The nightlife choices this Valentine’s Day are varied and not overlapping—since Feb. 14 falls on a Sunday and there are shows also scheduled on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 12 and 13).

 

Here are five suggestions on where to spend the occasion, based on three factors: convenience of location; dining options; and, of course, the quality of the Valentine show.

 

Quezon City

 

For residents of Quezon City and its vicinities, the Araneta Center in Cubao has three big-venue concerts:

 

“Valentine Playlist,” Feb. 12, 8 p.m., Kia Theatre; featuring South Border and Top Suzara, with special guest Kyla

 

South Border’s Jay Durias, who is also the show’s musical director, is known for his refreshing rearrangements of practically any song. Pressed to give the audience an idea of what to expect, he says he will turn something very senti like Barry Manilow’s “One of These Days” into an insightful tune about the nature of love and its complications.

 

The new Kia Theatre is the former New Frontier Cinema that has been renovated as a multipurpose hall, especially for concerts. It looks magnificent inside, the stage and seats resembling the CCP.

 

The Gateway Mall nearby has lots of restaurants if you want to have an early dinner.

 

“Best of Our Love,” Feb. 13, 8 p.m., Kia Theatre; featuring alumni of two defunct legendary groups: Circus Band (Basil Valdez, Hajji Alejandro, Pat Castillo, Jacqui Magno, Tillie Moreno) and the New Minstrels (Eugene Villaluz, Ray-An Fuentes, Ding Mercado, Louie Reyes), plus Ali Sotto.

 

This show is an annual repeat of the long-running reunion gigs of the two groups. Recommended for those who have yet to watch its earlier editions, although the repertoire may have been revised to keep old fans interested.

 

It’s a wonder why Ali Sotto (the former pop singer named Aloha) is in the artists’ roster, since she was never a member of either groups, though it seems she will take the place of Joey Albert (New Minstrels), who is doing another show.

 

“Panahon ng May Tama #ComiKilig,” Feb. 13, 8 p.m., Smart Araneta Coliseum; featuring Papa Jack, Ate Gay, Gladys “Chuchay” Guevarra, Boobsie Wonderland

 

Highly recommended for those who want to have a good laugh all night. This is the debut outing in a major venue for Papa Jack, the country’s most popular radio DJ, and the Chuchay-Boobsie tandem, said to be the female counterpart of Jose and Wally.

 

Kia Theatre and Smart Araneta Coliseum, tel. no. 9115555; log on to ticketnet.com.ph

 

Pasig 

 

These options are for those who prefer an intimate setting with a band playing onstage.

 

Aruba Bar & Restaurant, ground floor, Metrowalk Commercial Complex, Meralco Avenue

 

The food is consistently tasty, from appetizers (crispy tenga, gambas, salpicao) to full meals (tenderloin steak, grilled salmon) to pastas and pizzas. There’s also a good selection of red and white wines. Featured band on Feb. 13 is Silk, composed of three female vocalists, plus DJ Bad Boy, one of the best club DJs in town.

 

Aruba Bar & Restaurant, tel. no. 6364702

 

 

Mandaluyong

 

Primos Cuisine and Lounge, Mayflower St. The Hub, Greenfield District (formerly Edsa Central), Shaw Boulevard across Shangri-La Plaza

 

This is your best choice for good R&B/soul/jazz music, performed live by Joey’s Mailbox—whose frontman, Joey San Andres, is also Primos’ owner. Catch the band on Friday, Feb. 12. Performing on Saturday, Feb. 13, are Rannie Raymundo and Dessa.

 

Primos Cuisine and Lounge, tel. no. 5842908

 

Solaire Resort and Casino

 

Don’t mind the distance because this is perhaps the only place you should be on Feb. 14.

 

Start with dinner at Kiwa Korean Grill Dining, one of Solaire’s newly opened restaurants. A full-course menu consists of appetizers, salad, sashimi, beef ribs and pork belly, glass noodles and dessert. The staff will do the grilling of the main course on your table, but your clothes won’t smell of smoke due to Kiwa’s top-of-the-line exhaust system.

 

And then proceed to the Solaire Theatre for “Celebrate Love” featuring Dennis Lambert and Joey Albert—an idea that started years ago when Albert produced a Lambert gig in Vancouver, where she’s based. Now she’s writing, directing and singing with Lambert for their Solaire show.

 

Lambert recorded the ’70s pop gems “Ashes To Ashes” and “Of All the Things,” not to mention being the co-writer/co-producer of Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy,” The Four Tops’ “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got),” Player’s “Baby Come Back,” and the Commodores’ “Night Shift,” among  dozens of other classic pop hits.

 

Solaire Resort and Casino, Aseana Ave. Parañaque; tel. no. 8888888.