GONE are the days when couples were limited to spending special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, in shopping malls and restaurants.
In recent years, establishments and organizations had different gimmicks and events to make Valentine’s Day more romantic and unforgettable for love birds.
This upcoming Valentine’s Day, a new set of fun and interactive activities will make everyone, including singles, feel the magic of love and experience all the kilig!
If you are in for new experiences, here are some options you can explore with your partner, friends, family, or solo in Metro Manila on February 14.
Watch romance films via ‘Sine Sinta’
It has somehow become a tradition for some millennials and Gen Zs to watch a movie as part of their celebration of an important event. This is because films make them feel the vibe of the occasion, aside from providing entertainment and comfort.
To keep the excitement and sparks alive, the Film and Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) brought back the “Sine Sinta: Pag-ibig at Pelikula,” which offers 10 classic and contemporary romance films one can enjoy from February 5 to 16, 2025.
The FDCP will roll these romance movies on the big screen for free:
- “Sana Dati” by Jerold Tarrog
- “Ulan” by Irene Villamor
- “Sleepless” by Prime Cruz
- “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising” by Mike De Leon
- “I’m Drunk, I Love You” by JP Habac
- “Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?” by Jerry Lopez Sineneng
- “Kung Paano Siya Nawala” by Joel Ruiz
- “Rainbow’s Sunset” by Joel Lamangan
Meanwhile, moviegoers will have to pay P200 for admission to these two premium films:
- “Gitling” by Jopy Arnaldo
- “Past Lives” by Celine Song
Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may check the screening schedule and venues on the FDCP’s Facebook page.
More free movie screenings
But, wait! The FDCP has more movie screenings to offer to cinephiles for free, as it brings “Sine Sinta: Pag-ibig at Pelikula” to Intramuros!
On Friday, these three romance films will be featured at Centro de Turismo in the historic “Walled City of Manila:”
- “Dalagang Ilocana” by Olive La Torre (1:00 p.m.)
- “I’m Drunk, I Love You” by JP Habac (4:00 p.m.)
- “One More Chance” by Cathy Garcia-Sampana (7:00 p.m.)
One movie will only accommodate 150 individuals. Interested individuals may register through this link.
The Intramuros Administration (IA) said the first 50 registrants will receive free popcorn.
Enjoy love-filled activities in Baluarte de San Diego
Since we have already mentioned Intramuros, you might want to check out various activities in Baluarte de San Diego that you will enjoy for free!
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 14, artist Jirah May Millano-Perea will conduct free on-the-spot portrait sketches for the first 70 couples.
There will be friendship bracelet making and Valentine balloon art making, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until supplies last.
Attendees can take home exciting prizes from the Valentine’s spin-a-wheel booth in the venue, which will also open at 10 a.m.
While these activities are free, visitors will still have to pay an entrance fee of P70 for the regular price and P50 for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Register now through this link.
Free guided tour for couples
Since it is Valentine’s Day, the IA also offers a romantic activity specifically crafted for couples.
There will be a free guided tour for couples at Fort Santiago, which will be conducted by Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited tour guides.
While the tour is free, interested couples will need to pay an entrance fee of P75 for the regular rate and P50 for the discounted price.
The free guided tour is open for walk-in registration at the Intramuros Visitors Center (IVC) in Fort Santiago on a first-come, first-served basis.
It will only accommodate eight couples per batch and will start every 30 minutes, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Appreciate public art installations
February is not just a celebration of love but also art.
The “10 Days of Art” will return this National Arts Month, exhibiting public art installations in Circuit Makati that anyone can enjoy for free.
The contemporary arts include “Sentinel, Cognitum” by Briccio Santos, “Wonderland of Light” by Olivia d’Aboville, “Talking Heads” by Jefrë, “The Words You Speak Become the Home You Lived In” by Kim Borja, “Time Explosion” by E.S.L Chen, and “Walk With Me” by TLYR Collective.
Each art piece has a story to tell and an advocacy to promote, with some related to Filipino culture, resilience, and innovation.
The “10 Days of Art” will run from February 14 to 23, 2025.
