Although chocolates and a bouquet of roses are wonderful Valentine’s Day gifts, spending time with your howe is perhaps the finest Valentine’s Day option. That said, we’ve compiled a list of 4 date suggestions for couples to serve as inspiration for your evening (or day) out. Some are inexpensive, while others are completely free. Some are unusual pursuits, while others elevate the mundane. While some are elegant, others are equally comfy and informal. All of these will undoubtedly result in a romantic couple of hours.
Bahay Tsinoy
The Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center, a museum in Manila that chronicles the history, lifestyles, and contributions of the Chinese ethnic group to Philippine culture and history, is housed in the Bahay Tsinoy. It strives to increase mutual understanding between the Filipino and Chinese populations and provide Filipino patriotism with another platform. The museum’s displays include lifelike dioramas of Chinese and mestizo (mixed Spanish and Filipino) life in the parian (Chinese ghettos), antique coins and china, and a selection of pictures. Aspects of gastronomic, religious, and linguistic history are also highlighted.
Chinatown Museum
The Binondo Museum chronicles the history of Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, and Manila. Since the 10th century, Manila has been closely associated with China; the Binondo Museum eloquently depicts and explains this history. The Chinatown Museum is a public place with the goal of telling the visual history of Binondo, one of the first Chinatowns in history. Each gallery focuses on a different factor that has influenced the cultural, social, and economic strands that have contributed to the development of Binondo as we know it today.
Seng Guan Temple
The temple was named after Venerable Seng Guan (1889-1962), a monk from Fu Kien (Fujian), China, who was active in teaching and organizing work in Southern China, Manila, and Rizal. Seng Guan Temple is one of the well-known Chinese temples in Manila and is regarded as a significant cultural center for the Chinese Filipino community. The Samantabhadra Institute in Santa Cruz, Manila, and the Hwa Chong Buddhist Temple complex in Tugatog, Malabon, Rizal (now Malabon, Metro Manila), where his ashes are housed in a stupa, were both founded as a result of his efforts. The temple features a stunning exterior and an enormous Stupa on top that is clearly seen from a distance. Although it may appear little from the outside, the inside is surprisingly large so there is a lot to see.
Lucky Chinatown Mall
If you’re not that fond of malls or temples, check out the lucky Chinatown mall! The oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo in Manila, is home to Lucky Chinatown, which provides a distinctive fusion of modern retail and world-class leisure experiences.
