MANILA -- For those looking for love this Valentine’s Day, one thing that would make your search easier, if not more fun, is finding a wingman – someone to give you the courage to approach someone or introduce you to a budding partner.
Trains in Metro Manila are taking the idea to the next level -- why not let the trains be your wingman?
For the month of February, the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), the LRT-2, and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will help singles and lovers alike, by setting the mood for a romantic ride aboard their trains.
Set to run until the end of March, LRT-1's Love Train is made up of three coaches each displaying different stages of love.
According to the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the first train car was themed "sweet first date" depicting desserts-for-two and the sweet “kilig feels” in the early stages of dating – with the train car’s interior coated in pastel colors that remind one of ice cream, donuts, and other desserts.
The second car was themed "sweet shabby chic" – with floral designs and the words, “She said yes!”, depicting a successful marriage proposal.
The third train car was themed "rustic wedding", which represents the “intimate magic” of marriage –the beginning of a new stage in the journey of life -- through wood, brick, and floral designs.
Passengers will also find love quotes for the romantic and "sawi" alike, in the train’s windows, as well as interactive wall activities designed to encourage social media posts of the project through surprise giveaways.
During its launch, passengers aboard the Love Train were also given sweet treats and were serenaded by the LRMC choir and train operators -- the "harana", a staple in the classic Filipino idea of romance.
“We hope that through this special Valentine’s month display, LRMC can make our passengers’ days extra brighter and happier this season,” LRMC President and CEO Juan Alfonso said.
Meanwhile, the LRT-2 celebrated the day of hearts by giving away roses, customized mugs, chocolates, and some practical items, such as bottled water and facial tissues in Malasakit Desks scattered throughout its stations.
The MRT-3 also gave out freebies through its Malasakit Desks in its North Avenue, Araneta-Cubao, Boni, and Taft stations, while a team from the Philippine National Police serenaded commuters at the Boni station.
Merrowen Mendoza, communication officer of the MRT-3, said 250 “Malasakit help kits” were given to passengers on Friday morning and another 250 kits would be given in the afternoon.
With these programs, the trains in Metro Manila may just be "the place to be" this Valentine’s Day -- whether you’re hoping the person next to you might be the one or just want to enjoy some freebies and have fun. (PNA)
