If family obligations make it difficult to show up in person with chocolate or bouquets for valentines, mobile-phone text messages and e-cards may be the next best way to say "I love you" today.

For some cyber-romantics, it's nothing new. Joyce Wu, an executive administrator in Shanghai, says she relied on MSN messenger to send a valentine greeting to her boyfriend, who is studying in England.

"Actually we communicate through MSN messenger every day," said Wu. "However, I believe I will especially miss him on that day."

Joanne Zhou, the advertising chief for a financial magazine, is pleased with Cupid's timing this year. Her Australian husband flew to Shanghai to spend Spring Festival with her, meaning he also will be in town for the romantic evening.

Linda Fu, a local executive, said she will spend this Valentine's Day thanking Buddha for the luck he brought her last year.

Last Valentine's Day, she went to Huanglong Cave in Huangzhou, a spot many people visit to pray for good luck in finding true love. Her prayers were answered, she said, so this year she will take her boyfriend to the cave to burn incense to thank Buddha.

While Valentine's Day isn't a traditional Chinese festival, young people have taken to celebrating the event, prodded no doubt by heavy advertising from restaurants and retailers.

Valentine's Day Movie

The Paradise Theater will screen two romantic movies especially for Valentine's Day.

"Fall in Love at the First Sight," stars Lu Yi and Fan Bingbing. "Double Odyssey 2002," starring Vicki Zhao Wei, Faye Wong, Tony Leung, Ning Jing and Chang Chen. Flowers, chocolate and strawberry sweets will be distributed as gifts. Time: 8 p.m., today

Venue: 308 Anfu Rd.

Tickets: 50 yuan per person

Valentine's Day Dinner

Rekindle a romance with romantic live jazz music at the Orient Express Cafe Restaurant in the Crown Plaza.

Venue: 400 Panyu Rd.

Cost: 168 yuan per person

Valentine's Day Party

Ark Live House in Xintiandi will host a party featuring a buffet, all the beer you can drink, lucky draws with platinum his-and-hers rings among the giveaways. And of course romantic music.

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Cost: 300 yuan per person

Place: Xintiandi, Taicang Road.

Meanwhile, Kaja will perform at Ark Live House in Xintiandi. The Japanese singer performs reggae music. Imported wines, cocktails, soft drinks and beer will be served.

Time: 9:30 p.m.

Cost: 150 yuan

Valentine's Day Concert

No mistaking what the theme of this concert is, they're all there, "Gone With The Wind," "Titanic," "The Marriage of Figaro." This love set is brought to you by soprano Yang Xuejin, tenor Wu Bo and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Chen Xieyang.

Time: 2 p.m., February 14

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 People' Ave.

Tickets: 100-280 Yuan

( eastday.com February 14, 2002)