Outdoor date locations in the metro
Looking for some places to spend the most romantic day of the year? We’ve compiled some of the most sought after Valentine’s Day date locations in Metro Manila — perfect to make some unforgettable moments with the man or woman on your side.
From a newly-renovated urban park to a safe and fun Italian experience to the best al fresco dining restaurants in Metro Manila, these romantic destinations will surely spoil your significant other’s heart. That sounds great, right?
As more businesses are permitted to resume operations due to the decline in active cases in the capital region, some of the outdoor destinations — perfect for couples this Valentine’s Day — have recently opened in Metro Manila.
On Jan. 30, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) placed the National Capital Region (NCR) back under Alert Level 2 from Feb. 1 to 15. Alert Level 2 is the second most lenient alert status in the quarantine classifications.
Certain establishments or activities are allowed to operate at a maximum of 50 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated adults (and minors, even if unvaccinated), and 70 percent outdoors.
Amusement parks or theme parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks and the like are some of the permitted venues for social gatherings.
The STAR listed down some of the outdoor dating destinations in Metro Manila that you might want to visit.
ARROCEROS URBAN FOREST PARK
Recently, the Manila City government has formally opened the newly redeveloped Arroceros Urban Forest Park to the general public. It is located on Antonio Villegas Street (former Calle Arroceros) in the central district of Ermita in Manila.
Dubbed as the “last lung” of Manila, Arroceros Park includes the additional five hectares, making the total area of the park at 2.71 ha.
Also included in the features are the elevated walkway, trail bridge, fountain, Koi pond, meditation area, exhibit area, coffee shop, and vertical garden, among others.
LOVE BUBBLES AT MCKINLEY HILL
Couples can also celebrate their love inside “safe love bubbles” complete with food, music, and romantic views at McKinley Hill located in Taguig City.
Lovers can have a romantic dinner date at the comfort of their vehicle while enjoying Venetian architecture under the night sky through its Driveway V-Date at San Marco Driveway.
They can also enjoy safe and romantic gondola ride dates with live serenades and a magnificent view of the Grand Canal. The 200-meter long and 15-meter wide man-made Grand Canal offers an Italian experience with gondola ride tours. It is also popularly considered as the “most romantic mall” in the country.
They can also take their significant other to a private pod at the Venice Piazza with a romantic view, music, and full course meals. It also organizes surprises at home with its Home Sweet Home packages from decors to food.
MAGINHAWA AND MALINGAP VALENTINE’S AL FRESCO DINING
The local government of Quezon City has granted the request of Maginhawa Business Community to implement al fresco or outdoor dining on Feb. 11 to 14 along Maginhawa and Malingap Streets.
Jules Guiang, the representative of the local business group, said that there are 49 business establishments who showed interest in participating in the al fresco dining.
Participating restaurants are: Papa Diddi’s (Handcrafted Ice Cream), Roberta Restaurant, Noki (Japanese Fried Chicken), Koomi, Paella & Co., Goto Believe, Friuli Trattoria (Pizza, Pasta, Desserts), Makaan (Indian Café), Yalla Yalla (Lebanese Food), Hawker (Hainanese Chicken Rice), OMG Bake and Tea, MUY! Mexicantina, Amy’s, 1870 Cookie Cartel, Saigon Food Legend (Vietnamese Cuisine), Garlic Kitchen, Urban Chick, Dvin Seafood Prince Restaurant, Tapa ng Ina Ko, Black Onyx Café, Wadough’s, and Taters Maginhawa.
Outdoor dining set-ups will be made more spacious, according to QC Assistant City Administrator for Operations Alberto Kimpo.
Likewise, minimum health standards such as wearing of facemasks, physical distancing, and contact tracing will be strictly observed. All personnel of participating establishments are also fully vaccinated.
This al fresco dining is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. only for restaurants along Maginhawa and Malingap Streets.