The global economic crisis that has affected all areas of our society now threatens romance.  Valentine’s Day has found us in a rather bad financial predicament.

This predicament prevails even on Valentine’s Day and many of us have hoped and prayed for a miracle that would lead to reduced market prices.

We all want to go out and have fun but spending is no longer a luxury that we can afford.  Valentine’s is a day when even the poorest of lovers is expected to buy a present. 

This doesn’t mean you have to rob a bank though. The best way is to trace the best offers and rush for them. Many hotels, restaurants, clubs, coffee houses have announced ‘bail out’ packages for lovers whose pockets cannot afford the dream of a perfect Valentine’s Day.

The streets of Kigali now seem to have been painted red as many shops take on cards and gifts sales.The options are endless for those in search of that perfect gift.

Le Petit Prince Orange Courts hotel in Kacyiru has the ambience of valentines all planned out.  In an interview,  the hotel administrator, Sharon Mbalazi said that in an effort to encourage the spirit of Valentine’s, the hotel was offering a couples’ dinner at a ‘very reasonable price of Rwf20,000.

"We understand that not everyone is able to save enough for the day and we hope that couples will embrace all the available pocket friendly offers, Valentine’s is just a day and you have a lifetime to spend together,” says Sharon.

Free chocolate for flowers

A bunch of roses have always been a special beginning of a great night but their price tags has kept buyers at bay. This year however different flowers in the market have given buyers options.

Patrick Lubanga, a businessman dealing in flowers in Gikondo explains that this is a season for roses and everyone should be able to buy  them. He points out that even though the roses are normally very expensive this season comes with great offers.

"We want people to have a Valentine full of roses hence for every bunch of flowers we will give chocolates for free; we hope this helps people to enjoy this year’s Valentine without worrying about the prices,” he revealed.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a superficial, commercially driven day for couples.

"If it were up to me, Valentine’s Day would be a day that represents and promotes love and compassion for everyone in this world,” says Patrick. He goes on to say that he hopes people can take advantage of all the available options for nice and cheap offers.

Brochettes and booze

Clubbing and drinks away with friends has never been better the season has all of us out dancing the night away. Most clubs in the city have announced Valentine’s night will be all specially everything well thought of even our pockets.

Dinner sets and double packages for clubs with entrance fees .So if you are thinking you will sleep off this night well think again. Sleep well plan well and wait because Saturday will be a night of love with all the right music and drinks at the right prices.

Francis Wahome the Managing Director of the popular nyama choma zone Executive Car Wash has announced that Saturday night will be dedicated to lovers.

"I am very happy to have to do something for Valentines; I believe it’s a day we all should celebrate. To encourage the spirit of Valentines and love celebration we will usher ladies into the restaurant with handful of roses. The best dressed ladies will receive drinks for free, We hope that single people will come and join the party as many surprise gifts will go round the whole night” promises Wahome.

Pomp and style all for great prices will usher in Valentines at Fiesta Mexicain Restaurant in Kimihurura. The club will host a Tequila Valentine’s day with a free entry tequila shot but and entry fee of Rwf5,000 per person and Rwf8,000 per couple.

With special offers like this, there is little reason to sit at home and have a ‘pity party’.  Go out celebrate all in the name of love.

Rwandatel, MTN connect lovers

Valentine’s Day is here again, and that sure means a great season for businesses but leaves huge dents in our pockets. This time however Lady Luck seems to have smiled on us withnumerous Valentine’s offers.

The latest to join the fray are MTN Rwanda and Rwandatel that have each come up with offers to help make Valentines Day special for loved ones without breaking their bank accounts.

In an attempt to honour love and Valentines Day Rwandatel has introduced a new Rwf2,000 worth Duo package to all their customers who are in love. The promotion is aimed at reducing call rates for couples. The mobile company announced that this was an opportunity for the lovers to talk more for less.

MTN also joins in celebrating with numerous gift packages to their customers. The mobile company has announced new cheaper tariffs for all their customers. Distance will no longer hinder love because now you’re loved one is just a few francs away.

Contact: pgathoni@gmail.com