Romance On a Budget: How To Save Money This Valentine’s Day (and not look like a cheapskate)
by Justin Carlo Estor / February 13, 2019
You’ve probably seen people making plans to go out for intimate dinners on your feed. Couples are buying tickets for the latest rom-coms, hotels are getting booked like crazy and grand gifts are sneakily being wrapped. There’s no mistaking it, the season of romance is here.
The only problem is that, more often than not, it’s going to cost you. Gifts are expensive, hotel stays aren’t cheap, and even then, reasonably-priced restaurants get overbooked quickly. It’s not a pretty picture for your expenses.
Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! For the frugal lovers out there, here are some quick tipid tips to save money this coming Valentine’s day and do romance on a budget:
The Dinner
The usual go-to’s: Fine dining reservations – Blackbird, The Nest, Caviar, Antonio’s
Tipid Tip: Don’t be ashamed of fast food.
Some people say that when you’re in love, everything feels romantic. Fast food meals can turn into romantic dinners with the right person. Prepare a full course meal for your partner with all their their fast food faves. Add some cheesy goodness to your usual Jollibee Fried Chicken and Spaghetti meal with Pizza Hut’s Regular Hawaiian Pizza, then finish your dinner with a slice of chocolate cake from Red Ribbon. Yum! We’re feeling the love already!
ULTIMATE Tipid Tip: A hearty home-cooked meal
This option sounds like a cliche by now and that’s for a good reason! Planning and cooking your dinner gives you way more flexibility when it comes to budgeting. You can either buy ingredients together or you can surprise your significant other with your culinary skills! Go the extra mile by creating a fancy setup at home with a candles, your date’s favorite flowers and your favorite romantic songs playing on your Bluetooth stickers.
If cooking isn’t your strong suit, learning how is already an expression of love. Just make sure you don’t give your date food poisoning though.
The Movie
The usual go-to’s: VIP cinemas – SM Director’s Club, Venice Cineplex Ultra. Basically, cinemas that offer recliner seating and butler service.
Tipid Tip: Micro or indie cinemas – Cinema ’76, Black Maria Cinema, Cinema Centenario
Have you ever heard of these gems? Watching quality films doesn’t have to be expensive anymore. These cinemas are privately owned and located outside shopping malls, making them cheaper than the usual cinema with prices ranging from P150-P250. You can finally bring your date to see old films or that indie flick that one friend of yours won’t stop talking about.
ULTIMATE Tipid Tip: *sigh* Wanna Netflix and Chill?
If you’re a couch potato (like most of us), this is a fairly good idea. Subscribing to a streaming service will save you a lot of money by giving you a wide selection of shows to watch. For the date, you can go for a marathon or binge-watch your favorite series together. Make it fair by alternating your choices of what to watch. You don’t even need to watch romantic movies. Who says Bird Box and The Notebook isn’t a good combo?
Bonus tip: If you don’t have a subscription or you’re too stingy to get one, you can always ask a friend to give you access to theirs for one night.
The Stay
The usual go-to’s: Hotel staycations – Nobu, Acacia, Sofitel, Manila Peninsula, I’m Hotel
Tipid Tip: Go for an AirBnB or online deals
This one requires a bit of planning. Start by looking online for vouchers on sites like Metrodeal. You can also download the AirBnB app to look for condo stays for a cozy little get-away. These places will be priced lower than the usual hotel.
Look online for vouchers. Metrodeal is one example of sites that offer these promos. You can also download the AirBnB app to look for condo stays that are available on your dates. These places are usually priced lower than the usual hotel.
ULTIMATE Tipid Tip: Camp out!
Who says bonding with your partner has to be in an accommodation? Go to your nearest park and spend the night whispering sweet nothings to each other. Go stargazing while telling each other something new about yourselves or take a hike for a gorgeous sunset view on a mountain top. This is a unique experience that can bring any couple closer together.
Bonus: If you already got the home-cooked meal and Netflix subscription covered, you can also do a picnic movie in the park!
The Gift
The usual go-to’s: Flowers, Chocolates, Stuffed Toys, and Jewelry
Tipid Tip: Show some effort!
There are a lot of ways you can express your love without breaking the bank. Let’s be real – your partner is supposed to love you for who you are and what you do – so might as well use your talents for your partner. Write them a poem or sing them a song! If you’re good with your hands, give them a relaxing massage. Anything you’re good at, offer it to them. DIY is the way!
ULTIMATE Tipid Tip: One fun idea to explore is compiling all your videos and pictures together to make a short movie or scrapbook. It’s a fun and heartfelt way to bond over your best moments together. You can also include old movie tickets, receipts or notes – anything that has a fond memory associated with them.
So there you have it! Hopefully, we gave you a few ideas on how to save money this Valentine’s Day. Romance is still romance, even when on a budget. Being frugal this season doesn’t mean you love your partner any less. Besides, love should be celebrated every day.
If you’re really in an honest, loving relationship, saving money may mean that you’re planning for bigger things in the future. For married couples, it could be your next vacation. For the unmarried ones, who knows?
A ring, perhaps? 
