How do I love thee? Let me count the ways

SET 1 - Blu Bar and Grill

Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Blu Bar and Grill

WE SAY “I love you” all the time, but Valentine’s Day, is when we put more action rather than just words to show how much we care. Still, as they say, it’s different strokes for different folks. Just don’t miss the chance to spend precious time with your special someone on this day of hearts.  (Photos by Doyzkie Buenaviaje)

Romantic Dinner

For those who want to spoil their partners, we have three of the metro’s most romantic venues serving exquisite Valentine’s Day menus that would surely make him/her fall for you all over again.

Enjoy a whimsical six-course dinner with wine pairing at the BLU BAR AND GRILL of Marco Polo Plaza Cebu,  a thousand feet above sea level and overlooking the city’s nightscape.

Love an ocean view? Head on to  Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu’s IBIZA BEACH CLUB for an exciting show over a special dinner menu, which
includes the Balearic-inspired signature 15-course grill, alongside canapés, champagne and free-flowing wine.

IBIZA Beach Club at Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu

To get your love’s  undivided attention, Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa, Cebu offers an intimate dinner date at the OBSERVATORY, GAZEBO or ACQUA VERANDA, where you can indulge in a five-course set menu with a bottle of champagne, bouquet of flowers and CHI, The Spa discount voucher.

THE OBSERVATORY at Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa.

Casual Date Night

For many of us who are always on the go, a  fancy casual date on Valentine’s Day will definitely earn us relationship brownie points, but don’t forget to get her a bouquet of flowers (or a box of chocolates for him) to make the night even more special.

At PLANET GRAPES, the warm, romantic lighting amidst wine racks and music from a live band will instantly  relax the mood. Plus, there’s a  special day of hearts menu with wine pairing adding a bit of glamour to your dinner—it’s sure to impress your beloved and won’t break the
bank. What’s more, it’s conveniently located in Ayala Center Cebu.

PLANET Grapes

DELICE RECIPE has an amazing view of the metro from its balcony. And when the sun sets, you’ll be treated to a romantic panorama of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Cebu’s nightscapes. Delice Recipe is located up in Busay, Cebu City, just before you reach the Tops.

DELICE Recipe

CIRCA 1900 is a beautiful old-fashioned setting that’s the perfect place to pop the question. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves… The house’s favorite slow roast pork dish may be your key to get that sweet “yes” to forever. Circa 1900 is located in Sanjercasvil Road, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City.

The intriguing layers of flavors in every dish at BEQAA will make your Valentine’s dinner an exciting one. The modish interiors exude a warm, welcoming milieu making you feel like you are dining in the comforts of home, but with way better food.  And don’t forget to cap  your dinner with their delicious house specialty drink, pomegranate mojito.

BEQAA, at the 2nd floor of the Design Center Cebu in Mandaue City.

The updated interiors of PALERMO, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa’s Italian dining outlet, exudes a spellbinding romantic vibe. The best dining spots are the tables with the stained paintings depicting vineyards of Italy in the background. The Pappardelle Pasta with white wine is a perfect Valentine combo, concluding the dinner with the delicious Triple B Tart for dessert.

PALERMO in Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

V-Day action
For adventure seekers, there’s nothing more stimulating than the adrenaline rush brought about by an exhilarating jaunt. The heart-shaped basin at the second mini-waterfall of Kabang River in Sitio Baugo, Budlaan Cebu has been making a buzz among adventurers.

BUDLAAN Falls

The mystical pool is conducive to an amorous mood, seeming to take its cue from the natural heart-shaped contour.  To get to BUDLAAN FALLS (also called Kabang Falls), hop on a habal-habal at the jump-off point in Sitio Baugo. From there, a 20-minute hike will lead you to several mini falls, each having a unique feature.

TUMALOG Waterfalls drops water to layers of lumped rocks producing a bewitching mist at its base. A dip at the cold waters of  the fall’s basin  may just
get you a hug from your better half.  To get to Tumalog Falls, take  a habal-habal  from “Eskina Saging” to the drop-off point. Then do a five-minute trek to the waterfalls.

TUMALOG Falls

For the singles squad

Through the years, Valentine’s has evolved to more than just an occasion for lovers, but also acknowledging and recognizing loyalty amongst friends. And where does one go  after   The Firing Squad Valentines group dinner? At the bar!

CEBU BREWING COMPANY. Grab a sampler set of five beer flavors for just P100. Here’s the perfect place to drink your woes away, or celebrate friendship with your barkada over fruity alcoholic beverages.

MAYA TAQUERIA. Home to the best mojitos in Cebu, a glass or two of the confidence-inducing  tonic might give you the courage to actually ask for someone’s number and use cheesy lines like, “Good thing I brought my library card, because I’m checkin’ you out!”  And yes, Queso Fundido’s the perfect mojito match.

NETFLIX. Here’s one for those planning to just stay home on Sunday, asking why Valentine’s is a day before payday. Have Netflix (free trial for a month… yay!) to keep you and your partner entertained, besides a bowl of butter popcorn and a pint of ice cream.

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