Love stops for lovebugs

Pop the cork and bring out the cheese, the year’s saccharine season is here. With Valentine’s Day happening in a week, many couples are probably at wit’s end, thinking of where to celebrate the year’s most romantic day. Whether you’re letting the entire family tag along or you are marking the day exclusively with your other half, there are a myriad of places you can go to on this Day of Hearts.

Baguio

The Manor at Camp John Hay

Make good use of the cold weather and be down for some sweet cuddling at one of The Manor’s 158 well-appointed rooms. Whether you opt for a Superior Room, Deluxe Room, One-Bedroom Suite or Two-Bedroom Suite, you can be sure that you and your beloved are provided that luxurious warmth and comfort The Manor is known for. Take advantage of The Manor’s Festive Heart Deals for as low as P4,772 a night.

Give yourself and your partner some much needed pampering at The Manor Health Spa where you can get a massage and enjoy the jacuzzi or the sauna. Indulge in your date night at renowned Chef Billy King’s Le Chef Restaurant if continental cuisine is your craving or, if you’d rather have a romantic mix of cocktails and starters, head to The Piano Bar.

Address: Loakan Road, Baguio City

Tel: 0917-869-3640 / 0998-559-7929 / (074) 424-0931 to 43

Email: reservations@campjohnhay.com

Website: campjohnhay.com

Hill Station

Step into Casa Vallejo’s stately wooden structure and feel the charm of old Baguio. One cannot help but fall in love with the large windows (which bring in the cool breeze and fresh scent of pine trees), high ceiling, wooden trusses and rustic chandeliers. Hill Station’s nostalgic vibe makes for a perfect date place. Pair that with their hearty cooking and you and your sweetie are in for a memorable Heart’s Day.

Address: Casa Vallejo, Upper Session Road, Baguio City

Tel: 0915-829-2166

Email: info@hillstationbaguio.com

Website: hillstationbaguio.com

Zambales

Cabo de Roca Villas

The Day of Hearts is not exclusive for couples. Families and friends who want to celebrate the weekend should check out Cabo de Roca Villas in Zambales. Nestled in the coastal town of Pundaquit, the refreshing ocean breeze and breathtaking sunset views await those who seek a much needed respite from the city.

Guests can choose from spacious suites, which are made cozy with luxurious mattresses and clean-lined furniture. If you’re going on a vacation with the entire clan, you might want to book the Casa Do Guincho, a three-bedroom and three-bath villa which can host 12 to 18 people. The villa comes with a well-equipped kitchen, living room and dining area, a private sun/moon deck, garden and a balcony and terrace.

Address: Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

Tel: 0917-689-6000 / 0977-827-2000

Email: reservations@caboderoca.com

Website: caboderoca.com

Antipolo

Vieux Chalet

A marriage of fine Swiss cuisine and Filipino hospitality, Vieux Chalet has been everyone’s beloved “home ‘Swiss’ home” right in Antipolo.

Home-cooked goodness awaits couples at Vieux Chalet Swiss Restaurant which serves “hand-crafted, made from scratch, fresh and real food.” If you want a longer stay to make the most out of Valentine’s weekend, you may choose from St. Moritz Swiss Inn and Spa’s homelike rooms: the multihued Florence or the monochromatic Katharina and Olivier.

Vieux Chalet’s doors are always open to guests but they appreciate it more if you book a table ahead of your planned visit.

Address: 456 Taktak Road, Sitio Sampaguita, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City

Tel: 0928-288-8584

Email: vieuxchaletphilippines@yahoo.com

Website: vieuxchaletswissrestaurant.com

Oscar’s

Experience love on top as you treat your date to good food and a panoramic view of the metro from Oscar’s at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo. Partake of their Valentine’s Day Sit-down Dinner or Valentine Dinner Buffet. Remember to take a selfie with your honey to preserve the sweet moment, with the breathtaking Metro Manila skyline set against a dreamy sky at sunset as your backdrop.

Address: Sumulong Highway, Antipolo

Tel: 8254-3068 / 8660-8451 / 0917-515-6225

Email: elcfrontdesk@fprc.com.ph

Website: elcenter.com.ph

Tagaytay

Sonya’s Garden

Call it a cliché but can you think of a more romantic way than spending a day (or two) with your significant other, dining and strolling along a lush garden bursting with colorful, sweet-looking blossoms? Fortunately, this famous bed and breakfast blessed enough to be spared from the wrath of restive Taal Volcano when it spewed monstrous amounts of ash nearly a month ago. The flower-laden garden destination has seen countless declarations of love, proposals and wedding receptions.

Sonya’s Garden has 22 country-style cottages where guests can take a much needed breather. Sonya made it a point to not equip the rooms with TV sets and airconditioning that are sure to distract you from relaxing. Here at the bed and breakfast, love is sure to bloom beautifully.

Address: Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite (near the vicinity of Tagaytay City)

Tel: 0917-529-1080 / 0917-516-1080 (restaurant reservations); 0977-850-8273 / 0917-503-1080 / 0917-533-5140 (bed and breakfast); 0917-523-1080

Email: info@sonyasgarden.com

Website: sonyasgarden.com

The Farm at San Benito

You and your partner are always in a mad rush day in and day out getting things done at work and at home that you barely have time for each other anymore. Rejuvenate both your minds and bodies and re-ignite that love at The Farm at San Benito, a healing sanctuary nestled in Lipa City.

The medical wellness resort has villas couples or families can choose from, whether you desire a traditional rice barn feel, a modern tropical style with open-air showers, a soaking tub right in the middle of your private garden or a private outdoor swimming pool.

Address: 119 Barangay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas

Tel: 8884-8074 / 0918-884-8080

Email: info@thefarm.com.ph

Website: thefarmatsanbenito.com

Manila

For a date that’s out of the box, couples might want to go on a “field trip” of Manila. Update your portfolio of couple pics with an impromptu photo shoot on Jones Bridge, which was recently restored to its near-original neoclassical architecture. Rediscover the Walled City of Intramuros and the museums in its area such as Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine, Bahay Tsinoy, San Agustin Museum, Casa Manila and NCCA Gallery.

Lastly, since a date isn’t complete without filling yourselves with yummy treats, go on a food trip in Binondo.