The affordable Valentine's date

With Valentine's just a day away, flower shops and restaurants are busy getting ready. Eager couples have probably planned their dates by now, and it may be tough getting a reservation at a popular romantic spot. But last-minute lovers need not worry, as there are plenty of affordable alternatives.

 

Tagaytay and Antipolo are favorite vacation spots, because of the cool weather and romantic view. Since Valentine's Day this year falls on a Thursday, you might not want to go too far. Manila-based couples may consider a visit to Pasig City instead. For around P500, you can enjoy a meal of T-bone steak, chicken barbecue, and red wine at Nipa Hut Restaurant in Brgy. Orando, Pasig.

 

"Hindi ka na kailangan pumunta ng malayo like Tagaytay, kasi unang una, mayroon na siyang view at 'yung weather, 'yung hangin ay parang presko like Tagaytay," operations manager Chinky Dionisio said on Brgy. Saksi. As the sun sets, you can watch the city lights all over lower Pasig and even Antipolo, GMA News' Athena Imperial said in the report.

 

It may not be elaborate, but when it comes to celebrating the day of hearts, being in love is the most important thing. "Basta in love lang kayo sa isa't isa, so kahit simple lang 'yung date niyo, okay na 'yun," said Lala Castro, who was interviewed while dining at the restaurant.

 

Couples can also celebrate Valentine's Day by getting a massage together. For less than P600, you can get a one-hour couple's massage. "Pumapasok tayo ng six times a day, so parang relaxation na rin 'yung rest day. Time na rin po para sa aming dalawa," said Irish Lacupanto, who was interviewed in the report as she and her boyfriend got a massage.

 

According to marriage and relationship counselor Gilda Altez, such activities help the couple strengthen their relationship by getting to know more about each other. "'Yung bonding—'Ah, eto pala 'yung asawa ko. Eto pala, may gusto pala siyang ganito. Eto pala ang misis ko o mister ko may kakatuwang ugali na ganito.'—makukuha lang 'yan 'pag nag-bonding kayo," Altez said.  

For couples who have been together for a long time, Valentine's Day is an opportunity to show their appreciation for one another. "Special day din ito para sa mga mag-asawa kasi Araw ng mga Puso ito eh. Kumbaga, araw ng pag-ibig," said Mary Grace Cosme, who has been married to her husband, Joseph, for 10 years.

 

Altez said that it isn't necessary to spend a lot, and what matters is the effort. "Paramdaman naman ni mister na siya (si misis) 'yung prinsesa sa araw na iyon. Ipagluluto niya, 'yung mga small things. Kasi kung minsan, nao-overlook na 'yun eh. Nami-miss 'yun ni misis (na) maging prinsesa siya sa araw na 'yun, sa Araw ng mga Puso. Walang gastos," Altez said. 

 

Even a meal at home can get a touch of gourmet. For a fraction of the cost, you can recreate fancy dishes without sacrificing taste. For instance, instead of an P850 foie gras burger, you could use chicken liver instead, and have a similar dish for only P100. "Magandang gamitin 'yung liver kasi hindi siya dry. Lalong nagiging juicy 'yung burger. Kapag ginamit natin habang naluluto siya lumalabas 'yung lasa at 'yung fats," Jam Melchor, chef at Villa Cafe, explained on Good News. 

 

Pan-grilled seabass fillet with wasabi sauce can cost P700 per serving, but you can whip up something similar using hito, as Melchor showed. The dish will cost just P100, but it will be just as tasty, with frozen herb butter sauce and a side dish of blanched bok choy and fried garlic and tomatoes. "The butter melts with the hot dish. It really brings all the flavors out," said a British backpacker and foodie after trying the dish. 

 

If you're not confident in the kitchen, or you don't have time to cook, you could try one of the food markets that are open until the wee hours. From Mercato Centrale in Taguig to Mezza Norte in Quezon City, exploring a food market is definitely more fun with your significant other. The wide variety of options is great for couples who don't always agree on food — both vegetarians and bacon lovers will be happy. 

 

The downside to food markets is the ambiance is not exactly romantic, but that can easily be solved with a picnic blanket and a nice, grassy spot. Makati has a few pocket parks in Salcedo and Legazpi villages, while Quezon City has the La Mesa Eco Park and the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. According to some reviews on TripAdvisor.com, the maintenance could definitely be better, but it's still an "oasis of calm" in the city.   

You could also head to the Sunken Garden in University of the Philippines, Diliman and join the college crowd as they celebrate the annual UP Fair, which will be held from February 12 to 16. On Valentine's Day, you can catch performances from Up Dharma Down, Urbandub, and Kamikazee. In between sets, you can wander around while munching on cotton candy or isaw, and if you're feeling adventurous, try one of the rides. 

 

A little creativity goes a long way when you're low on cash, GMA News' Nelson Canlas said in a Balitanghali report.

 

If you have P1,000, you can treat yourself to a couple's massage and a dinner for two. "Ang maganda rito, na pamper na 'yung sarili nila. Let's say nagpa-foot spa sila, manicure, pedicure, or nagpa-body massage sila, and at the same time kung ang budget is P1,000, at the end of the day, mayroon pa silang pang-dinner, o ipang-kain ng bonggang-bongga. Siguro P500 itatabi nila para sa pagkain. Busog na busog na sila doon," said spa manager Madelyn Nasis. 

 

At one Italian-themed restaurant, P500 is just right for a filling meal. "'Yung P495, mayroon po kaming isang pasta, isang pizza, and drinks. Malaking tulong na po, lalo na 'yung mga nagtitipid," said restaurant manager Melbert Gamboa. 

 

For gifts, you can find unusual items, such as a P100 emergency proposal kit that contains a plastic engagement ring. "For the right moment, ika nga. If they want to maybe propose on Valentine's Day, we have a special kit for you," said shop owner Angelo Angustia.

 

For free entertainment, you can sit and watch the sunset at Manila Bay, or catch a free concert at a mall. "On a regular weekend, we get as many as 70,000 people. On special occasions, talagang double the crowd. Madami, mga more or less 80,000. Punong puno ang al fresco namin, on the first, second and third level, punong puno 'yan lahat ng tao," said Alex Flores of Eastwood Lifestyle Malls. 

 

"Ang pera naman po kasi para sa akin, mage-enhance lang siya ng quality time niyo. Kahit wala ka namang pera, puwede kang maglibot-libot. 'Pag may pera ka naman, more fun stuff," said one man who was interviewed in the report. 

 

As many couples would agree, whatever you end up doing, Valentine's will definitely be memorable if you spend it with the one you love. —KG, GMA News