Wednesday, February 13, 2008 Tryst with a twist By Jigs Arquiza
IT’S a sure bet that most restaurants and bars will be full of couples enjoying a meal or a few drinks. But times are hard nowadays, and for those who don’t have much, alternatives can be found. There are still places where you can take your better half and not spend a great deal.
Fort San Pedro, and the surrounding Plaza Independencia, would be a good venue for a tête-à-tête with your loved one. Whether it’s a simple picnic beneath the canopy of trees in the Plaza, or an intimate moment in one of the many nooks and crannies inside the fort itself, it’s one of those places that don’t cost much but still give couples memorable moments. Photographers also ply the area, so a photograph or two of you and your loved one on this special day is readily available.
Of course, Tops in Busay is always a great place for your Valentine’s Day date. It has probably the best view of Cebu City, and provides a very romantic ambience. Again, a simple picnic would be ideal, especially if it’s under the stars. The only problem with going to Tops is transportation. Forget about going there at night if you don’t have your own vehicle.
Those who have transportation problems can opt for the popular Fuente Osmena rotunda. Time and again, this has been the venue of many an assignation between lovers, legitimate or not, and is very accessible to all. Food and drinks aren’t a problem, as vendors abound in the vicinity. Aside from that, there are various fast-food outlets nearby, offering everything from pizza to Chinese food. There are also a lot of hawkers selling all kinds of souvenirs, so it’s fairly easy to find mementos to help you remember your Valentine’s Day at Fuente Osmena.
For couples living in Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, the parks under the bridge are good alternatives. It’s a great place to hang out, especially if you and your date both like the water. Swimming isn’t exactly allowed, though, but just listening to the waves lap at the shore might be enough to inspire couples into a sweet embrace, and a stolen kiss or two.
Perhaps the best way to spend Valentine’s Day is to just stay home and avoid the Valentine’s Day crush. Prepare a meal for your loved one. It doesn’t have to be a gourmet meal.
A simple meal prepared lovingly goes a long way in showing your loved one how much you care. Make sure to dress up the table a bit, maybe with a couple of candles and a nice tablecloth for a more romantic setting. Cozy up to each other in front of the television and watch that mushy romantic chick movie she’s been wanting to see for ages, or for the females, that adrenaline-overloaded action movie he’s been bugging you to watch with him.
All things considered, though, it doesn’t really matter where you spend Valentine’s Day. The important thing is that you do have someone to spend it with, and it is the quality time that you spend with each other that makes it special.
