The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Scenario:

It's your first Valentine's Day with your “special someone” and you want to make it memorable for both of you. You want to impress her with a romantic date but you don't have money since you were too lazy to look for a job after graduation. Since your parents (who are already both retired) don't want to give you an advance on your allowance, you are forced to break you dearly beloved “piggy bank.” (Oh, forget that you are trying to save up for a made-in-China phone!!!) So with a heavy heart, you crack the swine open...and lo and behold! There is the P100 bill your Ninong Tony gave you for Christmas (only one bill, since -- again -- you were too lazy to try to save more money). You are in desperate need of “date” funds, and it's only a day before the “big day,” what do you do?!

The Solution:

Don't panic. Chill. You don't want to be looking “haggard” on D-day, do you? With these tipid Valentine's Day tips, you are sure to have a memorable date without hurting your budget.

There is actually a place in the heart of Quezon City that has become the favorite hangout of lovers who are short on a budget. I'm sure you have heard of this place. It's called the “Circle.” Yes, back in the days, before Starbucks and Mall of Asia, this place was the most famous romantic hotspot in Metro Manila. My parents used to go on dates there, when my dad still had a full head of hair... but that's another story.

Moving on...

There is no entrance fee at the Circle. But of course, you wouldn't want your lady love to have to walk to the park, would you? So treat her to a pedicab or tricycle ride which will take you past the gate and into the parking lot. The tricycle would cost you at least P12 and you have to pay P5 toll at the gate. If you don't want the extra expense, tell your girlfriend that walking is a good form of exercise -- "It's good for the lungs, baby!"

Since you've walked a good few meters, and you're probably hungry, it's time to look for a place to eat. No, don't look at the restaurants!!! There is nothing there at Max's or Tropical Hut that you can afford... walk on... a bit more... just a bit... and there it is!!! Voila, you see those stalls right there? For only P20, you can already get you and your honey “buy one take one” hamburger (add P3 for coleslaw). For drinks, it's better to buy a 500ml of RC cola and ask the seller for two straws (the price of 500ml RC cola is cheaper than even two 8-ounce bottles, just a tip.)

Now that you're both full, it's time for some private time with your honey under the night sky. There are several benches lined up along the bike lane that you can sit on, but if you want some alone time, (wink, wink) you can sit on the grass while stargazing. There is usually a man who roams around the vicinity selling “flattened” cardboard boxes you can sit or lie on (since you were again too lazy to bring a mat). Each cardboard sheet is for P20. It is also reusable.

If you are lucky, you could also get treated to a free concert, especially now that the election is coming up. Quezon City is the “city of stars,” they say and many are gunning for local posts. Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, who is running for Mayor in 2010, might show off his “Bagets” dance moves. If you're luckier even, you could even get campaign freebies like posters, ballpens and pocket calendars with the photo of your idol.

There are many other things you can do at the Circle. You can rent a bike for P60 an hour or you can get a relaxing rub courtesy of blind masseurs for the same price.

Just across the street from Circle is the Quezon City hall. To get there, you can take the underpass where you can look at the picture gallery showcasing the history of Quezon City. You and your girlfriend can pretend that you are inside National Museum. Tip Speak English in “conio” accent for added drama.

At the end of the long night, give your honey a bunch of three, red roses (for I love you) which you can buy anywhere for less than P20... look deep into her eyes and say ala John Lloyd Cruz to Bea Alonzo, “I'm sorry Babe, eto lang ang nakayanan ko.”

She'll then look at you with love in her eyes and say, “Babe, okay lang. It's the thought that counts. Aylabyu.” Then a peck on the lips. Sweet.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

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