this Valentine’s Day? This year I will be working that day, so I will celebrate it on Sunday. However, it’s all top secret because I want to keep it as a surprise. Let’s just say it will involve a ferry trip and a very special dinner set up with a unique backdrop.

Steffi Thake Actress

Steffi Thake and her fiancé Mark Bonnici

What was the best gift you ever received for Valentine’s? My hubby and I are not too keen on Valentine gifts because our anniversary is just one month before the day hits. But I did get a lovely rose with some Baci chocolates from him once. It’s the thought that counts and he’s not very romantic to begin with ... love you, Mark!

And the worst? When I was still in school I got a letter from a secret admirer. I was so happy about the possibility of someone actually liking me back then, that I spent nights trying to think who it might be. It turned out to be my best friend at the time, who felt a little sorry for me for being alone again.

Do you have a funny Valentine’s Day anecdote to share with us? The only thing that I can think of is a story from last year’s production of Womberang, which was put up at the MADC. One of the male members of our cast got all of us ladies a red rose. He did not, however, get one for his girlfriend. Needless to say he was in a little trouble when she found out...

If you ever had to go on a dinner date with your favourite celebrity, this would be? It must be Brad Pitt. So I can stare at him mostly, and pick his brain on his career, different acting tips and so on. I think he’s too brilliant for words.

How do you plan to spend this Valentine’s Day? I’m hoping that I’ll be having a lovely, romantic dinner at Tarragon restaurant, in keeping with our three-year-long tradition. I love that place.