Alternative ways in a Vday date

When we speak of Valentine's Day, it is a common notion that lovers ought to give presents - a symbol of their love for each other. Gift shops, flower shops and department stores/ boutiques are in good business on this day. Suitors and admirers give extravagantly to their "girls" to win their hearts.

Hotel and restaurant reservations are made even before the month of February starts. Everybody's painting the town red. Flowers, chocolates, stuffed toys, Vday cards... a night under the stars, candle-lit dinner with timeless love songs in the background… everything must be extravagant and perfect!

This Vday, try to step out from the usual stuff you practice yet a memorable night is still not compromised. Here are some ideas for you:

Dinner at Larsian - Larsian is still the best place to eat barbeque. The best part is eating "puso" and grilled pork belly, kinamot style. There are kids selling sampaguitas on the sides…perhaps you want to give some to your date.

Movie Marathon - Look for the great Valentine movies that you'll watch with your partner. Among the notable love stories are Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, My Bestfriend's Wedding, Pretty Woman, My Girl, Sleepless in Seattle, Somewhere in Time, Jerry Maguire, Only You, Roxanne, Two Weeks' Notice, Fools Rush In, Sabrina, Ever After, Kate and Leopold, Romeo and Juliet, Notting Hill, etc. Ask the video store in charge for the list of Valentine movies to watch. A sumptuous dinner paired with a bottle of wine should be perfect for the night. (TURN TO PAGE C...)

If Tops is too far for you, have your stargazing at South Hills in Labangon, instead. After a wonderful dinner, take your date to this village located at the topmost part of Labangon. Note: You are not allowed to enter the village, unless you have friends/relatives residing in South Hills. However, you can still enjoy the picturesque view of the city while staying near the entrance of the village.

A trip to Busay needs a lot of effort (for the long drive) and money (gasoline) but when you reach the flower plantation, everything is worth it. A wide array of flowers can be found in this mountainous place of the province. Take your pick and purchase them immediately.

If you want to see the dramatic view of the horizon (of the sea), take a trip to Liloan - at the parola (lighthouse). Feel the cool breeze while enjoying your moments under the historical lighthouse. Don't forget to bring your camera.

They say that you will have the best view of the sunset in Talisay. Most ladies find watching sunsets very romantic - dramatic.

Go videoke! Sing your hearts out this Valentine's Day. There are lots of videoke houses in the city. Be sure to make your reservations earlier. Decide how many hours you will stay in the videoke house so that you can do more things with your date afterwards. Invite your friends, if you wish to. The more the merrier, but if you wish to have an intimate night with your date, you may do it by yourselves-alone.

There are other things you can do on Valentine's Day. You can go on a road trip, the beach, ride bump cars or go carting at Kartzone in Mabolo. Take your pick and have a great experience this Vday.