MANILA, Philippines — Say what you want about Valentine's Day, it manages to bring loved ones of all kinds to share love in all its forms.
With the Day of Hearts just a few sleeps away, there are several individuals out there who may be cramming what gifts to get for significant others and treasured ones.
Have no fear, Philstar.com has collated a list of gift idea suggestions for the special occassion — some could even work outside of Valentine's Day!
LEGO flowers
Instead of getting real flowers, why not get some that won't wither?
Anything can be built out of LEGO and that includes flowers, as evidenced by its Botanicals series which just released a collection for the new year.
Novelties beyond traditional bouquets include daisies, a peace lily, tulip bouquet, and a flower wall — all made of LEGO — to go with favorites like roses, pretty pink, and wildflower bouquet.
LEGO even has an Art Love item in the collection which doubles as a home accent.
Cakes galore
You could buy a bouquet or you could get a cake — or you could do both!
Max's Corner Bakery recently introduced a Bouquet Vanilla Cream Cake which is styled like a red or pink tulip bouquet.
The cake is made with vanilla chiffon, light strawberry cream filling, cream cheese frosting, and edible buttercream tulips, and is available in five-inch and eigh-inch sizes.
It is available in all Max's Restaurant Luzon stores except the Bicol region via pre-orders (5-7 day lead time online, at least five days before preferred pick-up date) or walk-in same-day purchases in-store while supplies last.
If you'd opt for a simple design, Honeybon just brought back its Strawberry Matcha Mousse Cake for the Valentine's season.
The dessert shop's Dedication Hearts feature allows customers to have messages on their cakes, even regular offerings like Tres Leches Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake, Ultimate Chocolate Cake, Mango Royale, and Tiramisu.
Home items
Practical gifts often make for the best presents, so getting something to be used around the house is always a good choice.
Australian home brand Anko has a series of items ideal evenings at home like highball glasses, tablecloths, napkins, and miniature vases.
Stylish yet functional pieces include trinket bowls or boxes as well as a pair of candles. Ideal for people who enjoy the kitchen are mugs, trays, pans, and placemats.
Getting oneself gifts is perfectly acceptable so pounce on self-care by getting a lip balm, cosmetics bag, bath fizzer, towel, or an eye mask.
For those looking to get new beds, Gourdo's launched last year its Highland Heritage Collection by A-Fontane inspired by Hong Kong's ties to Scotland with its tartan patterns.
Four tartan designs can be chosen from in the new collection: Royal Stewart, Gordon, Passion of Hong Kong, and Lion Mountain.
Also in the collection are bed sheet sets, pillow cases, pillow shams, comforters, Euro squares, and an embroidered bed cushion.
If you're willing to splurge a little more for something definitely worth purchasing, appliances brand Dyson just released its limited-edition Amber Silk collection.
These include the brand's Airwrap i.d.™ multi-
Michelin dinners
The Michelin Guide is officially in the Philippines, so a dinner date in one of these recognized establishments will surely make Valentine's Day memorable.
Newport World Resorts is conveniently home to four Michelin-recognized restaurants: Hotel Okura Manila's Yamazato, CRU Steakhouse and Man Ho (both in Manila Marriott Hotel), and Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill Philippines.
Outside of those renowned dining options, Marriott Café at Manila Marriott Hotel and Yawaragi at Hotel Okura Manila are both offering special buffets on Valentine's weekend.
Meanwhile Hilton Manila's Vega Poolside, Hotel Okura Manila's SORA Rooftop Bar, and La Serenata at Casa Buenas all have special five-course dinners.
Those who prefer individual dishes may opt for offerings at Garden Wing Café or Marriott Café Bakery, then pop by for some entertainment at the "Champions of the Heart" Valentine's concert featuring Martin Nievera, Sofronio Vasquez, Jed Madela, Jona, and Klarisse de Guzman.
"Bagets the Musical" was recently extended until March so there are more dates to enjoy a throwback to the '80s.