Explore spaces, spice things up for V-Day

Where are you headed this month of love?

Booking a table at your favorite restaurant or going for a much needed staycation are the easier and definitely more popular options to celebrate with your Valentine. There are some, though, who are looking to spice things up a little differently by exploring places or going for trips or activities that are out of the ordinary.

We know how challenging it can be to come up with special date ideas or venues. Here are a few suggestions which we hope might spark an idea for a memorable time with the love of your life. As we’re still in a pandemic, note that all places and establishments require guests to adhere to minimum health and safety protocols as mandated by the government.

Intramuros (Manila)

What can be more romantic than a leisurely stroll around Intramuros? The walled city makes for a poetic and quixotic date place, Valentine’s Day or not. It’s like being transported to another time with just you and your love and the walled city’s historical buildings.

You can also cycle your way around the fascinating neighborhood on a bamboo bike with Bambike Ecotours.

Venice Grand Canal Mall (McKinley Hill, Taguig)

Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig

For the lovers who’ve long been wanting to go on that European vacation but can’t right now due to travel restrictions, here’s an alternative. Head over to the country’s most romantic mall, Venice Grand Canal Mall at McKinley Hill. Allow yourselves to be magically transported to one of Italy’s most romantic cities, with it’s Venetian architecture, replicas of famous landmarks and man-made grand canal. Make your date truly unforgettable by going on a gondola ride while being serenaded by your gondolier. There’s nowhere else you can get lovey-dovey than this lifestyle destination.

Masungi Georeserve (Baras, Rizal)

masungigeoreserve.com

Outdoorsy and active couples could test their endurance—and also their love and patience for each other—at Masungi Georeserve. The protected rainforest reserve offers guided hiking tours and rope courses. Masungi limits its numbers of visitors (for good reason, to keep the peace and quiet in the area) though so better book as soon as possible.

Circa 1900 (Lahug, Cebu)

facebook.com/CircaCebu

Circa 1900 is a colonial house that has been restored to a restaurant and events place

It has been said that Gen. Douglas MacArthur walked on the very same tiles that line the establishment’s floors today. A colonial house that has been restored to a restaurant and events place, Circa 1900 in Lahug, Cebu, feels like a time capsule—and a nostalgic one at that.

Circa 1900 is offering a Valentine’s Day dinner set menu featuring a sumptuous four-course dinner for two with wine pairings. Reservations are highly encouraged since seating capacity is limited.

Ugu Bigyan’s Pottery Garden (Tiaong, Quezon)

facebook.com/ugubigyan/

If you’re feeling artsy with your significant other and you’re both in the mood to learn a new craft, consider visiting Ugu Bigyan’s Pottery Garden. Nestled in the renowned pottery artist’s home in Tiaong, Quezon is his gallery, workshop and restaurant.

Be inspired by the rustic vibe of the compound, with its lush greenery and bahay kubo-inspired gazebos. Bigyan offers pottery workshops if you’re interested in learning the art. It would be best to contact him ahead of your visit.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort (Samal Island, Davao)

pearlfarmresort.com

Escape the hustle and bustle of the metro and head over to Pearl Farm Beach Resort for that getaway you’ve been promising each other as soon as travel restrictions are eased. The 23-hectare hideaway is lined with white sand beaches and surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters.

National Artist for Architecture Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa designed Pearl Farm Beach Resort’s unique and beautiful cottages on stilts. An easy 45-minute boat ride from Davao City, guests can choose from three white sand beaches. Two are located on the main island while the third is situated on Malipano, a separate private island.