Commute with love: MRT-3's 'Love Train' is a reminder that love really is everywhere
By Trixee Rosel
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 offer you the courage to approach someone or introduce you to an ideal partner.
Metro Manila's rail program is taking the concept to the next stage -- how about applying the train as your wingman?
For the month of February, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will help singles and lovers alike by bringing fun to the hearts of passengers and creating an atmosphere of romance.
MRT-3 officer-in-charge and Transportation Assistant Secretary Jorjette Aquino said MRT’s ‘Love Train’ theme is all-inclusive love, embracing all sorts of love, whether for family, friends, communities, pets, and, of course, self.
It unveiled its heart exhibit, with a stunning setup of red and pink flowers providing the ideal backdrop for couples, groups, and individuals to take selfies in front of.
Aquino said the ‘Love Train’, which will run until the end of February, consists of three carriages, each of which represents a distinct stage of love.
The first train car was themed ‘lovely first encounter’ portraying desserts-for-two and the sweet "kilig feels" in the early stages of dating, with the interior painted in pastel colors reminiscent of ice cream, donuts, and other desserts.
The second car was ‘charming retro design’ styled, with floral decorations and the words "She said yes!" showing a proposal of marriage that was accepted.
The third rail car was themed ‘an event with a rustic feel,’ which reflects the "intimate magic" of marriage, the start of a new chapter in life, through wood, brick, and floral arrangements.
Passengers will also find love quotes for both romantics and "sawi" on the train's windows, along with interactive wall activities aimed at stimulating social media posts about the project through surprise giveaways.
During its launch, passengers on the Love Train were treated to tasty snacks and serenaded by the DOTr singer and train operators -- the "harana," a staple of the classic Filipino concept of romance.
“Sa pamamagitan ng paglikha nitong espesyal na Valentine's Day display, umaasa ang MRT na magdagdag ng higit na kagalakan at liwanag sa mga araw ng ating mga pasahero sa buong kapaskuhan (By creating this special Valentine's Day display, MRT wishes to bring even more joy and brightness to our passengers' lives throughout the festive season),”
“The ‘Love Train’ will run on both the northbound and southbound lanes of the MRT-3,” said Aquino.