The day of hearts is fast approaching, which means there are already extravagant date plans in the making. However convincing your FB or IG feed may be, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking show of appreciation or romance.
Why not celebrate Valentine’s with your relationship and your finances intact? Read on for the most important tip about planning a date that’s just as sweet as it is on budget.
Get your SO on the same page as you
Any successful Valentine’s Day starts with a talk to your partner about your plans to celebrate. Set their expectations and a budget. Forget the surprise candlelight dinner on a boat. Yes, it’s romantic, but it also costs a ton of money.
Instead, approach your partner about doing something special and affordable. List all the activities you enjoy in common, then focus on the free or cheaper options. See? It is possible to enjoy Valentine’s Day without throwing buckets of money at it.
In case your brainstorming turned up nada, here are a few date ideas sure to keep money in your wallet and romance burning bright.
Turn to nature
This especially works out if you and your guy/gal are the outdoorsy sort. Set out for a hiking trip to a nearby mountain. Once you reach the summit, celebrate with a break and a snack. Bonus points if you’ve planned your summit time to coincide with a sunrise or sunset. Time to selfie and spread envy.
If hiking sounds like a little too much exertion, head to a park and picnic. There are still green spaces left in Metro Manila, so you can be lovey-dovey in fresh air and lush greenery.
Spend a day admiring art
You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy art or be affected by it. While a museum trip may sound boring and unromantic at first, give it a few hours with your significant other. Paintings and sculptures have a funny way of reaching out and into you.
Visit the National Museum. It’s a solid choice for variety and sheer volume of works from National Artists (plus, entrance is free!). Need something more manageable? Check out the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (and turn green from envying their gold collection).
Enjoy a fancy meal at home
Going out for a nice meal is, well, nice. But preparing it at home with care earns you brownie points for days. Now’s the time to whip out the best recipe yo mama gave ya. And if yo family don’t pass down recipes, then the Internet works, too.
Check out Allrecipes for ideas, get great ingredients, and always read the comments section. Maybe next Valentine’s your partner will insist on you making cacio e pepe at home, instead of going to an upscale Italian restaurant.
Make reservations for dessert
If you don’t want to skip the restaurant scene altogether, dress up and go out. For dessert. It’s much more affordable than a dinner splurge. Reserve an intimate table for two at Wildflour Café and Bakery and indulge your sweet tooth with tastes from all over the world.
Your Valentine’s budget plan is all set, but what about the other days of the year? Need access to a modest amount of cash to tide you until payday? Fill out our PeraJet online loan application form. Apply for a loan and complete your requirements today, and you’ll receive your loaned amount within 24 hours! (Way faster than dealing with a bank.)