Valentine’s season in Naga City was modified into a “not just for couples” affair as evidenced in two simultaneous events at the Avenue Square on Magsaysay Avenue.

        At the posh Avenue Convention Plaza, now managed by The Avenue Plaza Hotel, a dinner show entitled, “The Flavors of Love” played host to a very eager audience that sang along with Philippine Idol finalist Gail Blanco as they enjoyed a four-course dinner exclusively prepared only for that evening by the hotel.

        With the lights dimmed sufficiently to spark a soft romantic feel, the venue was decorated exceptionally well, with candlelit centerpieces and long stemmed red roses at each table.

        Tickets were surprisingly affordable for an event of that stature, as they were sold for only Php 650.00 per person for a seat at a shared round table that could accommodate up to ten people. For only 150 pesos more at Php 800.00 per ticket, couples could enjoy a lot more privacy and exclusivity with square tables for up to four people, set closer to the stage and enjoy their dinner with a main course of their choice of either Red Snapper or Chicken Escalopes. The elegant dinner included soup, salad, and a serving of blissful dessert aptly called “Chocolate Fantasy”, with a description that states “Decadent flourless cake with chocolate dipped strawberry and heavenly whipped cream”.

        At the cool and cozy nature themed The Al Fresco of the Avenue Square, a three night celebration of love was held as an acoustic duo, who call themselves Peppermint Jam, performed until the 16th to a surprisingly attentive crowd of customers from the varied restaurants located at the establishment’s ground floor.

        As the event title said it, “It’s Love... Actually”, and it was true as the lifestyle center was filled not just by couples discreetly wrapped in slight affection but also by families gathered in a simple weekend reunion and friends hanging out in a night reserved for the hearts.

        This event was organized for Avenue Square’s dining customers and did not charge any additional fees for admission or entry, which made it the most cost-effective yet tastefully high end retreat for Valentine’s.

        A vehicle exhibit was situated at the front parking space of the Avenue Square, showing evidence of the area as a highly efficient selling spot targeting the higher earning markets. A seller of chocolates and sweet nothings was complemented by its neighboring merchant that sold tulips and roses at the Ground floor lobby.

        So there it was, at Bicol’s first and only premiere lifestyle center; an evolution of Valentine’s from a one day celebration of love between cooing couples, to three days of bliss set for families and friends. It was love actually, even for the singles, whether by choice or by chance.