Planning a romantic date but can’t leave Metro Manila on Valentine’s Day? Couples—with label or none (hey, we don’t judge!)—need not leave the urban jungle we love to hate and hate to love to celebrate their adoration for each other.
This list also serves as a guide for those who want to know which places to avoid to steer clear of the crowd (wink, wink).
Venice in the city
This establishment in McKinley wears the tag “Most Romantic Mall” proudly, and rightly so. Romance is in the air at Venice Grand Canal.
Its award-winning and well-known ethereal lights and water show performance, dubbed Aqua Y Carnevale, returns on Feb. 14, performing twice: one at 6:00 p.m. and another at 8:00 p.m. at the Venice Piazza.
Inspired by the opening ceremony of Venice, Italy’s Carnevale di Venezia Festival, this free show will burst with lights and colors and include ballet performances, acrobatics, performers with striking costumes, onboard grand and massive water floats, all floating around Venice Grand Canal.
Also on Feb. 14-16, live concerts happen when the clock strikes 6 in the evening. Performers include KZ Tandingan and TJ Monterde on the 14th, Miss Saigon Concerto on the 15th, and a surprise guest performer on the 16th. And as the music plays a one of a kind #LoveVenice 3D Mapping show and its modern interpretation of Italy’s Romeo and Juliet will be displayed at the Venice Piazza.
It’s Singles’ day on the 15th with speed dating and more at the Masquerade Party at 5:00 p.m. at the Venice Piazza.
In addition, art installations of different interpretations of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces, as well as exclusive deals from participating shops and restaurants are happening the entire month of February.
Sweet somethings
Love is sweet and so is Century City Mall in Makati.
Strike a pose with a significant other or loved one at the Love Booth at the South entrance (beside Trump Tower), upload the photo on Facebook, use the hashtag #LoveAndLuckAtCenturyMall and get free butter cookies today until Feb. 16.
Dinner at any of the establishments at the Skyloft on level 4 becomes extra special as live musicians serenade diners from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Those who will come in red and dine at selected restaurants on Valentine’s Day get 14 percent off.
Meanwhile, the first 143 guests to book via Siglo Suites in Milano, Knightsbridge, or Gramercy Residences on Feb. 14-16 get two complimentary movie passes from Century City Mall cinema.
Finally, ongoing until Feb. 29, Valentine-themed stores inside the mall offers sweet deals and promos to shoppers.
Heart Street
Hip lifestyle district, Bonifacio High Street offers plenty of reasons to fall in love on Valentine’s Day.
Those who will take photos by the 22-foot heart-shaped red tree created by Gideon Hermosa along 7th Street get a chance to win tickets to Matilda The Musical and gift certificates from Wolfgang Steakhouse, Din Tai Fung, TGIFridays, or Italianni’s.
Moira Dela Torre will headline “Love Street: A Valentine Concert,” co-produced by Globe and BHS Amphitheater. Also present to serenade the audience is Impromptu Program’s Prince Dundee Valencia. Get VIP tickets with P2,000 accumulated purchase from any Bonifacio High Street establishment today until Feb. 14.
Or head over at C1 Bonifacio High Street for Valentine’s At The Park, a gifting market by Urban Pod offering food, treats, and trinkets.
Love in the south
Cupid flies south on Valentine’s Day as Commercenter Alabang rolls out a couple of date options for couples.
Haven’t decided where to eat yet? The lifestyle destination houses a number of restaurants including Akrotiri, which offers a three-course menu for two on Feb. 14; Kessaku, a Japanese restaurant serving sushi, ramen, teppanyaki, and more; The Black, whose must-try dishes include charcuterie, Spanish Iberico, and French cheeses; and Mona Lisa, serving dishes from different regions of Italy.
For those who love to spend more quality time, Comodo Spa has a wide selection of massage treatments, while Fringe Salon offers hair and nail services, massage, and facials.
Instead of a bouquet of flowers, treat your ladylove to a pre-loved designer bag available at Luxuri Manila. Good news: the shop has a couch for those waiting for their SO.
Kick back, relax, and enjoy a movie at the cinema which boasts a 3D viewing technology, Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound system, and comfortable seats.