No stopping Valentine’s Day events despite COVID-19

Despite the threat posed by COVID-19, various agencies under the Department of Tourism will push through with different events celebrating Valentine’s Day today.

At Rizal Park in Manila, the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) will host a series of activities dubbed “Love in Park,” highlighted by an acoustic and poetry performance at the Noli Me Tangere Garden.

At the central section of the park, the Old Manila Eco-Market group will hold a two-day bazaar featuring ecofriendly, handmade and locally-made goods and treats. Other activities include henna tattooing, portrait sketching and a photo wall.

Paco Park, also administered by the NPDC, will host a Valentine’s Day special concert.

The NPDC has linked up with the Intramuros Administration (IA) for a “hop-on, hop-off tour” using tranvia buses, reminiscent of the prewar tramcars that used to be Manila’s main mode of public transportation.

The tranvia tour starts from the Rizal Park Visitor’s Center on the Kalaw side of the park, followed by Aguinaldo House on Maria Orosa Street, before entering Intramuros via General Luna Street.

Other destinations along the route include the President’s Gallery at Sta. Lucia Barracks, Museo de Intramuros, Plaza San Luis Complex, San Agustin Church, Plaza Roma, Manila Cathedral and finally Fort Santiago.

The IA said visitors on Saturday may view a photo exhibit commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Manila at the Memorare Manila 1945 monument, sponsored by the Philippine World War II Memorial Foundation.