5 Non-Boring Date Ideas For Valentine’s Day

Unless you live under a rock, you know that Valentine’s Day is coming up. And next to Christmas, this is probably one of the craziest holidays in the Philippines — all the restaurants are booked, flower shops get mobbed, people actually wear red (or black, because even the heartbroken like to mark this day), and traffic gets more horrendous than usual.

Sure, you can go the dozen-roses-fancy-dinner route. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But if you really want to impress your date, you need to put some thought into it. Throw out that template Valentine’s Day thinking and get a little creative. Here are some out-of-the-chocolate-box date ideas for you to consider:

1. The Jellies Exhibit at Manila Ocean Park

Most people might think of taking their date stargazing, but you’re not like most people, are you? That’s right. You’re a maverick. You’re a rebel. While other people stare up at the sky, you take your date to the depths of the ocean. Well kind of.

The Jellies exhibit features a beautiful display of jellyfish set to light and music. The experience is so ethereal, it’ll take your date’s breath away.

2. Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta

If you and your date are up for a whole-day affair, consider the annual Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. More than just a picturesque display of giant, colorful balloons dotting the sky, this fiesta is about all things that soar — hot air balloons, kites, paragliding, sky diving, and yes, even your hearts.

And if you’re feeling the magic and your date is going really, really well, you can always extend because the festivities go on for four whole days.

3. Valentine’s Day Cruise

If you must be a cliché, then you might as well play it to the hilt. Book a cruise around the bay, enjoy a buffet dinner and have some wine as you catch Manila Bay’s glorious sunsets. Whisper sweet nothings to each other, exchange small-but-thoughtful presents, take couple selfies, create your own hashtag. Play up Valentine’s Day to the hilt. Let your friends roll their eyes and make fake puking noises. That will only encourage you more. It’s cliché extravaganza and that’s how you like it!

4. Karaoke Your Heart Out

Have a lot to say to your date, but not a lot of courage to say it? Maybe you should sing it! Head over to the nearest karaoke joint, order a round of drinks or three, and start picking music with just the right lyrics to let her know how you’ve been feeling. Melt With You, Sexy Thing, Have I Told You Lately That I Loved You…you get my drift.

It’s totally passive aggressive, but in a fun way. The air will be electric with all things sung but left unsaid. Plus, if you end up regretting it the next day, you can deny it. That’s because you like to keep ‘em guessing. It keeps everyone on their toes.

5. Stay Home

It sounds like a cop out, but there are many ways to make Valentine’s Day special even if it’s at home. This is particularly true if at least one of you is an introvert. Avoiding the insane traffic, staying away from the lovestruck and love-crazed — yes please! In fact, planning a special evening at home is where you can really showcase your creativity.

Plan an awesome menu, have a bottle of bubbly on ice, put together a playlist, decorate with candles and rose petals (or cacti and origami swans, whatever floats your boat), and enjoy a low-key evening with your loved one.

Valentine’s Day is already such a cliché holiday, so try to have some fun with it. The more personality you put into it, the better. Your date will appreciate the effort and will love the fact that you actually have some imagination. You are, after all, not just a pretty face.

Best of luck to you!