Valentine’s Day travel ideas?

I gotch ü.

Well hello, folks, love is in the air as it is almost Valentine’s Day! Yes I know, not everyone is happy on this day, in fact, it is for lovers and couples who can definitely enjoy the weekend because V-day falls on a Friday, therefore Saturday and Sunday is an extended celebrations for the lovey-doveys.

Have you booked your trip yet? Or shall I say, have you asked your significant other yet what they want for Valentine’s Day? Oh, you better do it now because hotels, movie houses and restaurants are usually fully booked on this special day. But you know what’s more romantic? It is spending time with your loved one no matter where it may be, even online or just staying at home. Time is the most precious gift anyone can give you for it is a part of their life they cannot get back.

If you’re planning a special stroll in Manila on V-day with all the romantic lights and a rustic scene, you might want to consider a date in Intramuros or what is known as the walled city.

There is a free ride from Fort Santiago to Centro de Turismo Intramuros on 14 February if you want a blend of historical charm, romantic walks, and a vibrant scene along the hundred-year-old cobblestoned streets with plenty of food options for a romantic dinner. If you want to travel far outside Manila for a weekend getaway, there are options via air or sea travel.

Davao, Palawan, and Aklan are some of the most traveled destinations for lovebirds during this month. For those seeking a more adventurous and unforgettable experience, Palawan offers world-class crystal clear waters, limestone cliffs, mountain trails, and hidden caves. Island hopping is an option for backpackers who will definitely go through the Philippine Ports Authority’s (PPA) passenger terminal buildings in Coron and El Nido.

If you guys want to experience beaches, falls and mountain trails without breaking the bank, Puerto Galera is another option for couples. You can go snorkeling, coral watching, cliff diving, spelunking, tamaraw watching, island hopping, and all-night partying all on one big island. The best way to get there is through the PPA port in Batangas which is the most modern and the largest with many food options and commuter-friendly facilities. From Batangas port, one can take a ferry to Puerto Galera with trips from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The journey usually takes one to two hours depending on the vessel type and its speed.

By the way, the PPA ports have a theme dubbed “You’re My Safe Harbor.” If you’re lucky you could win special romantic prizes at some PPA ports nationwide. Some ports in Mindanao have V-day photo booths for your best travel experience while some have special surprises for the passengers waiting for their trips such as chocolates and even special serenades! Oh, how sweet of the ports. Just as the theme provides a safe shelter from any unforeseen circumstance or the waves of the sea, the PPA remains a pillar of strength for the nation’s port system and its workforce.

Speaking of the workforce, PPA general manager Jay Santiago welcomed the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on 11 February which assessed the PPA’s workforce transparency and merit-based governance. In fact, PPA has been going beyond infrastructure and operations and leaning forward toward personnel management and transparency.

GM Santiago directed all the department managers to foster a culture where employees are empowered, recognized, and given local and international opportunities to grow. Just as in relationships, it takes two to tango — no employee will do his or her best if not pushed to be the best version of themselves.

“You’re My Safe Harbor” is a challenge to always maintain a dependable refuge with promises of protection, guidance, and stability — both in love and in leadership. I hope this Heart’s Day, more than the celebrations of couples and lovers, we may also appreciate the institutions, the people, and the services that provide us security and comfort when we travel.

After all, we are all in the same red heart-shaped boat traveling in this vast sea of people. Happy love day, my dear readers. There is always a reason to smile whether you’re single, heartbroken, divorced, a lone wolf, an introvert, a single parent, or happily in love.

May the odds be ever in your favor!