By Bella Cristol and Anne Lancaster, Year 12

Not quite sure what to do with your significant other this Valentine's Day? Forget Netflix and Chill, here are 7 out-of-the-box ideas of how to surprise, and spend the day with your loved one!

1. Go-karting
If a sit down lunch is not for you and your partner, why not try go-karting? You’re bound to have an awesome and adrenaline-packed day, regardless of whether you bring your date or some of your closest friends. This date idea will surely leave you with a ton of hilarious memories, making it truly unforgettable. You can’t go wrong with this one!

2. Go on a picnic
This one will require a little more effort, but it’ll certainly be worth it! Cook up your date’s favourite meal, grab a blanket, and head to a nearby park (or even your backyard) for a romantic picnic. If you’re slightly worried about this going wrong, just remember: there is no such thing as a bad picnic! Even if it does go awry, your date will surely appreciate the effort you put into this cute idea.

3. Jump Yard
A trampoline park (yep, it’s exactly what you’re thinking - a room full of trampolines) has just opened up in Manila! It's PHP 350 per person for an hour and is located in Pasig. This idea is perfect if you’re a little nervous about your date, because it’ll definitely break the ice and you’ll have an unforgettable time the second you enter. Warning: jumping around for an hour is a lot more tiring that it may sound, so afterwards, why not hit up a nearby cafe to relax and wind down?

4. Paint-Balling
This date is definitely for you adrenaline junkies out there! Take your date to a nearby paintball field (you could check out Global Gutz Paintball located in Taguig). We advise that you bring a group of friends along so that you can split up into teams and go against people you already know. However, asking your date may take some convincing, so it might be a good idea to ask them first. Also, we know what you're thinking: If this is with friends, how is it still a date? Well, call it a double (or triple, or however many) date!

5. Baking
A little typical and cheesy, but it will always be a classic date idea! This is a great idea if you can’t leave your house. Stay at home with your date and bake anything: a cake, cookies, cupcakes; you can check out Buzzfeed’s food section for some creative and delicious ideas! The best part about this is that you’ll have something (hopefully) mouth-watering to eat for when you’re done.

6. Fort making
Another classic. Gather a bunch of blankets, some pillows (just about anything soft) and create a cosy little (or big) fort with your date! You’re sure to have lots of laughs while making it, and you’ll never be disappointed with the end look of your fort, trust me! If you’re a little unsure, try researching forts on Pinterest or Tumblr for some cool ideas. Once you’re done, grab a load of snacks and watch some cute movies, inside the fort, together.

7. Cat Café
This one’s strictly for cat lovers only! There’s an adorable little cat cafe located in Quezon City and it’s the perfect date if you and your partner adore these little furry animals! Enjoy a wide range of snacks and drinks while simultaneously playing with the adorable and friendly cats in the cafe (check out catcafemanila.com for more details).

Written by: Marianne Ayala, Year 12

Warning from Author: Extremely corny puns up ahead

Valentine's day may have passed already, but why limit displays of affection to just one day a year? And what better way to express your love to the apple of your eye than whipping up some confections of perfection (it's the yeast you could do). After all, the way to man's heart is through his stomach.

Here are some easy recipes you absolutely knead to try.

1) Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

The quintessential little Valentine's treat - simple, elegant and easy to make. But equally as easy to get wrong. To avoid stirring up trouble in the form of a chunky, dry, chocolate coating, make sure to stir the chocolate (and continue stirring) as soon as you start the melting process.

Ingredients:
20 strawberries
Roughly 6 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate
Extra white chocolate (for drizzling)

1) Make a double boiler: fill a small saucepan with a couple of inches of water and place a heatproof bowl on top so that it rests comfortably on the edges of the pan and no water is the water isn’t touching the bowl. Heat on medium until the water is simmering.
2) Place all the dark chocolate into the bowl and STIR. And keep stirring. Seriously, I keep reiterating this because it makes all the difference. I'm talking chocolate as smooth as Sam Smith's voice. (bonus – this can serve as a pretty decent arm workout)
3) Once the chocolate has melted and your persistence with a whisk has paid off, remove the bowl from the heat.
4) Line a tray with parchment paper or wax paper.
5) Carefully dip each strawberry into the chocolate, twisting by the stem for even coverage. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl and rest the fruit on the parchment.
6) If you want to get extra fancy, melt a small portion of white chocolate using the same double boiler method as earlier and drizzle over the berries with a fork.

2) Nutella cupcakes. Because Nutella. 

Step up your chocolate cupcake game by filling and icing them with the legendary hazelnut-chocolate spread. You're sure to whisk 'em off their feet when these babies erupt with the mystical ooey-gooey nectar bestowed upon us by the food gods that is Nutella.

Makes a dozen cupcakes.

Ingredients:
Chocolate cake batter (you can use your favourite recipe, or some store bought mix for less work)
1 13-ounce jar of Nutella (yes, a whole jar)
1 stick of unsalted butter
1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons of heavy cream
5 ounces of sifted powdered sugar
A pinch of salt
Mixer

1) Prepare the cake mix/recipe as needed and pour into 12 cupcake moulds. Bake according to instructions and set aside until cool.
2) To start the frosting, combine half of the jar of Nutella and the softened butter in a large mixing bowl and cream together until well combined. Slowly, slowly, slowly add in the sugar until well incorporated.
3) On low speed, add the salt, vanilla and half of the cream. Use the rest of the cream to adjust the consistency of the frosting until you are happy with it. Beat on high for about 3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and smooth in texture.
4) Use a small paring knife, a melon baller or an apple corer to hollow out the centres of the cupcakes.
5) Fill a piping bag with the remaining half jar of Nutella. If you don't have a piping bag you can simply fill up a re-sealable plastic bag with the Nutella and snip off the corner.
6) Pipe the Nutella into each cupcake and finish off by frosting them with the buttercream you prepared earlier.

You can pipe the buttercream in a simple swirl and adorn the cupcake with a piece of chocolate, but if you're going to put in the effort, why do anything half-baked? If you have piping bags and a leaf-tip you can try piping some roses onto the cupcakes in buttercream. http://zoebakes.com/2011/04/22/how-to-pipe-icing-roses/


Happy baking!

Nutella buttercream recipe taken from http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/

Source: Favim

Arranged by: Denise Uy, Year 12

Infatuation // A mix to listen to when you're reeling with happiness at home after a magical night

You And Me (Flume Remix) - Disclosure

Young Blood - The Naked and Famous
I Want You - Kings of Leon
Crazy In Love (2014 remix) - Beyoncé
I Would Do Anything For You - Foster the People
You’ve Got The Love - Florence + The Machine
Today Was A Fairytale - Taylor Swift
To Be Alone - Hozier
Riptide - Vance Joy

I Won’t Let You Go - Snow Patrol

Click HERE to listen to the playlist

Arranged by: Denise Uy, Year 12

Whether you’re alone or with your friends, put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away - never let being single get you down

Live Alone - Franz Ferdinand

Forever - HAIM
Friction - Imagine Dragons
Dancing Shoes - Arctic Monkeys

Diane Young - Vampire Weekend
Best Friend - Foster the People
Shadowplay (Joy Division cover) - The Killers

Next Girl - The Black Keys
Let Me Go - HAIM
Centuries - Fall Out Boy

Click HERE to listen to the playlist

Written by: Vanessa Tan, Year 11 and Paolo Vera, Year 12

1) Hang out with your two best friends: Ben and Jerry

2) And then call up the rest of the gang: Haag and Dazs
3) Take your Sims out on a romantic meal
4) Watch your Sims fall in love and cry

http://www.ibtimes.com/sims-4-worldwide-release-panned-critics-players-missing-features-1678988

5) Watch The Notebook for the 785th time and cry even more

6) Order McDonald’s delivery and not feel guilty about it 

7) Order KFC fun shots, because why not?

http://kfchawaii.com/

8) Cry and moan about life to the KFC delivery guy
9) Give a big tip to the KFC delivery guy because he has to work on Valentine’s day

10) Spend the entire day in sweatpants

https://www.thehunt.com/the-hunt/skZWfs-whole-outfit--must-have

11) In fact, why not just make it a “me day”?

12) Turn off your phone and get lost in a good book

13) Go on a date on Netflix, and watch your Hollywood boyfriend/girlfriend on screen

http://www.hercampus.com/school/winthrop/top-7-places-go-rock-hillcharlotte-area-valentines-day

14) Empower yourself and listen to Beyoncé 

15) Get a new high score on Dot Up
16) Download the entire ten seasons of F.R.I.E.N.D.S

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/13/friends-movie_n_2121329.html

17) Spend the night listening to music (no senti songs) - check out our PLAYLISTS ;)

18) Read Winston articles ;)

19) Calculate how much money you’ve saved from not having a date (chocolate and flowers are hella expensive this time of year)
20) Use that saved money to treat yo’self, especially with all the chocolate discounts on the 15th (double win!)

https://iamsuperjulie.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/043.jpg

21) Exercise…lol jk 

22) Hang out with fellow single friends and have a genuinely good time
23) Go to bed early and call it a night

24) Cry again

Arranged by: Denise Uy, Year 12

falling stars // a playlist for hopeless romantics in love with the idea of being in love; for those who sing their hearts out with stars shining brightly in their eyes

Love - American Authors
Cosmic Love - Florence + The Machine

Love Me like you Do - Ellie Goulding

Girl That You Love - Panic! At The Disco
This = Love - The Script

Love Away - Capital Cities


Love Love Love - Avalanche City


You Are In Love - Taylor Swift

Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever) - Muse


I Love You - Woodkid

Click HERE to listen to the playlist

Written by Paolo Vera, Year 12

It’s a well-known fact that Valentine’s Day is the national holiday of consumerism, with storefronts all lined up with giant teddy bears and hearts advertising their latest collections. However, for those of you lucky enough to have a date this fateful holiday, a box of overpriced chocolate and a dozen roses doesn’t cut it anymore. It’s time to splash that cash and take your date out for a romantic meal in some of Manila’s most exclusive restaurants. If you’re single, even better! Go with friends and split the bill. Here are my top picks:

1. Wildflour – and a trip to Farmacy afterwards for something sweet


Location: Ground Floor, Net Lima building, 26th Street, Fort Bonifacio
Price for two: 1500php
Personal favourites: Steak and Egg on Kimchi Fried Rice, Smoked Salmon Croissant, Tiramisu, Cronuts

Perhaps my favourite restaurant on the list, Wildflour is the perfect date night location with low-lighting, wooden fixtures and candles adorning every table. There’s nothing better than a delicious French-inspired menu in a relaxed, “hipster-esque” setting. Make sure you order the Kimchi fried rice. Believe me, it’s life changing.

Added bonus: Newly opened, trendy ice cream salon Farmacy is just one store down. Although the dessert selection in Wildflour is delectable, especially their pastries, save some room for a post-dinner sundae,  and maybe even a milkshake to share.

2. Blackbird

ourawesomeplanet.com

Location: Nielson Tower, Ayala Triangle, Makati City, across the Peninsula Hotel
Price for two: 4000php
Personal favourites: Prawn scotch eggs, Twice-cooked beef short rib, Blackbird burger

Although, I admit, Blackbird is slightly overrated and perhaps even a fraction overpriced, the elegant interiors and the timeless art décor create an ambiance that is casually elegant and perfect for a romantic meal. After all, you want to impress your date with your sophistication. Personally, I think the restaurant looks best during the daytime, and I would highly recommend dining outside in Blackbird’s patio area; the scenery is superb.

3. Antonio’s 

lynne-enroute.com

Location: Purok 138, Barangay Neogan, Luksuhin-Mangas Road, Alfonso, Tagaytay City
Price for two: 4000-6000php
Personal favourites: Everything

Now for all of you ‘big ballers’ out there, treat yourself and head up to the Philippines’ legendary eatery, Antonio’s. Okay, so it may be in the middle of nowhere and the prices may leave in you debt, but believe me, the food is worth it. So break open your piggy bank if you really want to impress your special someone! Just try not to get stuck on the skyway…

4. Spirals


Location: Sofitel luxury hotels, Philippine Plaza Manila
, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Price for two: 6000php
Personal favourites: Everything

Sofitel spent millions of dollars (around 11 million to be exact) renovating Spirals for a reason! It is easily the best buffet in Manila… sorry Circles and Heat. With so much food, you better come on an empty stomach.

5. Masetto 


Location: 114 Valero Street Salcedo Village Makati City, Makati
Price for two: 2500php
Personal favourites: Bottarga pasta, AG Wagyu Steak, Chorizo Puffs

With the atmosphere of a high-end New York bistro, you’ll almost forget you’re in the heart of Salcedo Village in Massetto. Chef Tippi Tambunting is at her best in this restaurant and I’ve pretty much become addicted to the Chorizo puffs!

6. Sugi

Location: G/F Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St. corner West Drive, Ayala Center, Makati
Price for two: 1200php
Personal favourites: Spicy tuna sashimi, chicken teriyaki, fried rice

In the fast paced Manila food scene, Sugi has been a staple in Japanese cuisine. Offering mouthwatering dishes for an affordable price, Sugi is definitely an A+ date night location. The romantic hanging lanterns don’t hurt either.

7. 12/10

ourawesomeplanet.com

Location: 7635 Guijo St., San Antonio Village, Makati
Price for two: 1200php
Personal favourites: Toro onigiri, Korean fried chicken, Blowtorched salmon

An joint inspired by izakayas (a type of Japanese tavern), 12/10 is often seen as the little brother of the impossibly chic, not to mention perpetually full, Japanese hotspot Mecha Uma. However, 12/10 delivers food just as delicious and for a fraction of the price. It’s modern Japanese cuisine at its finest.

8. Allium 

ourawesomeplanet.com

Location: G/F Grand Midori, Bolanos St., Legaspi Village, Makati City
Price for two: 1500php
Personal favourites: Wild Japanese Kampachi sampler, Maple Leaf Farms duck, STEAK!

Although not as famous as the other restaurants on this list, Allium is one of the most overlooked culinary destinations in Manila.  However, by no means is this an indication of the quality of its food; the dishes here are absolutely first-class. I highly recommend the steak.

Tip: reserve in advance. These restaurants get full pretty easily.

Which restaurant will you most likely be hitting up this Valentine's Day? 

Written by: Ashley Tan 11EO

Maybe it's better to be single on Valentines Day. Check out the Top 8 Worst Valentines Day Experiences:

1) Peanut Bitter
“My husband gave me a box of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on Valentines Day because he knows how much I love chocolate. This sounds like such a romantic gesture. Too bad I’m highly allergic to peanuts and he knows about it  too.”

2) A Box of “Flowers”?
“I always complain to my boyfriend about how he never gets me flowers, so on Valentines Day, he thought it would be funny to get me a box of all-purpose flours. I wasn’t laughing, and now he’s single.”

3) Married Madness
“On Valentines Day, I went on a date with a guy that I just recently started dating. We bumped into a friend of his and he introduced me…. as his sister. Turns out that ‘friend’ was his wife’s boss.”

4) Candle-lit Disaster
“I was at a candle-lit dinner with my boyfriend. I leaned in to whisper something in his ear when my hair caught on fire! He was swatting my hair with a napkin while everyone around just stared and laughed.”

5) Egg-cited
“My girlfriend was extremely excited when she surprised me with a home-cooked breakfast on Valentine’s Day. She said she accidentally mixed the eggshell in my omelet but thought it would dissolve as she cooked it. I felt the crunch of the shell with every bite but had to pretend to love it because she went on and on about how she woke up very early to make the perfect meal just for me and I didn’t want her to feel bad.”

6) Grief from a Thief
“I was heartbroken when the guy I’d been dating, Mark, didn’t show up to our Valentine’s Day date. I was crying while shoving my face in a pint of ice cream when I got a call from his best friend, asking me for some cash to bail ‘’Mark’’ out of jail for identity theft. I hung up and never spoke to whoever he was again. ”

7) Food truck… Yuck!
“My boyfriend knows I love carnivals, so he took me to one to celebrate Valentines Day. We had fish tacos from a food truck then decided to go on a romantic ride on the Ferris wheel to see the beautiful view. But once we got to the top, I felt sick and puked all over his lap! I got food poisoning from the fish tacos and he had to spend the rest of the night at the hospital to take care of me.”

8) Name Shame
“I went on a moonlight walk on the beach with my boyfriend, Ethan. We bumped into my ex, James, and after an awkward “Hi” and “Hello”, Ethan and I laid on the beach to gaze at the stars. After awhile, he looked into my eyes and told me he loved me but to my dismay, I replied ‘I love you too, James’. I saw the painful look in his eyes when I said the wrong name and he broke up with me the next day.”