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MANILA, Philippines – Do you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day but are low on budget? Don’t fret, because these affordable but romantic date ideas can help you make the day special without breaking your wallet.
Valentine’s Day is coming. Despite what other people say that it’s just a commercial holiday made to sell flowers, chocolates, and expensive jewelry; I believe and belong to the group of hopeless romantics who see it as a special day to celebrate love.
I like Valentine’s Day because it’s not everyday you see so many people candidly expressing their love. And regardless of whether I was single or in a relationship back then, I always made sure that I’d go out to celebrate it, even if most of the time, it was just a date with my friends.
There were, of course, years when budget was tight. However, that didn’t stop me from celebrating Valentine’s. Below are some of the things I have done – a list of fun and romantic, but budget-friendly date ideas that you can do this year.
Have a candlelit dinner at home
The idea’s a cliché but it can be romantic if done the right way. (READ: #FoodieFriday: Recipes for romance)
From experience, the best way to do this is to plan the meal with your partner, buy the ingredients together, and cook it with them.
The candlelit dinner can then serve as the romantic conclusion to this frugal date.
Go to a free Valentine’s concert
Malls, colleges, universities, and even local parks are known to hold free Valentine’s concerts.
If there’s none near you, then there are always inexpensive shows that features up and coming singers and bands that can give you the same romantic serenade as those famous artists.
If you’re keen on celebrating a few days early, then you should check out this year’s UP Fair.
Do a movie marathon at home
No need for mushy movies or romantic chick flicks, any movie that both of you like will do.
Pro tip: make sure there’s a scary movie in your list because studies have shown that people tend to misinterpret fear as sexual arousal. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to show your partner that you’re not a wimp.
Moreover, if you’re single, then this is certainly an excellent way to spend the night with your other single friends. You’ll get to avoid the love fest outside without necessarily spending the day alone and asking the universe where your soulmate is.
Go on a breakfast date
Avoid the Valentine’s Day evening rush by going on a date in the morning. I’ve done this a few times and it always turned out to be both romantic and memorable. (READ: 7 things to try at Cafe Enye, a lovely new brunch spot in Eastwood)
The upside of going on a date in the morning, aside from being able to avoid the traffic, is that there’s no need to dress fancy. Also, breakfast is normally cheaper than dinner meals. (READ: #FoodieFriday: Wake up, anytime, for breakfast)
Simply search for a nice and quiet breakfast nook in town and enjoy each other’s company without the noisy crowd.
Play board games
When was the last time you played a board game? Turn those gadgets off on Valentine’s Day and go old school with your favorite tabletop game.
Go to any of the numerous board game cafés around the city, or just stay and play at home. You can try an unfamiliar game and learn it together, or go with the classics such as Scrabble, Boggle, or Jenga. (READ: In Ludo, over 350 board games make up your fun night out)
Additionally, you can invite other couples to join you for some friendly competition.
Go star gazing
Bring a map of the stars and spend the night having a romantic picnic while searching constellations across the night sky. A friend did this once and he says it’s really a unique and fun date.
The UP Diliman campus is one of the best places to do this, plus you can just head on to the UP Fair if you get tired searching the heavens. There’s also nice and quiet spaces around Bonifacio Global City that gives a good view of the night sky.
Share a fast food meal
I know most of you will agree that when you’re in love, everything seems to be romantic.
So even if you’re in a fast food restaurant, quietly eating in one corner, and sharing some burgers and fries, the unromantic ambiance won’t really matter as long as you’re together with your loved one on Valentine’s Day.
Scout for and go to a branch that isn’t normally crowded, and sit where there’s little foot traffic from other diners.
You can certainly do the same and just wander around Bonifacio Global City, Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, or even inside the business districts of Makati or Ortigas. (READ: QC Food Festival 2015: 24 food finds at Maginhawa Street)
Do a Before Sunrise
In my opinion, one of the most romantic films of all time is Before Sunrise, and it’s the inspiration for this last Valentine’s Day date idea.
In this movie, which stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, a couple of strangers meet on a train and decide to get off at Vienna to basically just walk around, experience the city, and talk about life, love, and everything in between.
Before Sunrise has a rare 100% rating on the popular film review site, Rotten Tomatoes, which to me only proves that for those in love, being in each other’s presence is all you really need to have a romantic time.
– Rappler.com
Fitz Gerard Villafuerte is a civil engineer who decided to quit the corporate world back in 2003 to pursue entrepreneurship. His blog, Ready To Be Rich has won several awards including the Best Business and Finance Blog at the Philippine Blog Awards.
He has also been recognized by Moneysense Magazine as among the Top 12 Most Influential People in Personal Finance in the Philippines. He is a Registered Financial Planner and a resource speaker for corporate and socio-civic organizations in the country, where he actively promotes entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Contact him through his website at www.fitzvillafuerte.com or Twitter @brodfitz.
Roses photo from Shutterstock.
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