One Game At A Time
Make sports an alternative on Valentines
By Sev SarmentaPhilippine Daily Inquirer
Is there any connection at all between this romantic season and sports?
We are currently in the whirlwind of dinner dates, concert shows, flowers, gifts, greeting cards and social network messages, all in the spirit of celebrating romantic love.
Older couples who have been through many Valentine’s Day celebrations are oblivious to all the hoopla. They try to ignore everything commercial or spiritual about the whole thing and stay indoors, sharing meals with their families or just snuggling into their favorite spots for TV or DVD marathons.
Can we suggest an alternative because there’s really nothing wrong about marking this special day for lovers?
Our suggestion is to try any one of the following sporting options on the day itself or during the week. Since it will be chaotic to get even the simplest dinner date while the season is at its peak, the alternatives may prove to be more endearing and memorable to you and your partner.
May we suggest:
1. A walk, jog or run at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Rizal Park, CCP Complex or any open space. If your partner is still not into the walking or running mania, let him or her choose the time and place to do this Valentine’s date. Don’t argue about pace because nobody needs to race.
2. Badminton dates. Don’t bring the whole gang because coordinating schedules will be a headache. Find a court that’s available and no matter how crowded it is, you two can just tuck yourselves into a corner out of the mayhem.
3. Free throw or three-point shooting dates. Guys will be delighted to find out that many women do like playing and not just watching basketball. How many times have we seen guys teaching their dates how to shoot, only to be beaten over time? You’ll slowly work up a sweat just trying to make each shot count.
4. Biking dates. Choose your trek, the distance to be covered or the destination. Again, forget the whole barkada if you’re already hooked up with a biking gang. Enjoy the solitude with your partner.
5. Swim dates. There are pools that open early in the morning and if you’re not the type to freeze up at dawn, it might be fun to have the pool all to yourselves.
6. Billiards or bowling challenges. Keep score. Place friendly bets like who pays for the drinks and bar chow. Guys, have fun while being trounced by the girls because you don’t have a monopoly on billiards or bowling smarts. At the same, don’t insult the girls by letting them win. On the other hand, girls please don’t rub it in when you win. We know when we are beaten.
7. Watch sports movies together. Huddle up on a couch or wherever and relish the Rocky series, We Are Marshall, Rudy, Remember the Titans or even the not so profound ones like Blue Chips or The Replacements. Have lots of popcorn and worry about cleaning up only after the movies.
Sports options could be the next best card to play during the craziness of Valentine’s Day. Be creative and don’t simply dismiss the day as just a commercial exercise. Love is in the air and do breathe it all in!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Tags: biking , DVD , Quezon Memorial Circle , Rizal Park
