Do more than just the typical hearts-and-flowers kind of celebration this coming Valentine’s Day! Those with wanderlust itching to travel can go beyond the dinner date and typical chocolate and flowers route — why not plan a roadtrip with your favorite travel partner?
Clueless where to head out to this Valentine's Day week (and upcoming long weekend)? Worry not. We will help you make your dating game extra with this list of places near Manila you could visit with your SO!
1. Clark, Pampanga
What to Do:
Been wanting to see hot air balloons in person? Tick that off of your bucket list and attend the 22nd Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta happening on February 8-11, 2018 at the Omni Aviation Complex in Clark, Pampanga. Dubbed as The Weekend of Everything That Flies, watch 26 hot air balloon flights, followed by non-stop flying activities including paragliding, skydiving, aerobatic exhibitions, formation flights, balloon bursting competitions and kite flying! Did you know that a lot of men have popped the question in this event through the years?
For more details, visit philballoonfest.net, follow @philballoonfest on Twitter and Instagram, and like @PIHABF on Facebook.
Where to Eat and Stay:
If you’re attending the hot air balloon fest, activities start as early as 5am so it’s advisable to stay in Clark the night before the event. Enjoy a suite staycation with your sweetheart or with the whole family at Quest Hotel (Filinvest + Mimosa). They have an ongoing Make Room for Love promo, where you can eat, relax, and feel the love with an overnight stay! They also have a special Valentines’ Dinner at the Mimosa Golf Course Hilltop Garden on February 14 where guests will be serenaded by Noel Cabangon!
Mimosa Golf Course Hilltop Garden is one of the top venues for garden weddings in the country and I could just imagine how romantic the Valentine’s dinner here will be. For inquiries and reservations, you can call +63 (045) 599 8000. You can also book online at questhotelsandresorts.com/clark.
2. Subic, Zambales
What to Do:
Want to be up in the clouds on your next date? Then take it 400 feet above sea level by parasailing! Networx Jetsports Subic offers water sports activities like banana boat ride, band wagon ride, jet ski, parasailing, fly boarding, jetovator, hover boarding, and yacht cruising services. Add some adrenaline rush to your Valentine's Day celebration!
Networx Jetsports Subic is located at Waterfront Road, Subic Bay. You may contact them at (047) 252 3469.
Where to Eat and Stay:
There are many hotels to choose from in Subic, but since it is Valentine’s Day, go for some place new and of international standards like Best Western Plus Subic. You’ll also fall in love with the pool at their roof deck where you could have a great view of Subic Bay, especially during sunset. There's also a Chinese restaurant (Fortune Tea House) and a bar (Spencer’s) at the ground level, so there’s no need to head anywhere else.
For more details you may visit www.bestwesternplussubic.com or call (047) 250 8000.
3. Tagaytay / Batangas
What to Do:
Do an impromptu photo shoot with your beau at Fantasy World! You’ve probably heard of this unfinished amusement park that’s supposed to be the Philippines' version of Disneyland — it's made waves in social media the past couple of years. Fantasy Word has been abandoned for over a decade, but they recently opened it for photo ops. The fee is P1,000 for every 10 people to take photos, or simply to look around and tour. However, access to specific rooms and key areas have additional cost (you need to pay P300 to sit in the throne).
Fantasy World is located along Diokno Highway, Lemery Batangas. It is open daily from 8AM to 7:30PM.
Where to Eat and Stay:
Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant, considered as one of Tagaytay’s most romantic restaurants, is only 40 minutes away from Fantasy World. It is part bed-and-breakfast so you could opt to stay the night if you don’t feel like driving back to Manila.
Chateau Hestia Garden Restaurant & Deli Shop is located at J. Hernandez St. Purok 5, Barangay Bukal, Silang, Cavite. The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Visit www.chateauhestia.com, like on Facebook (/chateauhestia) and follow on Instagram (@chateau.hestia).
4. Baguio City
What to Do:
Try something a little spooky with your sweetheart, and dare to explore the Old Diplomat Hotel! This structure, also known as Dominican Hill Retreat House, was built in 1900s. Rumor has it this place is haunted, but many people still go here to take photos of its beautiful ruins. #DoItForTheGram
Where to Eat and Stay:
Delight your taste buds with Greek food at Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna! It is an old-house-turned-restaurant with many Instagrammable corners for a lovely photo-op with your date. Lemon and Olives Greek Taverna is located at 26 Outlook Drive, Baguio City. You may call them at (074) 423 2278.
If you plan to stay overnight or longer, you can book this rustic French home via Airbnb!
Le Coq Bleu’s look and vibe would make you feel as though you are in a different country. It has, in fact, been featured in a famed international magazine because of its remarkable interiors. Here’s the link to book this unit: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1512871
5. La Union
What to Do:
Not a fan of surfing? No problem! You could go for a short trek to the gorgeous Tangadan Falls in San Gabriel, La Union.
Where to Eat and Stay:
Forget about hotels or hostels and go camping with bae! If you’ve been to San Juan’s Urbiztondo beach quite a lot of times and is looking for something new in Elyu, check out Camp Avenue along Taboc beach which was launched just last September! Tent rental will cost you P500 per head (inclusive of insulation foam, throw pillows, and use of shower area). You may pitch your own tent, too, for only P350 per head.
On February 12, 13, 15, and 16, they will have mini outdoor movie nights! Talk about watching movies by the beach and under the stars!
6. Antipolo, Rizal
What to Do:
If you’re not up for an overnight trip and just want a simple yet remarkable day tour with your sweetie, you can have a quick getaway to Pinto Art Museum! You'll both be thrilled with different kind of arts and culture trip in this very picturesque museum. Entrance fee is only P200 per head.
Where to Eat:
You can also eat at Pinto Art Gallery Café after your tour. The food is catered by Bizu, so needless to say, it will not disappoint!
Pinto Art Museum is located at Sierra Madre Street, Grand Heights Road, Antipolo. It is open from 9AM to 6PM.
