Skip the awkward small talk and let fate (and a shopping cart) lead you to romance this Valentine’s Day at Anko’s Bagay Ba Tayo? meet-cute event in Glorietta.

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Anko
February 4, 2025

Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day of love, roses, overpriced dinner reservations, and the lingering pressure of either planning the perfect date or avoiding it entirely. But what if, instead of swiping left on yet another “crypto investor” with a suspiciously curated dog photo, you could stumble into romance the old-fashioned way—by bumping carts in a shopping aisle?

Enter Anko’s Bagay Ba Tayo? An Anko Meet-Cute Experience, happening on February 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Glorietta 2, Makati City. If you’ve ever dreamed of a cinematic, Nora Ephron-esque moment but lacked the meet-cute setting (or, frankly, the courage), this is your chance. Anko, the Australian home and lifestyle brand, is essentially playing Cupid—but with shopping carts and scented candles.

Love at First Tap

The premise is simple: show up, grab a shopping cart, and choose a flower that signals your romantic availability (think of it as a traffic light system, but for love). As you wander through the store, perusing plush quilt covers and aesthetically pleasing dinnerware, you might just find yourself locking eyes with a fellow shopper who also believes in love at first scented candle sniff. The rules? If you spot someone intriguing, tap carts and let fate (and the provided icebreaker questions) do the rest.

Because Nothing Says Romance Like Home Essentials

If things go well—perhaps you bonded over a mutual love for color-coordinated throw pillows or debated the merits of eucalyptus vs. lavender-scented candles—seal the moment at the Kaya Bagay Tayo! photo booth. And if you’re feeling particularly bold (or simply have a knack for creative captions), share your experience online for a chance to win a romantic dinner for two. Think of it as the ultimate reward for putting yourself out there.

Single, Taken, or Just Here for the Vibes?

Not looking for love? No problem. Anko has curated a Valentine’s display filled with thoughtful gift ideas, from sheet masks (₱440) for a self-care night to Australian cotton pillowcases (₱180) for an upgrade to your solo Netflix binge setup. And let’s be honest—no one ever regretted buying an extra scented candle (₱310) for ambiance, whether it's for a date night or a night dedicated to rewatching Bridgerton.

The Best Kind of Valentine’s Plans

Whether you walk away with a new romance, a cute new friend, or just a really nice set of quilt covers, Bagay Ba Tayo? is proving that love (or at least, a fun conversation) can be found in the most unexpected places. So if your February 14 plans currently involve eating heart-shaped chocolates alone while scrolling through engagement posts, consider a change of scenery. Who knows? Your next great love story might just start in the home essentials aisle.