Sweet Somethings

An elegant celebration at Casa Roces

MANILA, Philippines – Known for its delicious Spanish-Filipino fare, Casa Roces has an inimitable charm, patterned tiles, vintage chandeliers and photographs by a bygone era with nostalgic notions – elements that tug at the romantic’s heartstrings.

For this season, Casa Roces has a special four-course meal starting with roasted red peppers and strawberry gazpacho soup, feta cheese and sliced strawberry salad. Choose from grilled shrimp and steak scampi, chicken Valentino and grilled sea bass germinate. Savor a divine strawberry and cream Napoleon for dessert.

Adding to the alluring ambiance are prints of famous Filipino love letters that inspire guests to linger  longer. Reserve a table in one of the rooms at Galeria Roces on the second floor.

The restaurant is located at 1153 J.P. Laurel cor. Aguado Sts. San Miguel, Manila. Call 735-5896 for more details.

Romantic retreats at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria

Enjoy a lavish gastronomic dinner spread at Seven Corners or an intimate one at Xin Tian Di featuring prepared set menu on Feb. 13 and 14. Complete the romantic culinary journey with your favorite love songs by a violin and flute duo. Dinner includes rose for the ladies and glass of Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne.

 Visit Seven Corners Express and sample flavors such as Love Potion, Swirls of Love, Love on Top  and Cupid’s Favorite.

Treat your loved one for an overnight stay for only P5,499nett, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two and gelato. Stay for two nights and receive a bottle of wine for your celebration. This package is available until Feb. 28.

For reservations, call 633-7222 or email [email protected]

Wicked’s special Valentine treats

Dessert bar and café Wicked is the perfect place to celebrate the love month with its array of sinfully good desserts that will surely melt hearts this Valentine’s season.

Make an unforgettable love confession with Wicked’s signature chocolate smores shaped into big and small plump hearts. Get creative and mix it up with some strawberry and salted caramel smores, something new and made especially for the month of love.

Wicked is located at the 5th level, East Wing, Shangri-La Mall.

Follow your heart to The Peninsula Manila

Chef Gregory Georges of Escolta offers a love-laden repast. On Feb. 12, enjoy the Ultimate Sunday Valentine’s Brunch, where lovers can enjoy culinary delights and free-flowing champagne; Feb. 13 features an international buffet; and the most sensual seafood dinner buffet on Feb. 14.

Classic Afternoon Tea Buffet at The Lobby will have an especially romantic touch on Feb. 13 and 14. Old Manila is Chef de Cuisine Bertrand Charles’ bastion of fine dining where lovers can enjoy his exquisite four-course Valentine’s dinner menu on Feb. 13 and 14. Spices will be sharing the love on Feb. 13 and 14 with the exotic flavors of India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. All ladies dining in the Peninsula restaurants on these dates will receive a long-stemmed red rose.

For those seeking the ultimate luxurious experience, Celebrate Love at The Peninsula room package until Feb. 14 inclusive of a specially-prepared menu in Spices paired with selected wines, 90-minute couple’s massage, welcome amenity, room service breakfast for two and guaranteed late check-out. Complimentary parking, use of The Peninsula Fitness Center, unlimited local calls and internet access are also included. For inquiries, call 887-2888 or visit www.peninsula.com.

Spend a dreamy Valentine’s at Sisterfields Tagaytay

Dubbed as “A Romantic Episode”, couples can enjoy a 4-course dinner made up of Sisterfields’ gourmet offerings amid the scenic views of Tagaytay. For the main dish, guests can choose between roast pork with mushroom sauce and mashed potato or grilled cobbler with rice pilaf and hollandaise sauce. The hearty dinner ends with a trio of delectable desserts. After dinner, couples can unwind at Summit Ridge Hotel’s al fresco area where they can watch a movie under the stars – complete with complimentary popcorn. Available on Feb. 14, 17 and 18 from 7 p.m. onwards. Limited seats available. Call 240-6888 for reservations. Sisterfields is located at Summit Ridge Hotel, Km. 58 Maharlika West, Gen. Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay City.

Romantic getaway at Widus

Celebrate a weekend of love at Widus Hotel and Casino with its special promos slated during the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta that runs until today.

Manila Sound project ushers in a one night only live performance on Feb. 13 at the Widus Convention Center. The renowned group features original members of the biggest OPM groups of the 70s – Hagibis, VST& Co, Boyfriends and the queen of Pinoy Rock, Sampaguita. Tickets are inclusive of dining discounts.

Special room accommodation packages for Feb. 13 are inclusive of buffet breakfast, two Manila Sound tickets, welcome drinks, and more.

Food lovers are also in for a sumptuous treat as Salt all-day casual dining restaurant rolls out a gastronomic buffet spread on Feb. 14. For the ultimate Valentine’s Day dining experience, a mouth-watering five course meal at Peppers 21 will exquisitely redefine any romantic celebration for two.  

For more information, call (6345) 499-1000, 847-1430, or visit www.widus.com.

Love is in the air at Makati Diamond Residences

Enjoy a memorable staycation at Makati Diamond Residences.  Set the mood with a romantic getaway with the hotel’s one-bedroom suite and get a complimentary one-hour Swedish massage for two. Get 20 percent off on the Valentine buffet dinner of Asian and Continental specialties at Alfred restaurant on Feb. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Take advantage of the Health Club facilities which includes an indoor lap pool, 24-hour fitness center with personal training sessions, daily TRX classes, full body massages and reflexology and spa treatments.

The promo is available until Feb. 28. Call 317-0999 or email [email protected].

Sweet moments at Hyatt City of Dreams

Because one bottle is not enough for two hearts in love, every purchase of a bottle of select wine from Napa Valley’s acclaimed Robert Mondavi Winery will come with a complimentary second bottle. Bottles are regularly priced for retail at PHP 2,500++ per bottle, but will be priced at PHP 1,900++ per bottle while dining at The Café or The Lounge. This “1 + 1” offer is available Feb. 12-13 and 15-28 .

On Valentine’s Day, dine for lunch and dinner at The Café and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a special gift for ladies.

At The Lounge, martinis and cotton candy will make for memorable moments with craft cotton candy martinis priced at PHP 380++ per cocktail.

For inquiries , call +632 691 1234 ext. 1162 (The Café) or ext. 1153 (The Lounge).

Romance at the New World Manila Bay Hotel

Share an intimate night with your special someone with New World Manila Bay Hotel’s Romantic Valentine’s specials.

All ladies who dine on Valentine’s will receive a special heart-shaped praline. Couples will have a chance to win an overnight stay.

At Market Cafe buffet dinner is inclusive of free-flowing wine, soda, and local beer for one guest. The special Valentine set dinner at LiLi includes a glass of wine. Share a perfect evening at The Fireplace capped with a dark chocolate and raspberry parfait with crystalized rose petals. Inclusive of a glass of Moet and Chandon.

Treat your dearest to an exclusive, one-night-only candle-lit dinner by New World Manila Bay Hotel’s poolside. Only 20 couples will experience an intimate and romantic dinner under the stars with a specially-created menu and a bottle of sparkling wine.  Avail of a Romantic Stay by the Bay inclusive of buffet breakfast for two, massage for two, bottle of wine, and more. For more information, call  252-6888, or visit newworldhotels.com.

Spread the Love at Holiday Inn Manila

Tell us your love story through a song. Serenade your heart out and get a chance to win an overnight stay with buffet breakfast for two. Join Duet, Darling? on Feb. 14 at Bar One. Open mic starts at 8 p.m. Free admission.

Create fun memories with your family at any of Holiday Inn’s rooms, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two.

Parents are encouraged to bring their kids along. The little ones receive a Kid Welcome Play Pack on their check-in and enjoy the Kids Stay and Eat Free program. Available for the month of February. Enjoy an afternoon movie marathon and popcorn on all weekends of February!

Call 633-7111 or email [email protected] for more details

Notte D’Amore at Seda BGC

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a four-course dinner at Misto on Feb. 13 and 14, with a choice of main courses – beef tenderloin with morels-Madeira wine sauce, or fillet of sea bass with calamari and lemon-roe in sea urchin sauce.

For a more casual celebration, opt for Seda’s signature apericena buffet  at Straight Up bar from 6  to 9 p.m.

Another option is the Wine Buffet featuring premium brands from 5 to 9 p.m. 

Avail of the hotel’s Notte d’Amore room package inclusive of an overnight stay in a deluxe room with buffet breakfast for two, plus a choice of set dinner for two at Misto or cocktail buffet for two at Straight Up. Stay dates are on Feb. 18 to 19.

For reservations or inquiries, call 9458888 or email [email protected].

Romance story writing workshop at Ayala Museum

This two-session romance story writing workshop at the Ayala Museum will put your passion project to the test.

Author and publisher Mina Esguerra will guide you through the writing and development of your story, publishing options, finding readers, and participating in the vibrant community of romance readers and authors worldwide. The workshop is slated on Feb. 18 and 25, 9 am to 12 pm. The workshop fee includes materials, handouts, snacks, certificate, one day free admission to Ayala Museum and one day free access to the Filipinas Heritage Library. For inquiries and reservations, call 759-8284 or email [email protected].

A shade darker at Marriott Cafe

Excite your senses in “The Red Room” specially designed for V-Day. Filled with the most tempting pastries and chocolates, this room is all about your desired sweet ending. Lunch and dinner buffets are available on Feb. 14. At Marriott Cafe Bakery, swoon over luscious treats inspired by the 50 Shades story. Relive the sweet and sensuous scenes with every bite and sip. Try My Sweet Fifty Cupcakes, assortment of cupcakes topped with designs based on Ana’s relationship with Christian. Oh my, Vanilla! Milkshake is special blend of vanilla and English breakfast tea so good, it will definitely make you bite your lip. Available from Feb. 1 to 15.