by Misha Fabian
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and whether you’re single, taken, or somewhere in between, there’s no need to be bitter! Take your beloved, your family, your pet, or even yourself on a date doing any of these activities and you’re sure to have a Valentine’s Day to remember.
Learners’ Delight
If you want to spend the day soaking up knowledge and gathering up bits of trivia, this is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The National Museum of the Philippines showcases all sorts of artifacts that have been around since time immemorial and they are all displayed proudly in the hallowed halls of the museum. The museum has six divisions: anthropology, zoology, botany, geology, archaeology, and arts. As such, it also houses the National Art Gallery and the Museum of the Filipino People where priceless artworks and a comprehensive history of how Philippine society came to be can be found. The best part? The museums are all free of charge. Now, if you want to take your learning one step further, you can walk on over to the National Planetarium to learn all about the cosmic bodies that grace our skies. The Planetarium charges Php 50.00 for regular visitors while students and senior citizens are charged Php 30.00 and Php 40.00, respectively.
A Walk in the Park
Nothing more romantic than a stroll in the park, right? Right! Situated by the Marikina River, the Marikina Park offers a wide, open space where you can frolic to your heart’s content! The park was part of the rehabilitation initiative of the Marikina City government to save the Marikina River in 1993 and it has since become a beloved landmark of the city. The park also features floating platforms where cultural shows are sometimes staged, a Chinese Pagoda, a Roman Garden, a gazebo, and an amphitheater. You can even board a raft and ride up and down the length of the Marikina River. The park is frequented by families on the weekends and is a great place to go on a date with your beloved if you want a nice, quiet place to relax and talk. If you get hungry, there are also tons of dining options around the area that are just a few minutes away on foot.
Kainan Na
Metro Manila is a haven for food spots, and it’s easy to find scrumptious food that won’t burn a hole in your pocket- you only need to know where to look. Luckily, one such gem is right in the heart of Quezon City and it is none other than UP nating mahal. The University of the Philippines Diliman campus is filled with eateries that cater to any craving you could have. From street food to gourmet meals- you name it, UP has it. A personal favorite dining spot is the famous Mang Larry’s Isawan where you can get isaw, kwek kwek, cheese sticks, dynamite, and all your other favorite street food for less than Php 20.00 each stick. They also serve fruit shakes and various soft drinks and juices. Unsure of which dishes to try first? Mang Larry’s also offers combos where you can get small portions of different types of street food so you get to try them all in one go!
Blast From the Past
Transport yourself to 18th century Philippines by entering the walled city of Intramuros. From the cobbled streets to the old houses, you would certainly be able to immerse yourself in your surroundings and feel as if you’re back to Spanish-era Philippines. Apart from being picturesque, there are loads of activities that can be done inside Intramuros. There are various museums inside the city, Casa Manila being the most popular. This museum allows you to see how the lifestyle was during the colonial period. You can also take a tour around the city using a kalesa or, if you’re more willing to splurge, a bamboo bike.
