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Cuffing season special: Perfect first date ideas for the holidays

By SAAB LARIOSA Published Dec 15, 2022 2:50 pm

The end of the year could also mean the start of something new.

With those 13th-month pays now on our pockets, and our bravery rising as the holidays near, this could be the perfect time to ask out that person you've been eyeing—or at least test out the dating pool.

But wait, where does one even go on dates during the Christmas season? After all, we certainly can't go on an eggnog or snowman-building date here in the Philippines.

Worry not, as we've rounded up the ideal date ideas to have some fun, feel the holiday spirit, and potentially create new connections.

Ice skating

Although we don't have local rivers we can skate away on like Joni Mitchell, local malls have been surely and slowly opening up their ice skating rinks for couples to enjoy.

If it's for a first date, it's also a great idea to show off your ice skating skills—or at least have a few laughs as you two try to catch each other before falling on the ice.

As of writing, SM has opened up their skating rinks in Mall of Asia, Megamall, and Seaside Cebu. If you need an extra excuse to ask out your crush, SM Skating will also be holding an ice show titled "Carols on Ice" at the Mall of Asia from 8 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 21. It will feature skaters like 2018 Winter Olympian Michael Martinez who will offer breathtaking performances to the tune of OPM classics. Tickets can be purchased via TicketNet's website.

Makati's Festival of Lights
Justine Punzalan

Why not a fancy Makati date for that fancy and IG-worthy first date? Before you head on out for a Poblacion dinner in Makati, you might want to check out the comeback of the ongoing the Festival of Lights held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

This year's breathtaking lights festival showcases a 360-degree experience not only with its usual dancing string lights and magical laser lights but also a 3D animated video projected on the venue's canopy facade.

The show begins daily at 6 p.m. until Jan. 8, 2023.

Intramuros Walking tour

Why not go old school and check out the sights and sounds of Manila? Intramuros administration is offering regular walking tours of the walled city such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and more, during the season.

If you and your date are more of the creative types, you could even consider it as a photo walk using either your cameras or mobile phones. Hey, you could even get in an adorable couple photo while you're at it.

Manila Ocean Park

If you have a few bucks to spare and looking for a real first-date experience, Manila Ocean Park is a crowd-favorite for you and your date to enjoy the country's first world-class marine theme park.

With its walkable and interesting attractions, the conversation will surely be flowing as you weave in and out of the huge complex in Manila.

They currently have an early holy-treats ticket sale for only P699/pax which includes seven different attractions. Safe to say it will be a full-day activity. Check it out here.