Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a budget of P1,000 or less

As of writing, most of the well-known restaurants and establishments are already booked solid for next Saturday, February 14. String quartets, live bands and giveaways accompany the three or four-course dinners for lovers, partners, husbands and wives.

But just in case you forget to book a reservation at the top restaurants, looking for a more economical option or both, here are some Valentine’s Day ideas for P1,000 (a couple) or less.

David Pomeranz at Rizal Park

What’s better than being serenaded by a beloved crooner? Being serenaded by a beloved crooner for free, of course! Singer-songwriter David Pomeranz will perform at the Rizal Park Open-air Auditorium on February 14.

I grew up around David’s hits and favorites such as "Born For You", "Got to Believe in Magic" and "King and Queen of Hearts", not fully knowing their impact on people’s lives. Streaming videos and music at home may be more convenient, but there’s nothing like experiencing the real deal.

Admission: free.

6th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

Should you have somewhere else to be on Valentine’s Day, the good news with this event is that it runs for six consecutive Saturdays. The fireworks spectacle started last February 7 with an opening exhibition from the Philippine’s own Platinum Fireworks Inc. and the first official participant, Akariya Fireworks of Japan.

On February 14, Valentine’s Day, it’s the turn of Martarello Group of Italy and Vision Show of Brazil, both newcomers, to showcase their fireworks. Sirius Pyrotechnics (Mexico) and Royal Fireworks (The Netherlands) will then take the stage at the Seaside Boulevard of the SM Mall of Asia on February 21.

Grupo Luso (Portugal) and Göteborgs FyrverkeriFabrik (Sweden) will perform on the last Saturday of February, the 28th, while defending champions Royal Pyrotechnie of Canada and 2014 2nd runner-up Jubilee Fireworks of the United Kingdom will aim for back-to-back podium results on March 7.

Polaris Fireworks of China, replacing last year’s 1st runner-up Liuyang New Year Fireworks, rounds out the formal competition before another exhibition by Platinum Fireworks.

Admission: Silver (P100), Gold (P300), VIP (P500).

19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

Nothing captures the oohs and aahs for Filipinos than the sight of hot-air balloons. The four-day event promises to showcase a “Weekend of Everything that Flies.” For the Romeo that wants to sweep his Juliet off her feet, the event is now accepting online reservations for a 6 a.m. or 5 p.m. hot air balloon ride for $300 per person.

Admission: P300 for entrance tickets; Toll fare (via NLEX) to Dau, Mabalacat is P218/one-way

Candle-lit dinner at home

For the homebodies out there who would rather not brave the crowds on February 14, there's always the option of creating a delicious meal yourself.

With a little supermarket shopping, preparation and elbow grease, you can prepare a three-course meal within the privacy of your own home. Why settle for an entrée that neither of you is fond of when you can be in charge of the Valentine’s Day menu?

Steaks, lobsters, oysters and whatever aphrodisiac available are taken to new heights whenever the secret ingredient is added: love. The presentation may not be at par with five-star hotel restaurants, but it’s the thought and effort that counts.

Admission: 1kg (35oz) Fresh T-Bone Steak ~P645 — BM, GMA News