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Love it or loathe it, Valentine’s Day returns every year, and here are our gift suggestions for your loved ones.
Some see it as an annual celebration of romance. Others dismiss it as a cash grab. But each February, as the chain stores and supermarkets fill with rainbow roses, imported chocolates, and risograph-printed cards, one thing becomes clear: Valentine’s Day is going nowhere.
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day, called Araw ng mga Puso or ‘Day of the Hearts,’ was introduced through the Catholicism of the Spaniards and gained popularity in the 20th century by lovey-dovey Hollywood movies. The holiday quickly became beloved by everyone, regardless of age or station, when love can simply be expressed through a penned note, or tapped away with an endless stream of heart emojis.
What makes Lover’s Day magnificent is its high-voltage, fiesta-like scale. Beyond private exchanges between couples at home, it becomes an open invitation for unabashed PDA across malls, beaches, Facebook, YouTube, and everywhere in between. In major cities, mass weddings led by local governments, churches, and NGOs have become a record-breaking hallmark of February 14. Frequently free or subsidized, they demonstrate a communal ethos and the idea that the joy and legal security of marriage should be accessible. In 2013, ABS-CBN reported that 173,306 couples marked their wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day.
While red roses and sugary perishables are considered the norm, older gestures such as handwritten love letters and harana, the tradition of serenading a loved one (even by karaoke) offers a genuine glimpse into someone’s heart. For many, luxury tokens such as watches and jewelry symbolize a love meant to last, carrying both material value and permanence.
This year, we’ve curated a selection of thoughtful splurges and meaningful keepsakes, each chosen to mark affection in a way that lingers well beyond the day itself.
For her
Whether she’s team butter or bangles, these gifts mix style and thoughtfulness. Add a luxurious lipstick or a brightening serum for a touch of pampering she’ll love.
For him
From a 3D-printed lamp to army-inspired sneakers, these picks combine style with personality. Finish the gesture with a high-end lip balm or a candle for a touch of calm.
