Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to let your love shine brighter than the stars in the night sky. While dinner dates and roses are timeless, why not shake things up with a date so unforgettable it makes Cupid jealous? Cebu, with its mix of romance, adventure, and creativity, offers plenty of love-struck opportunities to woo your boo.
If you’re looking to impress your sweetheart with a date idea that truly hits the mark, here are five Valentine’s experiences that will make your date not want to miss a thing.
1. Get Creative with a Pottery Date at Bumi and Ashe
Love can get messy, and what better way to embrace that than by getting your hands dirty—literally! At Bumi and Ashe Cebu, couples can sculpt their love story into clay and create keepsakes that are as one-of-a-kind as your relationship. Originally from Quezon City, this artsy haven has made its mark in Cebu, offering hands-on pottery classes that’ll have you and your sweetheart saying, “I wheel-y love you!”
Whether you’re looking to build mugs, because nothing says “I love you a latte” like a handmade coffee mug or building anything practical (or not!) from scratch, you’re in for a creative experience like no other. Or better yet, get into the ultimate rom-com moment—just you, your love, and a spinning wheel of possibilities.
Located on the 2nd Floor, J Block Building, Apitong St., Cebu City, this is the perfect date for couples who want to fire up their creativity and mold something meaningful together.
2. Love in Full Bloom When You Spark & Bloom
Take the classic Valentine’s staples—jewelry and flowers—and add a twist of romance! Kim & Co. Jewelry and Lyly Home are Cebu-based brands that have redefined gift-giving through Spark & Bloom happening at SM JMall from February 1-16.
Get the love bugs buzzin’ even before V-Day when you schedule your Spark and Bloom date and find the beautiful selections of flower arrangements, pre-order and create your own Valentine’s Day floral masterpiece, pick your own permanent sparkle, and get a free bouquet, those and more freebies are exclusively offered on during this destined collab!
This romantic date idea is perfect for lovebirds who want to add a little sparkle to their special day and craft a keepsake that will last longer than a bouquet of roses.
3. A Love That Goes the Distance with Carvel’s Moving Van Fine Dining
Dinner dates are a dime a dozen, but a mobile fine dining experience? Now that’s a drive to remember! Carvel Moving Van Fine Dining lets you and your sweetheart enjoy a slow-paced, scenic dining experience while rolling through Cebu’s most stunning sights, including the SRP, CCLEX, and Cordova Bridge.
For just ₱3,500 per couple, you get:
- A cozy, candlelit dinner inside a private van with breathtaking views
- A specially curated menu complete with drinks
- A chance to feel like you’re on the road to forever
Available Thursday to Sunday, 12NN to 9 PM, this exclusive romantic road trip is a wheel-y sweet alternative to the usual sit-down dinner date. Book your ride to remember at (0995) 916 6344 or email Carvel Philippines at carvel.philippines@gmail.com.
4. Waddle into Love at Cebu Ocean Park
For a date that’s as chill as it is adorable, head over to Cebu Ocean Park’s Penguin Café and make some flippered friends! Valentine’s Day should be filled with heartwarming moments, and what better way to melt your partner’s heart than by feeding and interacting with the park’s newest, cutest residents—penguins!
For only ₱700 per person, you get:
- A chance to feed and take selfies with the penguins (talk about love at frost sight!)
- A guided experience to learn more about these charming creatures
- The ultimate Valentine’s photo op that will make your friends say ”Awww!”
It’s the perfect quirky and lighthearted date idea that proves love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s also about shared smiles and fluffy fun!
Experience romance in the wonders of the deep blue when you go to Cebu Ocean Park any day of the week from 10 AM to 6 PM. Find more details for tickets and admissions here.
5. Shoot for the Stars at Akutsu Cebu Observatory
Love you to the moon and back? Prove it! For a date that’s truly out of this world, head over to the Akutsu Cebu Observatory, the first astronomical observatory in Cebu. This celestial getaway is perfect for starry-eyed lovers who want to cosmos and chill while gazing at the wonders of the universe.
Located in Lubo, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu, this observatory, founded by Japanese astronomer Tomio Akutsu, boasts Newtonian telescopes that allow for breathtaking planetary views. And at only ₱599 per adult and ₱399 per child (includes entrance, guided tour, telescope access, and meal), it’s worth every buck. Cebu’s stable air currents make it an ideal spot for stargazing, ensuring you and your sweetheart see constellations as clear as your love for each other.
The stargazing package includes:
- Guided Astronomy Tour where you’ll learn fascinating celestial facts from expert astronomers.
- Telescope Access lets you get an up-close look at the moon, planets, and stars.
- Full Meal at the Observatory Café in case stargazing gets your appetite going.
Since public transport options are limited, it’s best to drive up to the observatory. This experience blends romance, wonder, and adventure—making it a date that’s truly written in the stars. They are only open between 4 PM to 10 PM daily, so make sure you lock in that date and book ahead through (0906) 067 1190.
Love is about creating memories, and what better way to celebrate than by stepping outside the usual? Sure, chocolates and candlelight dinners are sweet, but this year, why not make your Valentine’s date an unforgettable adventure? Whether you’re molding pottery with your hands, designing jewelry, dining in a moving van, playing with penguins, or gazing at the stars, Cebu offers a variety of extraordinary ways to spend Valentine’s Day.
So, this year, ditch the predictable and embrace the unique. Love deserves more than just dinner and flowers—it deserves an adventure because it is wildly so!
Illustration Geraldine Sy
