Nine-course romance

They say love makes the world go ‘round, and on Valentine’s Day, it takes centerstage — whether it’s for your ride-or-die partner, your family, or even you (because self-love is the ultimate flex).

This 14 February, emotions will run high — some lost in the magic of romance, others more laidback, sipping wine, manifesting their great love story.

Yet no matter where you stand, love is a universal experience — something we’ve all felt, are feeling, or can’t wait to feel.

As Rumi once said, “The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you.”

This Valentine’s month, Casa Buenas at Newport World Resorts is setting the mood for love with La Serenata — a dreamy celebration of romance, connection and indulgence.

Think intimate vibes, impeccable service and a feast that speaks the language of the heart. After all, “people who love to eat are always the best people,” and what’s more romantic than sharing an exquisite meal with someone special?

La Serenata’s nine-course culinary love story mirrors the highs and heart-flutters of romance. Crafted by Executive Sous Chef Paolo Miguel Vidal, each dish represents a chapter of love, from that first spark to the all-consuming passion, all paired with red, white, or sparkling wine to match the mood.

Whether you’re swooning over your soulmate or treating yourself (because, hello, self-love era), this is your chance to celebrate love in all its flavors. As Shakespeare once wrote, “If music be the food of love, play on.”

But, in this case, let it be a nine-course meal at Casa Buenas.

Chapters of love

Ever experienced love at first sight? The evening begins with a captivating introduction — Primera Vista, a story of tapas. From chorizo patatas bravas, to lowa salmon — this first course will awaken the senses and leave everyone craving more.

After that first interaction, delve into Tomarse Manos — a Filipino classic, kinilaw na isda (raw fish ceviche), symbolizes the moment when two people reach out to each other with trust and connection.

Ambrazamiento — sabaw na molo, a comforting hot soup with tender meat, represents the warmth and security of an embrace — a true representation of the nurturing side of love.

Followed through with Cariño, a tropical love affair unfolds with grilled marinated tuna and prawns, complemented by a creamy coconut and pumpkin purée, and finished with heirloom red rice. This dish speaks of the gentle yet passionate nature of love.

If this is love, call it Pasión, a powerful, deeply passionate course, featuring wagyu beef in a Filipino style, served with vegetables, bone marrow, beef tenderloin and rich beef jus. It symbolizes the intensity of a love that knows no boundaries.

At this stage, love becomes clearer and more profound — Te Quiero. A perfectly grilled pompano fillet, served with a smoky eggplant ensalada, captures the beauty of affection in its simplest form.

Now, experiencing the burning feeling of Amore, Kare-Kare, a classic Filipino dish, takes center stage with slow-roasted US beef rib-eye and braised Angus beef short ribs. Paired with a pita glazed in shrimp paste, it represents the fiery, enduring nature of deep love.

The finale is Corazón — a hearty burnt Basque cheesecake served in a pot plant, with coffee custard and strawberry semifreddo.

Before it is time to leave, have a taste of Nueve, Apreciar — the final gesture. A token to carry, a memory etched softly in time, reminding the love shared, long after the table is cleared and the night slips away.