I was once told that Valentine’s Day is not as important as the daily events in our life, so it is totally okay not to be receiving expensive bouquets on hearts day. You may or may not have a partner to share February 14 with, it is okay! Go, date your parents or your whole family, or maybe just spend the day by yourself, it is fine.
But of course, since love is in the air, allow yourself to enjoy and be in the moment by actually doing something you don’t do every single day. Here are some affordable ideas to mark Valentine’s Day extra memorable for you.
But first, let’s define the word affordable. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, affordable means “able to be afforded”. So anything that you can afford is affordable, okay? Some suggestions may not be for your budget so please just skip 😉
Photo from Cebu Safari & Adventure Park
Photo by April Honey Soo
When I say “affordable”, it means “worth every buck” and not exactly cheap. Going to the zoo may be a little extra to start the blog with but the joy of actually spending time with animals that you don’t see every day is a new experience that you can share with your loved ones.
The regular ticket for adults costs 800 php each. Affordable? Absolutely!
Photo from Anjo World
At almost half the price as the first suggestion, you can enjoy an entire day at the most FUNtastic place in Cebu! Anjo World is now open so awaken that kid in you and get ready to have fun with your date (or family, or alone) for only 450 php (unlimited rides)!
We are now down to our very affordable options!
Photo from Winsmart Alpino
There is nothing cheesier than spending a couple of hours under the stars, gazing at the twinkling little lights in the night sky. That, plus the breathtaking view of Cebu from the mountaintop.
The entrance fee may be 100 pesos per head. Please leave a message if the rate has changed. Needless to say, even if they increased the entrance fee to 150, it’s still a great place to spend time with a loved one, and it’s romantice, too!
There are millions of lovable pets who need a home and yet here you are, searching for a sweet idea to express love. Why not adopt a pet instead? If you haven’t read our article about adopting pets, please take a look here. It would be a really memorable moment for these animals to be chosen, be taken cared of and be adopted into a loving family.
Photo by Ven Martelino
Camping can be really pricey because you need food, a tent, a tour guide, etc., but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. If you have a backyard or a front yard, you can DIY your camping dreams! Set-up your tent in your own property (if you have a yard, if none, clear an area in your living room and set up blankets, just like when you were a kid), pretend like you are far from home, and spend time talking about anything!
But of course, if you have some extra cash, you can opt to go on regular camping and enjoy the real thing. Some sites are Durano Eco Farm & Spring Resort, Archery-Asia Nipa Huts, and chasing the sea of clouds so off to the mountains you go!
Kuan Restaurant | Photo by Queen City Cebu
Another great way to celebrate an occasion is by eating, of course! But unlike regular dates, opt for a more casual lunch or dinner date where you get to fill in your stomachs right to the limits. Romantic dates tend to be more pa-tweetums. That is only okay for the first dates. The rest, go binge, keep it real!
For only 288 php, you get to devour on UNLIMITED LECHON (and more) here in KUAN restaurant. The options are limited but you get two thumbs up for the food! Other buffet places that you might want to consider are listed here.
You may also want to try Korean cuisine for 199 only and other options of unlimited food worth 199 pesos only.
Watch a movie, play, game, or anything together, helps keep your bond closer. It is also nice to have something to discuss after so you can share your insights and reactions on things. A classic, yet still an effective way to build relationships. Plus, not pricey at all!
Photo from Flickr
If you haven’t cooked for your loved ones yet, this is the chance to show your love to them by showing off your cooking skills! Making an effort is still better than spending a ton of money over a bouquet of roses. Check out our Noche Buena ideas which you can also use for this month!
Photo from Linao Resort and Hideway
For a comfortable time away from home, pack your bags for a short staycation (and a quick honeymoon). Moving away from your comfort zone to spend some alone time together is a beautiful bonding because it encourages you to be dependent on one another. Also, other people believe that you get to know someone better when you travel. Staycations are usually just short travels, but it could bring out the best and the worst of each other.
For only 150 pesos, you get to take quiet time in a secluded area with a cold swimming pool and a camping experience. Check out Linao Resort here.
Last but not least,
Writing love letters may be too cheesy to some, but it is, to me, one of the best ways to express love. Unsaid words are more beautiful when written because the receiver can read your love over a thousand times, and can be kept as memorabilia. Write while you still can, make your letters raw, sincere and uncomputerized. Handwritten letters are still the best.
