As the number of infections and alert levels in Metro Manila drop, are couples ready to brave restaurants, malls and other public places to go on dates this Valentine’s Day? Or are they still playing it safe despite the urge to throw caution to the wind, as the entire world spends its second Day of Hearts under the shadow of a pandemic?
By Alex Y. Vergara
After a surge in COVID-19 cases in early January, the number of cases continue to drop as February reaches the halfway mark. Traffic has long reached pre-pandemic levels, while malls and restaurants are again starting to teem with people, as government lowers its so-called “alert level” to two.
So, will it be Valentine’s Day as usual for most Filipino couples this February 14? Or would they rather stay home or join a select gathering of friends on a group date at a private venue? Here’s what a number of prominent couples say.
***
Last year, our Valentine’s Day was spent at the helipad of our condo. My husband Yong (Nieva), forever the romantic, set up the dining table with two chairs, the best bottle of wine, which we shared under the glow of candlelight and pre-programmed music. The food was catered by one of our restaurants. This year, we will be among Pinky Tobiano’s guests at The Farm. That, too, I’m pretty sure, will be special. A Tablelove ensemble by Pinky is always a treat to look forward to!—interior designer Ivy Almario
***
An ideal Valentine’s Day date for me and Noel (Crisostomo), in all likelihood, will be at home with our son Argo. Since Argo joined our lives as a baby, he has constantly been part of our 1+1 equation. At home, we always exchange “I love yous” and give each other hugs. At home, we can be safe while enjoying a nice Valentine’s Day meal that’s cooked mainly by Noel, while I do the organizing and decorating. For his part, Argo provides the entertainment by simply being his cute self. I can’t imagine spending this special day any other way.—fashion designer Roland Alzate of Queen Street West
***
Haven’t really thought about Valentine’s Day this year, but it’ll probably be like last year—a low-key but meaningful day spent with my hubby (Freddie Tinga). Will be out of town, so I’m seeing us doing sunset cocktails by the beach, listening to the waves and those old radio standards. And luckily, this is also the perfect way I want to spend Valentine’s Day. —businesswoman Kaye Tinga
***
I love February, aka the love month, because we always have a valid reason to take a break from all the work, spend valuable quality time with the ones we love and surprise them with an extra-special gift! This year, Karlo (Nograles) and I booked a lovely dinner date in a nice restaurant with our closest friends (all fully vaccinated and following minimum public health protocols). Apart from that, Karlo and I are also looking forward to a special dinner for two cooked by our kids at home. We also promised each other a surprise gift and I am so excited to find out what I’m getting! I think we’ve learned how to live amidst the pandemic. As long as we are extra careful and always try our best to keep healthy and safe, life (and Valentine’s Day) must go on!—Kaayo creative director Marga Nograles
***
We just celebrated our wedding anniversary earlier this month and spent a lovely weekend at Anya Resort in Tagaytay. For Valentine’s Day itself, Atom (Henares) and I are keeping it delightfully intimate at home. I will be preparing a menu featuring our favorite European flavors just for the two of us, served at a well-appointed table for a romantic evening.—Portoro Interior creative director Nathalie Henares
***
My idea of the perfect Valentine’s Day date with Niño (Gaddi) is to go to the grocery/deli and pick out a nice steak to cook at home. I find the whole act of meal prep and cooking to be very romantic— endless conversations from the kitchen to the dinner table. Then we’d cap the night off by discovering a new series to binge-watch. Pretty simple, indeed, but full of meaning, nonetheless.—stylist Vince Uy
***
Since both our children are studying overseas, Martin (Andanar) and I want to spend this Valentine’s Day with a quiet dinner at home, together with our nine dogs. Martin has been experimenting in the kitchen for the past few weeks, so, this year’s celebration involves planning a menu for two: Martin cooking some lamb biryani, while I bake some bread and pastries at home.—Luxuri creative director Alelee Aguilar-Andanar
(Banner picture backdrop from pexels.com)
