In this article:
- For the Newly Minted Couples
- For the Dedicated Professionals
- For the Budget-Conscious
- For the Lifelong Partners
- For the Food Lovers
- For the LDR Couples
- For a Galentine’s Day Party
- For the Staying-Home Duo
Cupid's arrow is poised to strike—yup, Valentine's Day is just around the corner! Whether flying solo, in a budding romance, or celebrating the day with friends, you have many options for date inspiration for an amazing February 14. But if it’s all overwhelming, narrow your search with this guide of Valentine's Day ideas tailored to your relationship status.
For the Newly Minted Couples
February can make you feel anxious when you're on your fifth date or beginning a new relationship. You want to avoid putting too much pressure on the occasion. Still, you also want to express your happiness in the relationship. So, what Valentine's Day activities feel genuine and appropriate for your blossoming connection?
1. Enjoy a concert or show.
There’s always an exciting lineup of performances in February. If you can’t find the ideal show on February 14, take a look at this list of concerts and music festivals and surprise your partner with tickets to an upcoming concert they’ll love.
2. Take date night to the playground.
No, not the one at the children's park, but at Fun Roof, where you, your partner, and your couple friends can enjoy a rooftop bar. Here, you can play mini-golf, hit a home run in a batting cage, try feather bowling, and eat and drink in neon carousels and cabanas.
3. Mark your first Valentine's Day with a keepsake.
If you both love Japanese pop culture, try your luck at finding your favorite anime character at the Gashapon Bandai Official Store. Even if you don’t snag the capsule toy you’re hoping for, both of you walk away with keepsakes that remind you of that precious time.
4. Hit the museums.
Yes, you can talk and discover each other's interests while exploring a museum. Plus, if your family members come along, a museum offers plenty of conversation starters to keep the discussion flowing.
5. Have a Korean-themed date.
Try unlimited Korean BBQ at Samgyupsalamat. Then, go roller skating with K-pop as your background music at Roller Fever. Finally, watch a romantic Korean movie while snacking on tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, or honey butter chips!
For the Dedicated Professionals
Valentine's Day can feel tricky when you and your partner have to work. But you can still make it memorable! Here are a few ideas that won't compromise your schedule or make you feel FOMO.
1. Cook the "first breakfast" you had as a couple.
Start the workday with a smile as you each bring back a meal you first shared. If cooking isn't an option, surprise each other by ordering what you think the other's favorite breakfast food is.
2. Surprise your partner with lunch.
Pack a cute V-Day lunch for your partner, and definitely include a heart-shaped rice ball! You can also gift them a meal plan service, so they don't have to worry about what to eat at work.
3. Schedule a virtual coffee break.
Set aside 30 minutes (or even longer!) for a video chat. Grab a coffee and take a trip down memory lane. Look back on your first date or the first time you went out of town. No matter how brief, talking about your happiest moments adds a little extra love to your busy lives.
4. Send love notes throughout the day.
Sneak a chocolate bar wrapped in your love letter in your partner's bag. Write a secret message in their planner or notebook. Then, send memes or reels you know will keep your partner laughing every hour.
5. Have a practical gift waiting.
A practical Valentine's Day gift is one your partner can start using right away at the office. It can contain Bluetooth headphones for their commute, some blue light-blocking glasses, or that Starbucks tumbler they've wanted for a while.
For the Budget-Conscious
You can create a romantic day that’s as kind to your wallet as it is to your heart. These budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas focus on quality time and personal touches.
1. Skip dinner and opt for brunch instead.
Cafes are more affordable than fine dining establishments. They also have that cozy morning vibe, no matter the hour. Try Rustic Mornings in Marikina, Bungalow Cafe in Alabang, or Cafe Mabini in San Juan.
2. Treat yourselves to an affordable steak dinner.
This list of affordable steak restaurants proves you can have hand-cut steaks or marbled rib-eye at reasonable prices. Save more by shopping at Chingolo Deli & Kitchen or Kitayama Meat Shop, and cook at home.
3. Hang out at the park.
Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and drinks, and head to a local park or garden. Or take a road trip and head to Clark Parade Grounds in Angeles City, conveniently surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops.
4. Watch movies back-to-back-to-back.
February 14 is perfect for a Valentine’s Day movie marathon at home. Shop for popcorn (a flavored one at Landers or S&R) and soda beforehand to complete the at-home theater experience.
5. Go ice skating at the mall.
Liven up your mall date by gliding hand-in-hand on the rink. Klook offers a ₱350 ice skating experience at SM Megamall (skate rental included). Then wind down with coffee and dessert buns at nearby FELT.
For the Lifelong Partners
You might roll your eyes at romantic gestures on February 14 after a decade or more together. But think of it this way: Valentine's Day offers a chance to break daily routines and bond over a new experience.
1. Plan a weekend getaway.
Nothing says love and quality time like a long weekend getaway. Stay at scenic hotels that make you feel like you're abroad. Or splurge for a romantic Valentine’s Day vacation in Palawan or Camiguin Island.
2. Exchange photo books of cherished memories.
Experts say checking out photos of your partner boosts your mood and brings those warm, fuzzy feelings. Personalize the photo book with captions or inside jokes that only you two understand.
3. Do something out of the box for the two of you.
Take up an indoor rock climbing or wheel throwing class. Paint each other's portrait and literally see each other in a new light. Or play your favorite board or card games where the winner gets a K-drama-worthy kiss.
4. Buy whatever the other wants...at the grocery.
Turn your grocery shopping into a lighthearted Valentine’s Day with this rule: you can't say "no" to each other’s choices. Your partner can grab that pricey canned corned beef, and you can choose the pink salt for cooking. It's a fun way to treat yourselves and indulge each other’s whims.
5. Upgrade your mattress.
You're a tosser-and-turner while your other half wakes up at the slightest movement on the bed. The solution: a mattress with superior motion isolation. Yes, it’s expensive, but your partner will sleep better and love you forever.
For the Food Lovers
Surprising your foodie partner with their favorite dessert will brighten their whole day. But if you really want to make their heart race, reserve a table at one of these fabulous restaurants.
1. Savor culinary delights at a buffet.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the best buffets in Manila. But if you have to pick one, you can't go wrong with Heat in Edsa Shangri-La Hotel or Spectrum in Fairmont.
2. Dine like you're in Tokyo.
Every Japanese food lover wants a table at Iai, which offers dinner-only multi-course meals by chef Bruce Ricketts. Reserve the premium sushi omakase tasting menu in advance, which features 16 to 18 dishes.
3. Indulge in Chinese cuisine with a view.
China Blue at Conrad Manila is helmed by celebrity chef Jereme Leung, renowned for his modern interpretations of Chinese cuisine. Ask for a spot that shows a breathtaking view of Manila Bay.
4. Eat at one of the best restaurants in Asia.
Chef Jordy Navarra's innovative take on Filipino cuisine has landed Toyo Eatery on the list of Asia's Best Restaurants for five consecutive years. Choose between a "kamayan" or an eight-course tasting menu showcasing bold flavors through fermentation techniques.
5. See a firewood kitchen in action.
An eight-course tasting awaits you at Kása Palma, where chef Aaron Isip blends French techniques with local flavors. The open kitchen allows you to watch your food being prepared over an open flame—no electricity or gas.
For the LDR couples
Valentine’s Day sucks when you’re in a long-distance relationship (LDR). But with a bit of imagination, there are plenty of fun ways to stay loved up across the miles.
1. Mail a care package.
Fill your care package with items that remind your partner just how much you miss them. Include a cozy blanket, the other half of your matching sweatshirts, and their favorite snacks. Top it all off with a handwritten Valentine's card to make the gift even more personal.
2. Hold a duet karaoke night.
Cement your status as a superstar couple with the WeSing app. The platform lets you sing, record, and even share your performances with family and friends. Need a confidence boost? WeSing comes packed with voice effects, so sing your heart out!
3. Say "I love you" in a playlist.
Put together a Spotify playlist that captures your love story. When you're ready to share it, surprise your partner with a fun reel of your favorite photos together.
4. Catch a movie together.
Use a streaming service like Netflix, Prime Video, or Vivamax to watch a movie you promised you'd only watch together. You can use the Teleparty plug-in to watch simultaneously, so it's like you're in the same room.
5. Start a countdown before your Valentine's Day video call.
A countdown helps make the time apart easier as you look forward to the day of your virtual hangout. Set up a shared calendar to mark the days together. You can even spice it up by sending each other fun notes, pics, or memes every day leading up to your big event.
For a Galentine’s Day Party
Sometimes, being with your amazing girlfriends—who may be single, coupled, or somewhere in between—is just what Cupid ordered. Here are a few ways you can spend Galentine's Day.
1. Rent a house by the beach.
You can do a lot—swimming, karaoke, island hopping—at a beach house. Or you can also just have one agenda: have a catch up while drinking wine without worries.
2. Link up in the morning.
Skip the Valentine’s Day rush and gather your friends for early breakfast. This list of best breakfast restaurants provides recommendations if you're seeking Filipino cuisine, a cozy ambiance, or conveniently located eateries.
3. Save for a private dining experience.
Pio's Kitchen and its exceptional Spanish cuisine make a fantastic choice for Galentine's Day. You and your girlfriends eat at a beautifully restored ancestral home and even join in cooking paella, the restaurant's signature dish.
4. Put on dancing shoes.
Learn the BINI dance choreography, and hit the dance floor with your BFFs! Not into the club scene? Sign up for a dance class instead. Or even better, book a private dance party with 808Studio.
5. Party like it's the 90s (or 80s).
Celebrate your friendship by exploring the bars in Poblacion, Makati. You and your friends can either choose the DIY route or join a guided tour like Pobcrawl (includes free-flowing shots and prizes!).
For the Staying-Home Duo
Expect gnarly traffic whether Valentine's Day is on a weekday or weekend. So, if you decide to stay in, here are ideas for "date night sa bahay but make it sosyal."
1. Assemble a cheese and charcuterie board.
Creating your own cheese and charcuterie board is the best because no cooking is required! Get personalized recommendations from specialty shops like Joel's Place, One World Deli, and Santi's.
2. Add fondue to your meal.
You always make a beeline for that melted cheese or chocolate pot at restaurants. Guess what? You can recreate this indulgence with the help of La Petite Fromagerie's Swiss fondue kit.
3. Hire a chef.
Wolfgang's Steakhouse provides a personal chef who can whip up your Valentine's Day dinner. Don’t worry about your kitchen supplies; the chef brings everything he needs to cook. Just sit back, relax, and savor the experience!
4. Book a couple's massage.
Slip into fluffy robes and cozy slippers, BUT let the pros handle the important stuff. Massage MNL's "Khozy" package brings the spa right to your living room: massage session for two, soothing essential oils, calming music, and bathrobes, too.
5. Stay in bed.
Snuggling under cozy blankets is the ultimate luxurious experience. It's all about relaxation and uninterrupted time together. Spend the day eating in bed, watching movies, reading, or simply talking.
No matter how you choose to spend February 14th, the most swoon-worthy, heart-fluttering Valentine's Day ideas are those that hold the most meaning to you and your other half. Love is always worth celebrating—Valentine's Day and every day.
Enjoy a hassle-free Valentine’s Day at home or in the city! For Postpaid subscribers, check out Globe Postpaid Perks and use your Globe Rewards points through the GlobeOne App to purchase streaming, shopping, or flower vouchers for your date night. Make your day even more special using your Globe prepaid promos to ensure smooth voucher redemption. Let these ideas inspire you to craft the perfect Valentine’s date you and your loved one will remember for years to come.
