Culture
15 creative ways to go on a date for 100 Pesos
(Rafael-Castillo/ Flickr/ https://flic.kr/p/d7P7F5)
Okay, so the items included in this list don’t all fall under Php 100. But how much the date costs isn’t really the point — the idea is that dates don’t have to be expensive or grand. With a little creativity, a dash of adventure, and some internet research, you can both create some truly unique memories.
If anything, putting a cap on the amount you’re willing to spend can actually force you to think outside the box and try something new. After all, when was the last time you spent a day strolling around pagodas, or watched a sunset from Manila Bay?
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1| This is a no-brainer: go to the movies.
This isn’t your average expensive movie date. Select SM Cinemas show not-so-old movies for only Php 25.
Total cost: Php 50
2| For the cinephiles, watch films at the UPFI.
Admission ranges from free to Php 75.
Total cost: Free or Php 150
3| Critique the work of some French auteurs.
Attend the French Film Festival which runs from June 10 to June 15 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas. Tickets can be purchased for Php 100. Click here for the the list of films being shown.
Total cost: Php 200
4| If you want to watch movies from the comfort of your own couch, buy a pirated DVD for Php 50.
Better yet, watch movies from the internet, free of charge. Share a bag of Tostilla chips (Php 11.50) and a bottle of coke (Php 40).
Total cost: Php 101.50
5| Channel Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung from In the Mood for Love by traveling to East Asia.
No, you don’t really have to go there. You can visit the Chinese and Japanese gardens at Rizal Park in Manila. Admission for each garden is Php 10 per person.
Total cost: Php 20-40
6| Unleash your inner child by going to Star City.
The entrance fee is Php 65 per person, rides not included.
Total cost: Php 130
7| Rock it out at a concert.
Attend Freedom Rocks: An Independence Day Concert on June 12 at the Araneta Center in Cubao. The bands that will be playing are Tanya Markova and Join the Club.
Total cost: Free!
8| Bask in the famous Manila sunset while drinking ice-cold beers.
Snack on a small bag of peanuts (Php 20) and down it with a can of beer (Php 32) as you both enjoy the view.
Total cost: Php 84
9| Take a nice walk in one of these parks.
The entrance fee at La Mesa EcoPark is Php 50. It’s Php 40 if you’re a Quezon City resident, and Php 20 if you’re a QC student.
Paco Park in Manila holds a free concert every Friday. If you and your partner are both busy with work, you can take a quick stroll at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
On weekends, you can visit the Sunken Garden at UP Diliman and fly kites or lie in the grass. Don’t go to the Lagoon at night though: you don’t want to know what goes on in there.
If it’s sunny outside, why not have a picnic in the park? La Mesa EcoPark has barbecue grills and picnic tables that are available at a first come, first serve basis. Check out their other facilities here.
Total cost: Php 40-100
10| Go to mass together.
You know what they say about a family that prays together…
Total cost: Absolutely free, but you might want to give donations so have some cash ready
11| Engage with drama.
If you want to splurge a little, watch a play by Tanghalang Ateneo. Tickets are usually sold for Php 250.*
Total cost: Php 500
12| Heed the wise old saying that goes: “Life is like ice cream, enjoy it before it melts.”
Buy self-serve ice cream at Family Mart for Php 20 each. Current flavors are Raspberry and Green Tea. And since it’s self-serve, make a contest on who can make the tallest ice cream tower.
Total cost: Php 40
13| Eat a three-course meal.
You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy a full meal. Hit the sidewalk stalls and order the following.
For your appetizer, you can have fried isaw (Php 5), regular isaw (Php 10), fish balls (Php 0.50), kikiam (Php 1), or squid/chicken balls (Php 2.50).
For your entree, a stick of grilled hotdog (Php 20).
For dessert, a choice of bananacue, turon, or kamote (Php 10).
For your drinks, a glass of sago-gulaman (Php 10).
Total cost: more or less Php 100
14| Beat each other at karaoke.
Be adventurous. Find a roadside karaoke and beat each other’s score. At Php 5-10 per song, you can both sing to your heart’s desire.
Total cost: Php 10-20
15| Get physical.
The Quezon Memorial Circle offers a range of fun activities that you can both enjoy. For Php 70, you can rent a tandem bike and go around the park for half an hour. You can also ride the Swan Boat for only Php 80.
Total cost: Php 40-80
Do keep in mind that momol-ing is prohibited.
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