Hey! Hey! Hey! It’s that time of year once more, when flowers cost too much and fancy restaurants get too crowded. Whether you’re single or with a bae, planning for Valentine’s day can be tricky, so we’re here to help you out of your creative rut. From bacon roses to a family staycation, here are the things you can do to celebrate the most romantic (and possibly most expensive) day of the year.

1. Get bacon roses

Heard of the girl who got a bouquet made from chicken nuggets? This bacon bouquet from The Lazy Bastard is the perfect V-day gift if your bae loves food. We know you’re probably thinking that you can make your own bacon roses. Pro tip: Just conveniently get ‘em at the Lazy Bastard. You may message them on Facebook to place your orders. Lazy Bastard, 22 Jupiter St. Corner Galaxy, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila; +63 2 8325330, Facebook. Daily, 11am-3am.

2. Get chocolates

You can’t go wrong with chocolates. If you’re single, get it for your mom or favorite tita. Try Villa del Conte’s Amore chocolates, which come in nice boxes, so you really don’t have to worry about presentation anymore. You can pick from either praline balls or bonta dark chocolates.  Make sure to write a nice, meaningful V-day message on the card. Villa del Conte chocolates, 3rd Level, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Shaw Boulevard, corner EDSA, Mandaluyong. Facebook. +632 8922575, +632 6216101. 11am-9pm

3. Celebrating with kids? Sip on sparkling juice!

Pop open a bottle of sparkling for a fun and wholesome celebration for the entire family. Don’t worry, there’s zero alcohol in this drink, but it will definitelyl help create the festive mood for the evening. Dress up your little ones in fancy clothes and make them feel special. Of course, you can always bring out the wine when the tots are in bed. Available in major grocery stores and supermarkets.

4. Go on a romantic staycation

We’re not kidding when we say that Crimson Hotel Filinvest’s “Retreat in Romance” package is a pretty good deal. With rates starting at PHP4,800++, guests can enjoy a romantic guest stay inclusive of a Parisian-inspired dinner for two (Feb 10-13) or a four-course gourmet menu (Feb 14). There are also little treats that come with the room like French macarons, flowers, and wine. Crimson Hotel Filinvest City. Entrata Urban Complex, 2609 Civic Drive, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Facebook. +632 863 2222.

5. Go have a romantic dinner

If you want to pull all the stops and make your date feel like the queen (or king) of the world, then Nobu can most definitely help you. Surprise your bae with a seven-course dinner which starts with the sashimi duo of yellowtail jalapeno and oyster new style caviar. The main dish is beef tenderloin uni butter and clear soup with Asari clam. The meal comes with Nobu’s sweet masu box and origami flowers. PHP3,999++ Nobu restaurant, City of Dreams, Manila. Aseana Boulevard corner Macapagal Avenue Brgy.Tambo, Paranaque City; +632 8008080, Facebook. 

6. Watch a fun play

Now, who wouldn’t want to spend Valentine’s day getting high on laughter? The terrific trio of Jon Santos, Kakai Bautista and Rex Navarrete stars in this one-night performance called “Extra Judicial Kidding” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on Feb 15. What to expect? An entertaining performance politics, personalities, and pressing issues. Expect lots of laughs. Feb 15, 8pm. L2, Newport Mall, Newport Blvd, Pasay; +632 908 8000 local 7700.Ticket prices start at PHP1,937