10 Ways To Spend Your Valentine's Day
posted on Monday, February 08, 2010
Today is February 8 and yes, we're only six days away from this love month's highlight: Valentine's Day. While some of you have made and finalized all your V-day plans even before the new year struck, I'm sure a lot still have their Sunday vacant on their respective planners. Whether you're spending this on your own, celebrating it with your special someone, or brushing it off just like any other weekend, here are some suggestions to make your February 14th extra special.
1. Single? Speed date!
Gone are the days when Filipinas patiently wait week after week for suitors to approach them, and Pinoy men requesting the approval of a girl's family -- from her ingkong to her pamangkin, just to get her out on a date. In this age of 3-minute Rush ID and 3Mbps DSL services, every second counts. Almost anything affixed with the word 'speed' is awesome... dating included.
This current dating trend, which has been running in several events, requires speed -- 3 minutes to get to know each other, and seconds to decide whether you like the person or not. While not exactly recommended for those seeking for a husband or wife, a lot of people swear by the fun and thrill they experience when they participate in speed dating.
Interested? Then sign up and join Uno Pizzeria Restaurant and Bar's pre-valentine speed dating event on February 11. Your P600 gets you food, cocktails, and possible friendships or relationships all in one night. More information can be found here.
For RSVP, call Van at (63 922) 826-2685, Ceb at (63 917) 850-6788 or Girlie at (63 2) 974-5174. For more details, please visit UNO's website: unopizzeria.net or email unopizzeria@gmail.com.
Who knows? You might find new love just in time for another date on February 14.
2. Stay in and get pampered.
Valentines' day maybe called the 'lovers day' but it can also be the 'Argh, all restos are annoyingly full!' day. For those who would rather stay in and spend quality time together, Simply Spa home service massage may be your best bet.
Fort Boni's newest spa, located just a stone's throw away from the High Street and Serendra complex, offers lovers and singles alike quality but very reasonably priced Valentine promotions for the month of February.
In-house traditional Hilot Massage for a couple, plus foot spa, scrub, manicure and pedicure can be availed for P2,500. The price would further go down by about P500 when you avail of their home service promo (catering to Makati and Fort Bonifacio residences). And since they're still on soft-opening, take advantage of the 10% slash on all their services and promotions.
Good deal? Definitely! Aside from enjoying their uniquely concocted massages at the comforts of your own home, be delighted that Simply Spa uses all organic massage oils and scrubs -- a healthier alternative than the petroleum based mineral oils.
For reservations you may call 836-342/568-4277, mail simply1spa@yahoo.com or visit us at Unit C-15 South Tower, South of Market Condominium, The Fort Bonifacio, Global City Taguig.
3. Dine and click away.
On February 13 and 14, experience professional 'studio' shoot courtesy of Ian Santillan Photography together with a Valentine set-meal at Aussie Café and Resto in Alabang.
Each Valentine dinner entitles you to a short photo shoot inside Aussie Café, with a free 4R print and three re-touched high resolution images (soft copy), and 30% discount to an actual photo shoot at Ian Santillan Photography.
That good a deal for a professionally shot couple photo is even heightened by Aussie Café's food. If you haven't tried Chef Bernie’s Mouthwatering Ribs yet (click here for the Aussie Cafe feature), now is a good time to do so. That, along with other Australian cuisine favorites like Aussie Steak, Lamb Rack, Bushtucker Ribeye Steak, Tenderloin Steak, Angus Beef are options for your meal's main course. Price ranges from P700 to P1065 / head (inclusive of soup, salad, main course and dessert).
To know more about the promotion contact 09170-6308800 or (02) 659 2568.
4. Indulge in love inducing food.
Aphrodisiacs purportedly increase desire between partners and when is it a better time to feast on love inducing food than on the 14th?
Let Chef Nińo of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine work his magic with his 11-course Valentine Degustation created with a French-Japanese fusion of aphrodisiacs. This is further enhanced by the seductive sound of the violin to complete your romantic dining experience.
For P2,500 per head (inclusive of 12% VAT, exclusive of 10% SC), experience "fine dining" at Ninyo, touted as one of Manila's Best Kept Secrets, and taste his unique creations like Amuse Bouche Baked oyster wrapped in parma ham with wasabi cream sauce and lump fish caviar, and Mesquite smoked duck breast set on dehydrated apple in cranberry ponzu dressing. For my feature article on Ninyo, click here.
This promotion is available from February 12-14, Friday to Sunday only. The violinist will be playing from February 13 to 14, dinner time. For reservations, call 426-0301 or 0917-5385813. I was informed that there are only a few tables left, so better call them now.
5. Go a little out of the way and head to a new food discovery.
I find excitement in heading someplace unfamiliar and discovering something great. Last year, I've written about Isabelo Garden Restaurant, an out of the way private dining restaurant in Marikina. This year, another gem from Marikina is about to receive some spotlight: Qasa 61, The Dining Studio, located at No. 61, Lopez Jaena Street Tanong, Marikina.
The dining studio, which features Marikina Heirloom Recipes, will have a valentine promotion entitled: Love in Three Acts featuring Act 1: a five course meal for two, Act 2: a film-showing to set the mood, and Act 3: a take home valentine gift for Qasa guests.
"Love in Three Acts" comes at P1,500 per head, and will be available on February 12 at 7:00 pm, and February 13 and 14, at 12 noon and 7:00 pm. To know more about Qasa, visit http://www.qasa61.com/. For reservations, e-mail qasa@qasa61.com or call 0927-9411241.
6. Grab some chocolates.
After all, what is Valentines' without this God's greatest gift to mankind?
You can get some brown lovin' even from the nearest convenience store in your area, but a real artisan chocolate is required for a special event such as Valentine's.
Make your way to your date's heart with Benoit Chocolates -- fresh, hand-crafted chocolates in the classic Belgian tradition by Philippines' first Belgian artisan chocolatier: Benoit Nicolay.
"Benoit Chocolates uses only the purest imported Belgian chocolates and the finest ingredients when crafting creations. It has an extensive array of products to answer any chocolate craving: a selection of the purest pralines and truffles; pouches of bric-a brac for those who want it all; orangettes (candied orange strips enrobed in dark chocolate); chocolate crepe (thin French biscuit crepe in Belgian chocolate); chocolate bars and slim tablettes of classic chocolate for purists," Benoit Nicolay shares.
Simply call 822-6995 or go to www.chocolatesbybenoit.com to order (P750 per box). Benoit Nicolay chocolates are exclusively made to order, so be among the lucky few who can get this treat on Valentines' day.
Another up and coming brand worth trying is Paulene Chocolat Suisses, Cuillere's chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara's sweet creations.
Available in Cuillere and Blue Kitchen outlets, the brand currently has two product lines: Hand Made Truffles (P495 for an assortment of 12 flavors) and Ganache which can be further sorted into 6 types. Click here for a complete list of flavors.
Put a smile on your special girl's face with Paulene chocolates that are neatly kept in dainty pink packaging. For inquiries, call 871-9989 or email info@paulenechocolats.com. Paulene Chocolates are also available at Santis Delicatessen outlets in Forbes Park, Rockwell, and Yakal.
7. Watch a play and laugh out loud.
Theater plays probably fall notches below whenever plans for romantic dates are being drawn. Usually, people flock to the cinemas and restaurants for some lovey-dovey quality time.
Well, why not make 2010's Valentine unique by heading to the theater and enjoying a romantic comedy?
Repertory Philippines promises to delight audiences with a quirky take on Shakespeare's timeless classic Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Bernadette. Mark Saltzman’s musical comedy features a different ending to the tragic tale, with Romeo waking up in the year 1960 after ingesting a sleeping potion instead of poison. Fazed by a totally different environment from his hometown in Italy, Romeo's dilemmas escalate as he falls in love with Bernadette (whom he thinks is Juliet) who is a daughter of a local mobster. Crazy, huh? I'm betting lovers and platonic friends alike will be entertained by this production directed by Joy Virata and Rem Zamora.
Catch it on February 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. For ticket inquiries, please call (63 2) 887-0710 or log on to: Repertory Philippines. For a more detailed schedule, check our events listing here.
8. Be part of a record breaking Hug-A-Palooza.
You've heard about the lovapalooza (a.k.a kissfest) but have you heard of the hug-a-palooza?
This February 14, 2010, cuddle up as Enchanted Kingdom tries to set a record for having the most number of group hugs at one time! Be it with your significant other, friends, or family, a war and genuine hug with your loved ones under EK’s Sky Wizardry grand fireworks will surely be memorable.
Aside from this, their Valentine's Family Promo and purchase three Regular-Day-Pass tickets to get another one for free is not to be missed!
For more information you may visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or call 843-6074 to 76 or 830-2111 to 16.
9. Enjoy breathtaking fireworks display.
Something festive almost always calls for grand fireworks.
Staging your own fireworks show can be very costly though (save this for proposals, gentlemen), therefore I suggest you guys to bring your ladies to SM Mall of Asia instead, where a weekly "pyromusical" competition will be held until March 14.
On February 14, Platinum Fireworks, Inc. from the Philippines will open the 1st Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at 7:00PM to be followed by Howard and Sons, Australia's representative at 8:00PM.
Ticket Prices go at P1500, P500, P300, P150, and P100. For inquiries, please call 359-1486, (63 917) 811-4001 or (63 922) 884-8799 for tickets please call Ticketnet at 911-5555 and Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Remember: Expect a lot of people to flock to MOA during pyrotechnics competitions, so reserve ahead and learn the traffic routes.
10. Be serenaded by your favorite singers.
Ahh, concerts. One of the more popular choices for loving couples out there. The entire month of February is teeming with shows and gigs, all geared to warm and delight your hearts in love.
Britain's Got Talent Finalist and Philippines' pride, Charlie Green will sure make you swingin' and singin' at his pre-Valentine concerts at the Eastwood Mall Open Park on February 10 and 12.
Classical music lovers alert: The Philippine Madrigal Singers will hold a benefit concert featuring well-appreciated love songs at the Meralco Theater on Saturday, February 13, 2010 6:30 PM.
And for those who want to backtrack a bit, be swooned by "Just Tell Me You Love Me," "Can We Still Be Friends," "We'll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again" and a dozen more of your theme songs as John Ford Coley sing to you his greatest hits on February 13, 2010 7:00 PM at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.
"One Amore Time" will make Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez fans happy this Valentines as they stage another show from this team up at the SMX on February 14, 2010.
For more events and more details on the shows and concerts, visit our events guide.
These are only 10 of the hundred and many ways you can spread and feel love this Valentines season. Remember that celebrations count, neither for their extravaganza nor cost, but the quality time you share with your loved ones. So whip out those planners, get those phones dialing, and plan your perfect Valentine getaway. Happy hearts to all of us!
1. Single? Speed date!
Gone are the days when Filipinas patiently wait week after week for suitors to approach them, and Pinoy men requesting the approval of a girl's family -- from her ingkong to her pamangkin, just to get her out on a date. In this age of 3-minute Rush ID and 3Mbps DSL services, every second counts. Almost anything affixed with the word 'speed' is awesome... dating included.
This current dating trend, which has been running in several events, requires speed -- 3 minutes to get to know each other, and seconds to decide whether you like the person or not. While not exactly recommended for those seeking for a husband or wife, a lot of people swear by the fun and thrill they experience when they participate in speed dating.
Interested? Then sign up and join Uno Pizzeria Restaurant and Bar's pre-valentine speed dating event on February 11. Your P600 gets you food, cocktails, and possible friendships or relationships all in one night. More information can be found here.
For RSVP, call Van at (63 922) 826-2685, Ceb at (63 917) 850-6788 or Girlie at (63 2) 974-5174. For more details, please visit UNO's website: unopizzeria.net or email unopizzeria@gmail.com.
Who knows? You might find new love just in time for another date on February 14.
2. Stay in and get pampered.
Valentines' day maybe called the 'lovers day' but it can also be the 'Argh, all restos are annoyingly full!' day. For those who would rather stay in and spend quality time together, Simply Spa home service massage may be your best bet.
Fort Boni's newest spa, located just a stone's throw away from the High Street and Serendra complex, offers lovers and singles alike quality but very reasonably priced Valentine promotions for the month of February.
In-house traditional Hilot Massage for a couple, plus foot spa, scrub, manicure and pedicure can be availed for P2,500. The price would further go down by about P500 when you avail of their home service promo (catering to Makati and Fort Bonifacio residences). And since they're still on soft-opening, take advantage of the 10% slash on all their services and promotions.
Good deal? Definitely! Aside from enjoying their uniquely concocted massages at the comforts of your own home, be delighted that Simply Spa uses all organic massage oils and scrubs -- a healthier alternative than the petroleum based mineral oils.
For reservations you may call 836-342/568-4277, mail simply1spa@yahoo.com or visit us at Unit C-15 South Tower, South of Market Condominium, The Fort Bonifacio, Global City Taguig.
3. Dine and click away.
On February 13 and 14, experience professional 'studio' shoot courtesy of Ian Santillan Photography together with a Valentine set-meal at Aussie Café and Resto in Alabang.
Each Valentine dinner entitles you to a short photo shoot inside Aussie Café, with a free 4R print and three re-touched high resolution images (soft copy), and 30% discount to an actual photo shoot at Ian Santillan Photography.
That good a deal for a professionally shot couple photo is even heightened by Aussie Café's food. If you haven't tried Chef Bernie’s Mouthwatering Ribs yet (click here for the Aussie Cafe feature), now is a good time to do so. That, along with other Australian cuisine favorites like Aussie Steak, Lamb Rack, Bushtucker Ribeye Steak, Tenderloin Steak, Angus Beef are options for your meal's main course. Price ranges from P700 to P1065 / head (inclusive of soup, salad, main course and dessert).
To know more about the promotion contact 09170-6308800 or (02) 659 2568.
4. Indulge in love inducing food.
Aphrodisiacs purportedly increase desire between partners and when is it a better time to feast on love inducing food than on the 14th?
Let Chef Nińo of Ninyo Fusion Cuisine work his magic with his 11-course Valentine Degustation created with a French-Japanese fusion of aphrodisiacs. This is further enhanced by the seductive sound of the violin to complete your romantic dining experience.
For P2,500 per head (inclusive of 12% VAT, exclusive of 10% SC), experience "fine dining" at Ninyo, touted as one of Manila's Best Kept Secrets, and taste his unique creations like Amuse Bouche Baked oyster wrapped in parma ham with wasabi cream sauce and lump fish caviar, and Mesquite smoked duck breast set on dehydrated apple in cranberry ponzu dressing. For my feature article on Ninyo, click here.
This promotion is available from February 12-14, Friday to Sunday only. The violinist will be playing from February 13 to 14, dinner time. For reservations, call 426-0301 or 0917-5385813. I was informed that there are only a few tables left, so better call them now.
5. Go a little out of the way and head to a new food discovery.
I find excitement in heading someplace unfamiliar and discovering something great. Last year, I've written about Isabelo Garden Restaurant, an out of the way private dining restaurant in Marikina. This year, another gem from Marikina is about to receive some spotlight: Qasa 61, The Dining Studio, located at No. 61, Lopez Jaena Street Tanong, Marikina.
The dining studio, which features Marikina Heirloom Recipes, will have a valentine promotion entitled: Love in Three Acts featuring Act 1: a five course meal for two, Act 2: a film-showing to set the mood, and Act 3: a take home valentine gift for Qasa guests.
"Love in Three Acts" comes at P1,500 per head, and will be available on February 12 at 7:00 pm, and February 13 and 14, at 12 noon and 7:00 pm. To know more about Qasa, visit http://www.qasa61.com/. For reservations, e-mail qasa@qasa61.com or call 0927-9411241.
6. Grab some chocolates.
After all, what is Valentines' without this God's greatest gift to mankind?
You can get some brown lovin' even from the nearest convenience store in your area, but a real artisan chocolate is required for a special event such as Valentine's.
Make your way to your date's heart with Benoit Chocolates -- fresh, hand-crafted chocolates in the classic Belgian tradition by Philippines' first Belgian artisan chocolatier: Benoit Nicolay.
"Benoit Chocolates uses only the purest imported Belgian chocolates and the finest ingredients when crafting creations. It has an extensive array of products to answer any chocolate craving: a selection of the purest pralines and truffles; pouches of bric-a brac for those who want it all; orangettes (candied orange strips enrobed in dark chocolate); chocolate crepe (thin French biscuit crepe in Belgian chocolate); chocolate bars and slim tablettes of classic chocolate for purists," Benoit Nicolay shares.
Simply call 822-6995 or go to www.chocolatesbybenoit.com to order (P750 per box). Benoit Nicolay chocolates are exclusively made to order, so be among the lucky few who can get this treat on Valentines' day.
Another up and coming brand worth trying is Paulene Chocolat Suisses, Cuillere's chef Katrina Kuhn-Alcantara's sweet creations.
Available in Cuillere and Blue Kitchen outlets, the brand currently has two product lines: Hand Made Truffles (P495 for an assortment of 12 flavors) and Ganache which can be further sorted into 6 types. Click here for a complete list of flavors.
Put a smile on your special girl's face with Paulene chocolates that are neatly kept in dainty pink packaging. For inquiries, call 871-9989 or email info@paulenechocolats.com. Paulene Chocolates are also available at Santis Delicatessen outlets in Forbes Park, Rockwell, and Yakal.
7. Watch a play and laugh out loud.
Theater plays probably fall notches below whenever plans for romantic dates are being drawn. Usually, people flock to the cinemas and restaurants for some lovey-dovey quality time.
Well, why not make 2010's Valentine unique by heading to the theater and enjoying a romantic comedy?
Repertory Philippines promises to delight audiences with a quirky take on Shakespeare's timeless classic Romeo and Juliet, Romeo and Bernadette. Mark Saltzman’s musical comedy features a different ending to the tragic tale, with Romeo waking up in the year 1960 after ingesting a sleeping potion instead of poison. Fazed by a totally different environment from his hometown in Italy, Romeo's dilemmas escalate as he falls in love with Bernadette (whom he thinks is Juliet) who is a daughter of a local mobster. Crazy, huh? I'm betting lovers and platonic friends alike will be entertained by this production directed by Joy Virata and Rem Zamora.
Catch it on February 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on February 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28. For ticket inquiries, please call (63 2) 887-0710 or log on to: Repertory Philippines. For a more detailed schedule, check our events listing here.
8. Be part of a record breaking Hug-A-Palooza.
You've heard about the lovapalooza (a.k.a kissfest) but have you heard of the hug-a-palooza?
This February 14, 2010, cuddle up as Enchanted Kingdom tries to set a record for having the most number of group hugs at one time! Be it with your significant other, friends, or family, a war and genuine hug with your loved ones under EK’s Sky Wizardry grand fireworks will surely be memorable.
Aside from this, their Valentine's Family Promo and purchase three Regular-Day-Pass tickets to get another one for free is not to be missed!
For more information you may visit www.enchantedkingdom.ph or call 843-6074 to 76 or 830-2111 to 16.
9. Enjoy breathtaking fireworks display.
Something festive almost always calls for grand fireworks.
Staging your own fireworks show can be very costly though (save this for proposals, gentlemen), therefore I suggest you guys to bring your ladies to SM Mall of Asia instead, where a weekly "pyromusical" competition will be held until March 14.
On February 14, Platinum Fireworks, Inc. from the Philippines will open the 1st Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at 7:00PM to be followed by Howard and Sons, Australia's representative at 8:00PM.
Ticket Prices go at P1500, P500, P300, P150, and P100. For inquiries, please call 359-1486, (63 917) 811-4001 or (63 922) 884-8799 for tickets please call Ticketnet at 911-5555 and Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Remember: Expect a lot of people to flock to MOA during pyrotechnics competitions, so reserve ahead and learn the traffic routes.
10. Be serenaded by your favorite singers.
Ahh, concerts. One of the more popular choices for loving couples out there. The entire month of February is teeming with shows and gigs, all geared to warm and delight your hearts in love.
Britain's Got Talent Finalist and Philippines' pride, Charlie Green will sure make you swingin' and singin' at his pre-Valentine concerts at the Eastwood Mall Open Park on February 10 and 12.
Classical music lovers alert: The Philippine Madrigal Singers will hold a benefit concert featuring well-appreciated love songs at the Meralco Theater on Saturday, February 13, 2010 6:30 PM.
And for those who want to backtrack a bit, be swooned by "Just Tell Me You Love Me," "Can We Still Be Friends," "We'll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again" and a dozen more of your theme songs as John Ford Coley sing to you his greatest hits on February 13, 2010 7:00 PM at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.
"One Amore Time" will make Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez fans happy this Valentines as they stage another show from this team up at the SMX on February 14, 2010.
For more events and more details on the shows and concerts, visit our events guide.
These are only 10 of the hundred and many ways you can spread and feel love this Valentines season. Remember that celebrations count, neither for their extravaganza nor cost, but the quality time you share with your loved ones. So whip out those planners, get those phones dialing, and plan your perfect Valentine getaway. Happy hearts to all of us!
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