Where to go for Valentine’s Day, whether love-struck or lovesick

It's hard not to get caught up in the February 14 hype and all the cheese that comes with it, especially since the rest of the world makes such a big deal out of the day. Whether they celebrate it as Valentine's or Single Awareness Day, most people scramble to make sure that they're up to something on that fated date. Luckily, we can always count on something happening on the 14th, especially this year, where there are a lot of worthwhile events for both the couples and the singles out there. For the happy couples who like to steal away in their little bubble of romance on this particular day, a lot of hotels are offering promos especially for you.

Aside from a special Valentine's dinner buffet, Mandarin Oriental is also offering a lovebirds room package for P11,400++ a night, including complimentary internet and local calls, buffet breakfast, and all the other trappings that make up a romantic night: a bottle of red wine, chocolate-dipped strawberries, one-hour massage for two, and even a Lovebird cage. Customers can also enjoy a 30 percent discount at the hotel's Marilou Jewellry shop for the entire month of February. Discovery Suites in Ortigas is also offering a special room package. Up to February 16, couples can enjoy a stay at the hotel's newly-renovated One Bedroom Serendipity Suite for P5,888++. The package includes romantic turndown amenities, free WiFi, and a complimentary breakfast buffet at the hotel's Restaurant 5. Guests can also partake of restaurant 22 Prime's special valentine's buffet for P1,888, which includes either a bottle of Chandon Brut, or two flutes of Moët et Chandon champagne. As an bonus, those who avail of the room or buffet packages are also entitled to join the raffle where they can win a heart-shaped gold pendant from Miladay. For those who want an escape beyond the city, The Manor at Camp John Hay in Baguio provides a rustic retreat, with a 20 percent discount on room rates from until Feb. 14, starting at P4,560 a night, and inclusive of welcome drinks, free gym use, jacuzzi and sauna, free WiFi, and a special room set-up. A candlelight dinner at The Manor's Le Chef restaurant is also available on Feb.13 and 14 at P1,500 per person. Nearer by, there is the Discovery Country Suites where room packages include breakfast for two, wine and cheese cocktails at sundown, and milk and cookie turndown at bedtime. Room rates are pretty steep at P12,000++ from Feb. 14 to 16. There are also a lot of options for those who’d rather spend Valentine’s stuffing themselves silly—whether it’s with a lover, friends, or all by your lonesome. Those with extra cash to spare can try the special valentine’s dinner at Enderun College’s Restaurant 101, which is available from Feb. 13 to Feb. 15. At P2,180 per person, diners can enjoy such fancy dishes as Confit of Kurabota Pork Tenderloin, Butter Poached Pitik Lobster, Fillet of Chilean Sea Bass, and many more. The fifth most romantic island in the world might also make for a great date, and for couples who want an island getaway, the Discovery Shores in Boracay is offering a four course set dinner menu for P2,500 per person on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m., at their Indigo Restaurant. Some cheaper options are available too. Krispy Kreme, for instance, puts everyone in a sweet mood—no boyfriend required!—with their heart-shaped Valentine doughnuts that come in Strawberry Kreme, Caramel Kreme, and Dark Chocolate Kreme flavors. At Dairy Queen, there is no shortage of kisses as they offer new ice cream flavors: Choco Brownie Mini Kisses, Caramel Almond Mini Kisses, and Mocha Mini Kisses, all loaded up with the classic chocolate. For a limited time, the popular ice cream parlor is also offering free whipped cream for all their shakes—that extra dollop might just be the perfect thing to drown all your heartbreaks in. Aside from eating, you could also check out Made with Love: A Valentine’s Arts and Crafts Fair, which will run from Feb. 14 to 16 at the LRI Design Plaza at Nicanor Garcia st. in Bel-Air, Makati. ,If you’re a crafter, you could hook up with other crafters, network, and share ideas, learn new techniques (and maybe more?). Crafting virgins could also attend the demo sessions during the day, or else just enjoy the poetry reading in the evenings. For the intellectuals there is the Darwin Date, which will be held on Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the 121 Grille at the Allegro Center on Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati. The free-admission event is organized by the Filipino Freethinkers, and is open to everyone, whether happily attached or happily not—though perhaps the singles will benefit from this event the most because it includes a special sexual selection dating game. Aside from that, those with curious minds can also attend talks on Darwin (of course), Pinoy DNA, natural adaptation and selection, and why sex matters in evolution. Another place to hit up this weekend for some romance is Nuvali in Laguna where a free-admission Outdoor Film Screening will be held on Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. at Football Field 1. Whether or not you go with a lover or a group of friends, watching old love stories under the stars is bound to put even the coldest of hearts in a romantic mood. — DVM, GMA News