With major shows by big Filipino and foreign stars crammed in just four days (Feb. 12 to 15), the ultimate question among last-minute buyers after "Do you love me?" is "Do you love me… enough to choose the best concert?"

So…where does the money go? As the term ‘best’ is relative, let several factors govern your choice.

First, what type of music are you both or all (if you’re going out with barkadas) into? Although most concerts will try to incorporate as many musical genres into the repertoire as possible, the artists’ body of work, vocal talent and reputation would pretty much determine what’s in it for you. You can’t expect America, for example, to do Luther Vandross "I’d Rather" in the same way that The Supremes most likely won’t do "Kahit Isang Saglit."

Second, what mood do you want the music to establish in preparation for the next activity (the concert, after all, is almost always just prelude)? If you plan to party after the show, then choose one that would either bring on nostalgia or the laughs, with repertoire of mostly upbeat tunes or has novelty factor in terms of musical style or tandem (for conversation pieces later).

If a romantic nightcap is what you’re after, the best bet would be to fill your heads with ballads and love songs. Also, if you’re the guy, this sometimes means sacrificing your musical inclination in lieu of what your ladylove wants. Make her feel that you put her interests above yours (and try not to snore during the show!).

Third, what impression would you like to give? This is crucial especially if you’re just dating. You want her to think that you’re a culture vulture? Then go see something like the Verni Varga and Leo Valdez show both of whom would probably do middle-of-the-road, jazz and Broadway tunes. Or to one that has dinner thrown (either of Nyoy Volante or Gary Valenciano) into the package.

If she’s trendy then take her to "Queens On Fire." The Pops Fernandez and Regine Velasquez show is bound to be talk of the town by next week not only because of their disparate styles but also of fashion sense.

(Word from the wise: If you think she suspects you of being gay, then this is not the concert to go to unless if you want to end up as soul sisters. This is especially true if you have the tendency to get carried away by reaching the same high notes as Regine does — and it doesn’t matter if you can, too!).

Fourth, where is the concert going to be held? As when establishing business, it’s about "location, location, location." If you have a car, then make sure the premises have ample parking space unless you start the night foulmouthed. Concerts at hotels (like Jose Mari Chan’s and Kuh Ledesma’s) are stress-free when it comes to this area.

If you have to take a cab, then make sure you bring extra cash. Cab drivers are especially cunning during these times; most would probably go by contract versus meter if the concert venue is traffic jam prone. Good walking shoes might come in handy.

If you’re taking the bus, MRT or jeepney, make allowances for long waiting periods and half-butt seats.

If you’re a girl, then bring whatever it is that you could use to freshen up prior to the show (this means arriving there a bit earlier). Riding public utility vehicles can be haggardly. You don’t want people thinking that Marilyn Manson has finally decided to take his tour to Manila.

If you’re a guy and you opt for the tricycle, then forget about getting a "yes" (whatever the question is) that night.

Fifth, what is your budget? If limited, here are remarks that will justify cheaper seats:

"They’re better sent than heard," "Oh, look, video walls!" "The better to hear you speak, my dear," "Patron seats are exclusive for, er, patron of the arts," and "So we could leave faster and more easily."

If sky is the limit, then go watch all shows that you can, you, big spender, you.

Whichever concert wins your nod, always remember: Music happens when notes pass through the ears and go directly to the heart. Happy Valentine’s!

What: "Queens…on Fire"

Who: Regine Velasquez and Pops Fernandez

When: Feb. 11 and 12

Where: PSC (formerly ULTRA), Pasig City

Repertoire: Pop, ballad, dance and original hit songs as "Don’t Say Goodbye" and "Dadalhin"