Couple Cool Down

Manila’s soulful songwriters serenade Conspiracy Garden Cafe. The murmur of conversation and music lace the open air of their charming backyard. Let the beer cool your head and the music warm your heart. The nights are long, so when you’re finally ready, talk it out. Even if there are lapses in the conversation, gentle melodies will be there to catch the silences. Imagine, a sombre voice singing “Ikaw at Ako” (You and Me), “Walang iwanan, tag-init o tag-ulan / Haharapin bawat unos na mag-daan (We’ll stay together, through the drought or rain / We’ll weather each passing storm)…” Singer-songwriters like Johnoy Danao lay their heart bare on the “stage”. And so can you.

• +6329206517

• 59 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

• https://conspiracygardencafe.com/

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When the words have run out and it’s 3AM on a Saturday, Uptown Mall Cinema's VIP Cinema has a cushy loveseat waiting for the two of you. For an hour or two, you are the Chosen One trying to save the world with the help of a motley crew. Or, the boy-meets-girl that make it work in the end. The cinema is fully serviced by a dedicated butler. They will bring you as many popcorn tubs and soda tumblers as possible to take off the edge. Escape through the silver screen, a loved one by your side.

• +6328699029

• Third Floor, Uptown Mall, 9th Avenue corner 36th Street, Uptown Bonifacio, The Fort, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

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Come for a “quickie” at Neo Day Spa—their 20-minute massage on the neck, shoulders, and back (sorry, folks, not that kind of happy ending)! If you’re left wanting more, they have a wide selection of treatments, from nail care to aromatherapy massages. Neo Day Spa kneads the tender loving care back into your body. They use treatments inspired by ancient traditions around the world: the Japanese Volcanic Stone Massage, the Rose Quartz Ayurvedic Therapy, and the Ventosa Therapy (Chinese or Egyptian depending who you ask). Reserve the private Couples’ Room, intimate and looking out to Bonifacio Global City from behind the curtain.

• +6328158233

• Ground Floor, Net One Center, 26th Street corner 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila. Philippines

• https://www.neospa.net/

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There’s enough going on in the late-night food market of Mercato Centrale to keep attention away from the two of you. Rows of food stalls under sizzle with interesting fare—from cheesecake-on-a-stick to roast duck—enticing enough to stir the appetite. Duck away from the tent with your snack and dine under the open-air and cityscape of Bonifacio Global City. There’s more headspace to eat, talk, and think.

• +63 917 840 1152

• 25th Street corner 7th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

• http://www.mercatocentrale.ph

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The only split going down at Farmacy Ice Cream and Soda Fountain is a banana split! Hot heads simmer down with heaping ice cream sundaes. Share a cherry-topped milkshake and bring the sweetness back into your system. Farmacy has an outdoor area away from the busy ice cream counter for more serious conversations. A front-row seat at the counter is perfect to keep your mind on something else as the sundaes come together.

• +6328873622

• Ground Floor, Net Lima, 26th Street corner 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

• http://www.wildflour.com.ph/farmacy

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Instead of throngs of people and a busy street outside the window, the Starbucks at Harbour Square looks out to the boats and still waters of Manila Bay. Starbucks is so ubiquitous that you can focus on the more important things instead of a new drink order. Sit by the window, or outside on the boardwalk, and people-watch as the light glints over the water.

• +6325510115

• Ground Floor, Harbour Square, CCP Complex, Pedro Bukaneg Street, Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

• https://www.starbucks.ph/

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Snuggle up somewhere more intimate at SoChill Sofitel. Still overlooking Manila Bay, cozy rattan pods and hammocks hang from the waterfront lawn. Lovers cooling down from a quarrel have the calming waters stretch out before them into an endless horizon. A tropical cocktail, or two, completes the atmosphere of a resort getaway—plus, a kick of liquid courage.

• +6325515555

• Seawall Garden, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, CCP Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines

• https://www.sofitelmanila.com/

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Reclaim your zen in the little Japanese garden of Washington SyCip Park right at the heart of Legazpi Village. A bamboo hedge hides away a Japanese rock bed and row of benches. Enter from Legazpi Street and it will be to your left. The park is a little haven away from the break-neck speed of Makati Central Business District. Various art installations and benches dot the lawns, and during the day, a gazebo offers some shade by the koi pond. There are plenty of options for a moment of peace and contemplation with a loved one.

• Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

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The Diliman Academic Oval is a runner’s haven, and a good sweat is sometimes the perfect cool down. Within the University of the Philippines, foot traffic is high. The loop has seen many things: rallies, break-ups, and meet-cutes, even. Release some pent up frustration at each step, the wide sidewalks allow for that. There are also plenty of corners around the campus to stop and talk in privacy.

• University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

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Surround yourselves with beautiful things at the National Museum. Priceless paintings of pastoral fields and historic artifacts can give insight to humans and their faults—yet we persist. The museum is quiet, its atmosphere would hamper the discussion from escalating. The many rooms offer endless choices to sneak away into.

• +6325277889

• Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila City, Metro Manila, Philippines

• https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/

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