Quarantine Valentine’s Day date ideas that are not necessarily virtual
There is always a little bit of pressure to make Valentine's Day memorable—where to make dinner reservations, what gift to get, what outfit to wear. Making matters more difficult, of course, is the global pandemic that limits us to go out. But while celebrating V-Day this year is bound to look different than the last, there are still some fun and creative ways to spend the holiday with your beau this Feb. 14!
If you're lucky enough to be living together this Valentine's Day (or maybe have safely quarantined apart or tested negative) and are looking for a socially distanced activity that you two can do together, check out some ideas below on how to have the most romantic date night. From a relaxing private getaway to an interactive online masterclass, we got you covered.
Order your favorite take-out and drive to a scenic location
When you’re both feeling cooped up at home, a drive around the city always does the trick. But a picnic inside the car? Priceless moment. Order food from your favorite restaurant (or bring home-cooked meals if you please!) and park in a spacious parking space.
To make it a little more special, decorate the back or tailgate of your vehicle with things such as comforters, pillows, flowers, LED or Christmas lights among other ideas.
Go on an adventurous day tour
If you’re both feeling active, go on a quick hike and swim at Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal. Mt. Daraitan is an ideal place for camping, spelunking, and hiking, and it lets you see the beautiful panoramic view of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Be prepared to bring enough cash though. According to this guide, you would need to pay P500 for a guided hike, P1,250 for an overnight stay, and P100 for environmental fee costs.
Go on a quiet retreat out-of-town
WFH stress is real, that’s why both of you deserve to go on a mini weekend getaway! Book a private resort that’s not too far away from the city.
For some, the best kind of getaway involves nothing but the view and the serenity of it all. If you ask us, Noni’s Mountain Resort in Batangas is the perfect place to unwind and meditate. Plus, the picture-perfect view of the Taal Lake, Tagaytay ridges, and Mount Maculot from your window won’t hurt!
Visit a charming restaurant
You’ve got the faves, the usuals, and the go-to’s, but why not discover a new restaurant together?
Marcia Adams Restaurant is the ideal place for a romantic date with the boo. Located in Brgy. Sikat, Cavite, there you will find this hidden gem that takes you on a gastronomic and visual journey. Their menu features a range of dishes from Italian, Greek, Spanish and French influences. You’ll fall in love not only with the food, but also the ambience and its attention to detail.
Watch a film in drive-in a theater
While we can’t exactly watch a movie in theaters yet, this old-school drive-ins style popularized in the '70s is fortunately making a comeback due to the pandemic.
Now, you can experience this “out-of-home entertainment experience” at the SM Cinema Drive-In Mall of Asia. Each ticket costs P400 per head, and it already includes a Snack Time bundle consisting of bottled water, regular-sized popcorn, and beef franks.
Make your own paint and sip experience
Paint often to release stress and exercise your creative mind—with a glass of bubbly, of course! DIY your own sip-and-paint session with your partner at home. Just order your tools online if you can’t go out, and bring your own bottle (or three!).
Try unique online activities led by different hosts
How many of you know that Airbnb also organizes online experiences from hosts all over the world? If you’re looking for a unique activity to do—while being socially distant—check out Airbnb’s Online Experience, they offer live masterclasses, tutorials, virtual tours, concerts, and so much more.
To give you a picture: There’s a K-pop dance class with IZ*ONE’s choreographer, a cooking tutorial Spanish paella with a top chef, a historical tour with a plague doctor from Prague, Japanese language class, Harry Potter Magic in Edinburgh tour, and many more! The average price of an experience is $27, starting from $5 and can go up to $300 per person, (although we did spot a few free classes!).
