DANGWA Flower Market in Manila is teeming with varieties of fresh flowers, especially this month as Valentine’s Day nears. Several shoppers have started flocking to the area to buy bouquets as early as now as vendors expect their prices to spike on February 14.
Other items such as heart-shaped balloons, pillows or plush, stuffed animals, and boxes of chocolates have also become more visible in the markets in recent days. In addition, some shops, particularly restaurants, are offering a wide range of irresistible promos for couples for Valentine’s Day.
But there are also special deals and various activities to do for individuals who are celebrating love month without a significant other. After all, Valentine’s Day is not just about romance but love in general. It could be love for your family, your friends, and ultimately, for yourself.
It’s nice to be in love, hear sweet nothings, and do love-dovey stuff with a plus-one, but here’s a reminder that the month of love is about self-love and appreciation, too!
Whatever relationship status you may be in right now, love month is for everyone, and here are a few suggestions you might find fun and interesting to try if you’re looking for activities you’d like to add to your February plans:
Go on a ‘FURst date’
Each of us has our definition of a perfect date. To some, it could be spending time with their significant other, their family members, or their friends. But for other people, a perfect date could be a bonding experience with their beloved pets.
Valentine’s Day could be the best time for some fur parents to make up for their hectic schedules by spending the day with their fur friends. There are a lot of dog-friendly activities that will not only strengthen their bond but also have a positive impact on you and your pet’s well-being.
You may opt to take them for a walk, run or jog together, teach them a new trick, play games with them, or take them to a different environment like a park or a mall.
Don’t have a pet to go on a fur date with? Don’t fret because the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has got your back! The volunteer-led non-government organization is offering pet lovers the “PAWS FURst Date,” which allows them to spend quality time with one of its rescued cats or dogs.
For a P750 entrance fee, pet lovers may enjoy a 30-minute date with a rescued pet of their choice, a snack and drinks for them and their furpal, and take home a “small token” from PAWS, among others.
The annual “PAWS FURst Date” runs throughout Valentine’s week, beginning on February 12 to 17 at the PAWS Multi-Purpose Hall.
Plan a stargazing date
The night sky will be particularly beautiful this month as weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declares February as the “ideal month” for stargazing, according to its latest astronomical diary.
PAGASA said that Filipinos may expect to witness at least seven constellations this month, specifically on the day after Valentine’s Day.
There are the northern constellations Auriga, Camelopardalis, Gemini and Monoceros, and southern constellations Canis Major, Columba and Puppis.
These constellations will become more visible in the night sky on February 15 at 9 p.m., said PAGASA.
Keep an eye out for meteor showers, too! The weather bureau said the a-Centaurid Meteor Shower will be active from January 31 to February 20.
“Meteor showers are best viewed with the naked eye when the radiant point is above the horizon,” it said.
PAGASA advised those who want to stargaze this February to find a dark observation site away from the city lights for the best viewing experience.
Immense yourself in art
February is also the month of arts in the Philippines as Filipinos celebrate National Arts Month. There are a lot of festivals lined up to promote the exceptional talents of different artists in the country and one of them is the Art Fair Philippines 2024.
The event, which showcases modern and contemporary Philippine visual art, will officially be held from February 16 to 18 at The Link at Ayala Center in Makati City, but an art tour called “10 Days of Art, has already begun on February 9.
Artists and art enthusiasts may satisfy their creative cravings as they take part in the immersive walking art tour that displays different art pieces around the Makati Central Business District, including in Ayala Triangle Gardens, Ayala Malls Circuit, and Legazpi underpass, among others.
The “10 Days of Art” will also feature exhibits, live performances, and podcasts which will enrich Filipinos’ knowledge about art and, perhaps, open their eyes to different issues that the world is facing.
The art tour will end on February 18.
Enjoy a movie
When talking about Valentine’s Day, one activity people cannot forget to include or, at least, consider on their list is having a movie marathon either in the comfort of their homes or theaters.
If you are running out of movie options to watch, then you might want to try seeing films in different genres that the 2024 Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is offering to cinephiles for free!
From February 1 to March 3, the festival will screen 14 Japanese films across the country, including “Voltes V: Legacy: The Cinematic Experience,” which starred Filipino actors Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Matt Lozano, Radson Flores, and Raphael Landicho. The film was directed by Mark Reyes.
Other films are as follows:
- The First Slam Dunk
- Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom
- We Made a Beautiful Bouquet
- And Yet, You Are So Sweet
- A Man
- Not Quite Dead Yet
- Father of the Milky Way Railroad
- Detective Conan The Movie: The Private Eyes’ Requiem
- Detective Conan The Movie: The Time-Bombed Skyscraper
- Angry Son
- Voltes V: The Liberation
- MONDAYS: See You “This” Week!
- Tokyo Story
The festival will be held at the Shangri-la Red Carpet Cinema, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Baguio, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, and The UPFI Film Center.
