Valentine’s Day is, according to Jim Carrey’s character in “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap. That may hold true to a certain few, but perhaps not for performers and musicians; because next to the Christmas season, it’s the busiest time of the year for them.

It’s cause for celebration for lovers of music as well, because shows catering to varied tastes abound. Here’s Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online’s gig guide for Hearts Day:

February 11

“David Benoit LIVE Manila 2010”

The popular contemporary jazz pianist, composer and conductor returns to treat his Pinoy fans with ageless hits like “Key to You” and “After the Love Has Gone.” Joining him on stage this time is the 60-piece FILharmoniKA orchestra with guest singer Bituin Escalante and sax player Tots Tolentino.

8 p.m. at the PICC Plenary Hall on Roxas Blvd., Pasay City. For tickets, call Ticketnet (9115555), TicketWorld (8919999), PICC (5516296), Dream FM Hotline (8924216).

February 12

“Love2Love2Love”

Super bands Side A and Freestyle and Diamond Soul Siren Nina fill the Araneta Coliseum with love songs starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at all SM Ticketnet outlets and Viva Concert and Events.

“Charlie Green Live!”

The 12-year-old “Britain’s Got Talent” sensation charms his kababayans with standards and swing numbers, 7 p.m., at The Venice Piazza at McKinley Hills, Fort Bonifacio. For inquiries, call 709-0888, 709-9888, 709-1893, 0918-9-EWCITY, or key in www.eastwoodcity.com.http://www.eastwoodcity.com/

“Forever Love”

Trust Kuh Ledesma to put some drama and extra romance to V-Day by having movie and TV leading men Christopher de Leon and Jomari Yllana as guests to her two-day engagement at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City.
For ticket information, call 7210635 or 7216726.

“Love Rocks…Arnel Pineda”

A special rockin’ Valentine concert with Journey’s front man with guest performers Rachelle Ann Go and AMMO Band happens at 8 p.m.at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel Lahug, Cebu City. Ticket outlets: SM City Cebu, Ayala Center, Cebu Waterfront and 96.3 WRock.

“The Juicy Cat Dolls – No Preservatives Added”

Pilita Corrales, Mitch Valdes and Nanette Inventor mix music and comedy at SM Megamall’s Cinema 9 beginning at 8:30 p.m. Email maxi.music@yahoo.com for ticket inquiries.

“MYMP Now Prouder Than Ever”

Guitarist Chin Alcantara, sans MYMP vocalist Juris Fernandez who’s gone solo, formally introduces his new band mates at the Music Museum in Greenhills. Call TicketWorld at 8919999 and Music Museum at 7216726 or 7210635.

“Heartsongs: An Intimate Valentine with Erik Santos”

The voice behind “Miss You Like Crazy,” the reunion movie of love team partners John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, has more love songs in store for those going to Teatrino in Greenhills at 8:30 for the two-night gig, with Vina Morales as guest performer (and another one the next evening). For inquiries, call 722-4532, 722-8310 local 116.

“Pre-Valentine Concert with the Songwriter and the Songbird”

Coosome twosome Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez have a date with their fans at the Verdant Pavilion of Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa in Bohol. Tickets are available at BQ Mall Management Office or at Sales and Marketing Department of MetroCentre Hotel & Convention Center. Call (038)-4123964 and 4112599.