It’s once again that time of year, when restaurants are fully booked until the last table and flowers are selling out left and right at the Dangwa Market. It’s Valentine’s and you have no idea what to give that special person in your life. It’s okay—we’ve all been there. But when everyone else is gifting the ubiquitous chocolate-and-flowers combo, to both girlfriends and boyfriends, husbands and wives, what something you can get for your significant other that isn’t too cheesy (ick), commercialized (leave the Hallmark cards to the high school kids), or gasgas? Lucky for you, we put our thinking caps on and came up with a few easy ideas bound to make February 14th a special day unlike any other.
For the new couple
The situation: You said yes—or, he/she said yes! Congratulations. You guys are celebrating your first fourteenth together, and your relationship is still new enough to be classified in the honeymoon stages. You want to make your first Valentine’s special, and know that flowers, chocolate, and a fancy-schmancy restaurant won’t cut it.
The solution: We suggest going on an adventure-filled hike together—the grungier you’ll both get, the better! The long trek will help you get to know each other more, and the unique idea of having a picnic at the summit is a surefire way to make your first V-Day memorable. For beginners, Mt. Pinatubo is a relatively easy trek that’s just a few hours out of Manila. More advanced adventurers may want to take on Batangas’ Mt. Batulao, with its rolling slopes, or Rizal’s Mt. Daraitan, which has the added bonus of a side trip to beautiful Tinipak River. For the truly physically fit and adventure-seeking, the arduous journey to reach Benguet’s Mt. Pulag can make for the bold, wintry getaway you two need—plus, the majestic sunrise makes for a great selfie backdrop!
For the “Kulang-na-lang-ikasal-na-kayo” couple
The situation: How long have you guys been together again? For that couple that’s been in a relationship for what seems like forever—to the point where everyone just assumes that you’ll get married someday (or maybe even in the near future!)—Valentine’s Day can feel like a tedious chore or a societal obligation.
The solution: The surprise factor is crucial here! Upping the ante for ridiculousness is key; the primary objective is getting your partner to laugh and just enjoy at the amount of craziness you’ve got in store. What are your partner’s interests or favorite things, and how can you translate that into some innocent laughs? Try to one-up each other in getting the most absurd gift possible—dinosaur onesies, cheesy couple shirts, (bad) handmade portraits or pottery—like they say, it’s the thought that counts anyway. After years of knowing your partner well enough to finish each other’s sentences, the idea of mixing things up through humor is guaranteed to make for an extraordinary day.
For the married couple stuck in a rut
The situation: It’s been years since you two had a real date. Between juggling work, the kids, and other urgent tasks, romance had to take a backseat to the more “important” stuff. But, guess what? Your relationship deserves some attention, too. And why not take a night off on the one day a year (aside from your anniversary, of course) that society dictates you spend time, just the two of you?
The solution: Build a time machine. No, we’re not kidding! We’re pretty sure you still remember your first date many years ago, down to every last detail. So, why not spend a night recreating it, and reminiscing about what it felt like to first fall in love? Maybe this blast from the past is the jolt your marriage needs to feel alive again. Even a movie and dinner at a fast food joint will feel new when you spend it recounting the details of your love story. If you have kids, you can even get them to help out! Try looking for your first photo together and have the kids help you re-enact it—cheesy, outdated clothes and all—for a souvenir sure to make your heart skip a beat every day.
For the single, independent soul who don’t need no man/woman
The situation: You’re sick of being asked constantly why you still don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend (ehem, #TitasofManila), and your lack of a love life is bound to be a hot topic among your mother and her amigas with February 14 coming up. But here’s the thing: you’re actually okay with your lack of attachment. You have other things to worry about—like school, work, or your dreams for the future—but you can’t seem to make the rest of the world understand.
The solution: When you’re happy being perfectly single, a day of celebrating the power of love is just another day on the calendar (naks). But who says you can’t use it as an excuse to treat yourself? Gather the troops and spend a day just basking in the glory of your favorite person—you. And make sure to leave the sappy rom-coms or hugot lines at home. This isn’t a day to feel sorry for yourself. Indulge in a junk-filled food trip, buy that expensive pair of shoes you’ve always wanted, and maybe even order a bouquet of flowers or some expensive chocolates just because you feel like it. The world is your oyster, and someone out there is bound to take notice—but guess what? You’re not looking. And that’s a perfectly fine way to be.
