Big love: Thai students, elephants send Valentines to virus-hit China

BANGKOK - Some 3,000 students gathered on Friday in Thailand's Ayutthaya province to send Valentine's Day well-wishes to China, which is facing an ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

"China keep fighting," students and teachers of Jirasat Wittaya School chanted, as they stood with a pair of elephants in a heart formation in a courtyard.

"Now in China the people are feeling anxious and worried, so people from other countries should give them confidence so they can press on," said Liang Jie, a Chinese language teacher at the school from the city of Xiamen, on China's east coast.

"So if the Thais can give us their confidence and support, we will surely be thankful to them."

Thailand has recorded a total of 33 coronavirus cases, but no fatalities so far.

In its latest update, China's National Health Commission said it had recorded 121 new deaths and 5,090 new coronavirus cases on the mainland on Thursday, raising the total of infected to 63,851 people.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Love boat: Valentine's Day on a quarantine cruise

TOKYO, Japan – "Cupid's avocado" for dinner, heart-shaped messages for the crew, but also painful separation: for those trapped on board the quarantined Diamond Princess cruiseship, Friday is no ordinary Valentine's Day.

Wearing a red dress and a red hair tie, the ship's entertainment manager Natalie posted a Valentine's Day video on Twitter to try to keep spirits up.

"I just wanted to check in with everybody and say that we are all hanging in there, doing fine and keeping together as a big family," she said, admitting with a smile: "This hasn't been my regular attire for the last week or so."

Passenger Matt Smith, 57, was marking Valentine's Day on board with his wife of 21 years, Katherine Codekas, also 57 -- and admitted this was not their first-choice location for the special day.

"After 21 years of marriage, we don't make a big deal of it, but I usually get Katherine a card at least," he told AFP from the ship.

"I think she was a little disappointed with our setting," he added. "Facebook reminded me this morning that three years ago we were in Las Vegas. Way to rub it in!"

Passengers on board were being offered a "Valentine's Day" breakfast, Smith said.

"We were reminded what day it was by the delivery of what the crew member said was a 'special' breakfast," he said.

"Not sure why hard-boiled eggs, sausage, and sautéed mushrooms are special."

The dinner menu, on the other hand, promises several special treats in honor of the day.

"Cupid's Avocado and Shrimp salad" to start, followed by "Shrimp Valentine Japanese style with rice and vegetables."

The main course is the French classic Coq au Vin with mashed potato and vegetables, and a "Valentine's Day surprise dessert of the day" is promised.

"Coq au Vin, yes please," tweeted Yardley Wong, who has been posting her efforts to keep her young son entertained on the quarantined vessel.

"A special meal for Valentine's Day, a reserved bottle of red," she added, with her usual hashtag #hanginthereDiamondPrincess and a picture of a bottle of wine.

She also posted a drawing by her six-year-old son for Valentine's Day, with the caption "Stay strong, we are with you Diamond Princess."

'THEN SHE WAS GONE'

American passenger Jackie joked that she had big plans for Valentine's Day on the cruise, which has proved far from the gala holiday everyone planned.

"We're going to have a formal night on Valentine's Day in our cabin. Take some pics, have some laughs," she tweeted.

Another passenger cut out paper hearts and left them on her door for the crew to read, with messages including: "Thank you for all your hard work" and "Thank you for taking care of us."

More than 200 people on board the ship have been diagnosed with the newly named COVID-19 and taken to local hospitals. Those remaining on board will be in quarantine until at least February 19.

While passengers are battling isolation, fear and boredom, some members of the crew have voiced concerns about their conditions, including eating together and sleeping two to a cabin.

But the coronavirus has also ripped some couples apart for Valentine's Day, including at least one on their honeymoon.

Kent Frasure was forced to say goodbye to his partner Rebecca, who has contracted the virus and is now in isolation in hospital.

"We said 'goodbye, see each other later' and gave each other a hug. We didn't have a goodbye kiss because we didn't really know what was going on," Kent told CNBC.

"Then I watched her walk down the hallway, turn the corner and then she was gone."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

100,000 condoms distributed in Mexico City ahead of Valentine's Day

MEXICO CITY - Residents in Mexico's sprawling capital were encouraged to play it safe on Valentine's Day, as 100,000 condoms were distributed across the city's metro stations on Thursday in the run up to the annual love fest.

Dozens of volunteers, some dressed as garish-colored condoms, dished out packets of rubber protection across 24 metro stations as part of a campaign to prevent venereal diseases, rising HIV infections across Mexico and unwanted pregnancies.

Celebrating 'International Condom Day' on Feb. 13, sexual safety campaigners from AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) organization launched their campaign using the "Condom use is sexy" tagline.

"Unfortunately, every year, because of shame or misinformation, people are infected with various diseases," said Miriam Ruiz, head of the AIDS Rapid Testing Area at AHF.

Only 15 percent of Mexican couples use condoms, according to AHF, and the organization wants to break the "taboo" around the use of condoms.

The campaign resonated with many residents in Mexico City, which is home to nearly 9 million people, with over 21 million in its greater metropolitan area.

"I use condoms, but the truth is that there is still a lot of machismo in Mexico and men do not want to use a condom," said 23-year-old student Manuela Zepeda.

"I tell men: if you want (sex), put it on," she added, while showing the female condom that she had just been given.

Daily HIV infections increased to 44 from 33 per day between 2017 and 2018, according to Mexico's National Centre for the Prevention and Control of HIV and AIDS (Censida).

Lourdes Zamuro, a 63-year-old woman, took two strips.

"These condoms are for my grandchildren," she said in front of her smiling husband, Adrian Carrera, 65.

"Things were different before. We can't stop them having sex. Better to inform them and help them." 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Banksy plays with violence and innocence in Valentine's Day graffiti

LONDON - British street artist Banksy is thought to have given a Valentine's Day gift to his home town of Bristol in western England with the appearance of a new mural showing a small girl with a catapult and a splatter of red flowers.

Banksy - whose identity is not publicly known - has not confirmed that the artwork is his. He often uses Instagram to claim ownership of his works but has yet to do so this time. His agent did not respond to Reuters' request for confirmation.

The graffiti shows a young girl in a headscarf, stencilled onto the side of a house in the Barton Hill area of Bristol with black and white paint.

She holds a catapult in one hand with the other hand behind her, as though she has just launched a projectile. At the end of the catapult's trajectory is a bright red shape like a blood splatter, made of red plastic leaves and flowers.

It was spotted on Thursday morning, the day before Valentine's Day.

Banksy's street art often draws attention to social issues by adding elements of darkness to otherwise joyful scenes.

In December, the elusive artist highlighted the issue of rough sleeping with a mural showing two flying reindeer pulling a homeless man on a street-bench sleigh, in the central English city of Birmingham. (Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft; editing by Stephen Addison)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Le Sucre Lab has a special Dreamcake for Valentine's Day

MANILA -- It was in 2017 when Le Sucre Lab offered their original chocolate Dreamcake to the public. With multiple layers of chocolate in various forms from their proprietary "goo" to ganache and cake, the tin can was the ideal packaging for their confection. 

Fast-forward to a few years: the tin-can cake has become a viral hit and today, various iterations and competition abound for Le Sucre Lab’s tinned treats. 

As they launch their newest limited edition Dreamcake for the Valentine’s season, the Red Velvet Dreamcake, we asked chef Marvin Bagube of Le Sucre Lab a few questions about the inspiration of creating Le Sucre Lab’s Dreamcakes as well as some of his secrets to success. 

Q: Why did you think of in creating the Dreamcake? 

Chef Marvin: We have always wanted to create something indulgent and at the same time easy to bring to parties/celebrations. 

Q: A lot of viral food/products fail to sustain interest, what’s Le Sucre Lab’s secret? 

Chef Marvin: Be a game changer! You have to have the passion to innovate. You have to constantly excite your customers through your products. 

Q: Why did you think of creating Red Velvet as your new limited-edition flavor? 

Chef Marvin: I wanted something familiar — familiar but not boring. Something everyone can relate to. That’s why I made a classic and turned it into a multi-layered cake that’s textural yet decadent. 


Six layers make up the vibrant Red Velvet Dreamcake with a red velvet cake bottom layer topped with light and tangy cream cheese mousse, sweet cream cheese frosting, snappy white chocolate, Le Sucre Lab’s trademark vanilla goo and a final blanket of red velvet crumbs. 

A sweet and decadent gift for your Valentine (or to yourself), the Red Velvet Dreamcake is priced at P595 and is available only until February 15 or until supplies last at all Le Sucre Lab stores, as well as in the Le Sucre Lab Café at Alabang Town Center. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Saudi cleric endorses Valentine's Day as 'positive event'

A prominent Saudi cleric on Wednesday endorsed Valentine's Day, long forbidden in the ultra-conservative kingdom, calling it a "positive social event" that was not linked to religion.

The comment from Ahmed Qassim al-Ghamdi, former chief of the religious police in the holy city of Mecca, comes as 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pursues a far-reaching liberalization drive that has upended years of conservative tradition.

"It is a positive social event and congratulating people for it is not against sharia (law)," Ghamdi told Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television.

"It is an act of kindness to share greetings on Western national and social holidays, including Valentine's Day, exchange red roses with others, as long as it is towards peaceful people who do not share animosity or are being at war with Muslims."

Such comments from the Saudi clerical establishment would be inconceivable around two years ago, when the religious police wielded unbridled powers and were notorious for enforcing sex segregation.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia launched a series of reforms, including gradually diminishing the their powers to arrest.

Prince Mohammed, who has vowed to return the country to "moderate Islam", has further cut back the political role of hardline clerics in a historic reordering of the Saudi state.

Florists openly sold red roses and Valentine's Day memorabilia in cities such as Jeddah on Wednesday without any trouble from the religious police, previously notorious for disrupting celebrations.

The declining presence of the religious police has been met with relief from many of the country's young, but it has also sparked concern over a possible backlash from arch-conservatives.

But opposition to the prince's reforms has been muted -- at least publicly -- after his crackdown on dissent, including arrests of prominent clerics with millions of followers on social media.

bur-ac/ceb

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tickled pink: Japan lovers taste new chocolates on Valentine's Day

TOKYO -- It is a marriage made in heaven for cute-obsessed Japan: this Valentine's Day, lovers can present the object of their affection with a world first -- naturally bright pink chocolate.

The KitKat store in the glitzy shopping area of Ginza in Tokyo is a riot of wall-to-wall pink, as marketing departments go into overdrive to promote the "fourth" type of chocolate, after milk, dark and white.

And the salespeople have chosen their moment wisely: Valentine's Day is massive business in Japan -- with tradition dictating that the women give presents to the men.

"I love pink. I love chocolate. So this is just great for me," said 24-year-old Natsuko Takeuchi, searching for a sweet treat at the Ginza store.

"Knowing that this chocolate is created purely naturally, without any additional flavour or colour. I think it's really good," added Takeuchi, who operates a food trolley on Japan's iconic bullet trains.

For more than 80 years, when white chocolate was invented, the world has had to be content with just three varieties. Then in September, Swiss group Barry Callebaut unveiled its new "ruby" type -- the fruit of more than 10 years of research -- and five months later, bars appeared on shelves in both Japan and South Korea.

The pink color is obtained naturally, without using additives or artificial colouring, explained Akiko Hara, a manager for Barry Callebaut in Japan.

The color comes from ruby cocoa "that can be found in normal plantations," Hara told AFP.

The firm's R&D department keeps the recipe a closely guarded secret, locked away in a safe.

The result is a chocolate that tastes both creamy and fruity, with a subtle hint of raspberry. 

'Obligation choc'

If Japan is the testing ground for the new variety of chocolate, it was well chosen.

The Japanese chocolate market is worth nearly $5 billion per year, according to figures from research group Euromonitor. This places Japan still way behind the United States ($18.9 billion) but still at the top of the Asian league table.

Japanese consumers also crave a huge variety of products, as can be seen from the enormous range of KitKat flavours -- from wasabi to green tea to sake.

So consumers have a huge choice in what chocolates to buy: "Honmei-choco" for lovers, "giri-choco" for male bosses and colleagues and "tomo-choco" for close friends.

In a sign of how seriously Valentine's Day is taken, Belgian chocolate firm Godiva created a storm when it called on people to forgo the chocs for colleagues (known as "obligation chocolate") to focus on loved ones.

Convenience stores on every corner are packed with potential presents and master chocolatiers also go to town for the occasion, creating ornate shapes such as pink high-heeled shoes made of chocolate.

The result: huge sales. This year, love-struck Japanese are expected to shell out 130 billion yen ($1 billion) on Valentine's Day chocolates, according to Kinenbi Culture Laboratory, a research group on Japanese festivals.

The tradition of women giving chocolate to men stems from a promotional campaign at the end of the 1950s.

"Males reciprocate the favour a month later on a holiday called 'White Day', where female significant others receive a gift in return for their Valentine's Day present," said Megumi Matsunaga, an analyst at Euromonitor.

Frederic Madelaine, a French pastry chef who runs several shops in Tokyo, said Valentine's Day was the be-all and end-all for the industry.

"A Japanese woman will hand out on average between eight and 10 presents. Then the man has to return the favor -- and triple or quadruple the value of the gift," he told AFP.

"You have to try things out, be innovative, stand out from the crowd," he said.

This year is no exception and among his offerings at this year's annual chocolate fair in Tokyo were a Camembert-shaped chocolate and "dalmatian eclairs" to celebrate the year of the dog.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Tired of usual flowers? Try cabbage roses this Valentine's Day

ATOK, Benguet - Looking for some love to give on Valentine’s Day? Cabbage roses from this town could be the one you’re looking for.

Roses will never ever get out of date. It is the usual and the most common flower for that special someone. But have you ever tried to look for something unique? 

Level up your floral bouquet with this flower that looks like a cabbage, as huge as a cabbage, but beautifully spreads its petals like a rose. It is called the cabbage rose.

Most of the cabbage roses in Benguet are planted in Atok, the highest town in Benguet where it is 4 degrees colder than in Baguio City.

According to one of the farmers here, the flower originated from Japan. It is suitable to grow in places with cold temperatures but not that too much as it could be destroyed by frost.

It comes in three variants. One is a timeless pure white, the other is a beautiful combination of green and lilac, and the third is majestically beautiful for a combination of white and lilac. 

For a price ranging from P100 to P140 per piece, you could give your loved one a unique experience this Valentine's Day.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Love in the battlefield: Soldier proposes to combat medic

With rifles slung to their backs, two soldiers were all smiles as they became engaged during combat patrol, just days before Valentine's Day.

CPOL Denemar Albani, a radioman, popped the question to his girlfriend, combat medic Pvt. Christine Porcadilla while their team was resting in a patrol base in the middle of a forest in Barangay Titulok, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

With grins on their faces, their comrades from the 33rd Infantry Battalion gamely held placards with the words 'Will you marry me' as Albani knelt and asked for Porcadilla's hand.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the unit, immediately signed the couple's permit to marry, after both completed the requirements set by the Philippine Army.

Both Albani, 27, and Porcadilla, 26, have fought for the government against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, New People's Army, and several drug syndicates, according to the military.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Meet Maria Ozawa's Valentines' Day date

MANILA -- It appears Maria Ozawa has found love just in time for Valentines' Day.

Last Tuesday, the former adult film star posted a photo of herself going out on a date with Filipino, Jose Sarasola.

According to his Instagram page, Sarasola is a chef and an owner of a sports bar in Parañaque. He was also a contestant of "Pinoy Fear Factor," the localized version of the international franchise reality show that aired on ABS-CBN in late 2008.


This was not the first time the two were seen together. Sifting through Ozawa's own Instagram page revealed that she spent Christmas with Sarasola. She has also visited Sarasola's sports bar a number of times.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan Philippines back in 2010, Sarasola said his stint on "Pinoy Fear Factor" was one of the "best experiences" of his life.

"Going to Argentina to shoot 'Fear Factor' was amazing. Plus, getting bitten by an anaconda was freaky but memorable," he shared.

Sarasola also admitted to harboring celebrity crushes for Kapamilya stars Angel Locsin and Anne Curtis. "Not because they’re really pretty, but because of how they act. Kasi talagang kakaiba 'yung acting nila and I know them kasi, so even if they’re my friends, I find them really pretty in and outside."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Give love to animals

Mascots parade along the Makati business district, as part of a campaign organized by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Monday. PETA shared different ways to show love to animals, from supporting animal-cruelty-free products to a vegetarian diet, in celebrating Valentine’s Day.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Last-minute Valentine gift ideas for your boyfriend/husband

MANILA – Still can’t decide what to give to your man this Valentine’s Day? Check out these products that he will surely love.

These are not endorsed by ABS-CBN News.

ADAM ELEMENTS IKLIPS DUO

Specifically made for the iOS and Mac market, the Adam Elements iKlips Duo storage device allows you to view photos and documents and play music and videos with AirPlay support. You can also use it to back up and manage your files effortlessly.

Priced at P4,650 for 32GB and P6,700 for 64GB, the iKlips Duo is available at selected Power Mac branches.

FUJIFILM GFX 50S

This camera has the highest ever image quality from Fujifilm and is categorized as a medium format mirrorless camera. It’s industrial and chic, perfect for those who are looking for cameras equipped with a large-sized sensor with an even higher number of effective pixels.

JOHN HARDY MODERN CHAIN BRACELET

Bold and brilliant, the John Hardy Modern Chain Bracelet has been reimagined and refined for both men and women. It comes in 18k gold and silver. John Hardy boutiques can be found at Rustan’s.

LENOVO A6600

This new smartphone from Lenovo is packed with features: 64-bit MediaTek 6735p quad-core 1.0GHz processor, 2GB RAM, Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, 5-inch display with 800:1 contrast ratio, 8MP autofocus rear camera, and 16GB internal storage with expandable memory.

Priced at only P5,999, the Lenovo A6600 is available at Lenovo stores and authorized sellers nationwide.

NEW BALANCE 247 SPORT


Designed with urban lifestyle in mind, the New Balance 247 Sport was launched in the Philippines last February 11 and has a retail price of P4,595.

The shoes are available at New Balance and The Athlete’s Foot in Glorietta, Commonwealth at SM Aura Premier, Sole Academy at Bonifacio High Street, SneakPeek at Shangri-La, and Capital at UP Town Center.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

7 Valentine's Day gifts that last

MANILA - Valentine’s Day is just a heartbeat away. Are you planning on giving chocolates and flowers again to your special one?

Although romantic tokens are always popular, why not consider gifts that will last beyond Valentine’s Day and make a lasting impact on your significant other’s life? These gifts reflect long-term thinking and express your deep concern.

Unlike presents that you can just pick up from a store, these gifts entail a bit of research or “digging” on your part, which show that you are willing to give the gift of time and security to your loved one.

 Here are seven gifts that will clearly show you are "investing" in your relationship.

1. Art.

Artwork by the masters is always valuable, but if you can’t afford one, there are plenty of other equally promising pieces. An art piece, especially by an up and coming artist, is a gift whose value can grow over time. This is not limited to paintings, but also to sculpture and other art forms.

The best part? Works of art come in different price points, so you can acquire one within your budget, Spend time in galleries and check out art exhibits to get a feel of what’s out there. Make sure to do your research before you buy anything. Make sure that you get a piece according to your partner’s taste.

2. Jewelry.

The best thing about jewelry is that they are not only very romantic when given as a gift, they also appreciate in value. Gold prices, for instance, have been rising over the past few years, so you can pick up a ring, necklace, or earrings that your loved one will like. Diamonds and precious stones can likewise appreciate over time. Before buying jewelry, check out an appraiser so you know you’re getting something of value that will appreciate over time.

3. Expensive time pieces.

If your loved one likes time pieces, get a top-end watch. Usually, these are mechanical, handcrafted pieces that are laden with precious stones. Unlike new models, these pieces can last through generations while keeping their value. Do some research to know what these pieces and brands are.

4. Mutual funds.

Mutual funds may not exactly sound romantic, but when you give this to a loved one, you are showing long-term concern. The nice thing about mutual funds is that you can put in an amount that you are comfortable with. Later on, you can continue to top up this amount or you can leave it to your loved one to continue doing so.

Mutual funds can be invested in a variety of instruments with different risks that suit the recipient’s profile. You can get these at any financial institution, whose experts can readily answer your questions.

5. Home improvement.

Show your love by investing in a home improvement program, which will not only help improve the atmosphere that contributes to your loved one’s well-being, but can also improve the value of your home. Don’t just focus on beautification. You can also find ways to make full use of your land and invest in disaster-proofing your home, which are steps that can definitely add to its value.

6. Skills enhancement.

Enroll your loved one in a program that can enhance or upgrade his or her skills, possibly in new fields. Learning is a lifelong process, and the benefits of joining this program is sure to last for a long time. There are many options available to suit different inclinations and learning priorities. You can check out online courses, as well as face-to-face workshops offered by universities and other skills training providers.

7. Wellness programs.

Your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being is important to his/her happiness. It also ensures good health and freedom from costly medications. For Valentine’s, why not enroll your loved one in a gym or a fitness program? Alternatively, yoga classes or a visit to the spa for alternative treatments are also good for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

For this coming Valentine’s Day, give a gift whose positive effect will last for more than a day. This is a sign of true love and a real gesture of a lifetime.

---

Grow Your Money is an editorial partnership between news.abs-cbn.com and Citi Philippines to promote financial education and provide helpful information to Filipinos on how to better manage their personal finances.

Visit www.citibank.com.ph for more information.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Jollibee's 3rd Valentine's Day ad is heartbreaking

Jollibee has pulled out all the stops to tug at people's heartstrings before Valentine's Day.

The fast-food chain's message for their third ad, released Friday, is very simple: "Ang pagmamahal para sa pamilya ay nananatiling buhay sa ating mga puso."

The clip, posted online, shows a kid preparing a Valentine's Day dinner for his mother. It is later revealed that it was at the request of his father, who unfortunately succumbed to his sickness not too long ago.

The look on the mother's face when she finds out that it was her husband who arranged the dinner has made a lot of viewers teary-eyed.

"Akala ko ba BIDA kayo sa SAYA? Pero bakit panay pag-papaiyak ang ginagawa niyo," a fan asked.

The ad is part of a series dubbed "Kuwentong Jollibee." So far, all three which have been released are based on true events, the ads say. Each video serves as a reminder of different kinds of love.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

For Valentine's Day gift, forget diamonds: try ichnusaite

PARIS - Far rarer than diamonds or emeralds, some minerals on Earth are known only from thimbleful samples, according to a first list of 2,550 obscure minerals on Friday that could have future uses, ranging from industry to exotic Valentine's Day gifts.

Ichnusaite, fingerite, amicite and nevadaite are among truly rare minerals - defined as those known to come from five or fewer places worldwide - and form only under extremely unusual conditions, the scientists wrote.

"Diamond, ruby, emerald, and other precious gems are found at numerous localities and are sold in commercial quantities, and thus are not rare" alongside those in the study, they wrote in the journal American Mineralogist.

"If you wanted to give your fiancee a really rare ring, forget diamond. Give her Sardinian ichnusaite," Robert Hazen, a co-author of the study at the Carnegie Institution, wrote in a statement.

Ichnusaite forms from thorium and lead-like molybdenum and only one tiny whitish crystal has ever been found, in Sardinia. "Some of the other rare minerals are also only known from a thimbleful," he told Reuters.

Of 5,090 minerals known worldwide, fewer than 100 make up 99 percent of the Earth's crust. Most are from common elements such as oxygen, silicon and aluminium.

Some of the 2,550 rare minerals defined in the study might have commercial properties, from electronics to batteries, if they could be manufactured, the authors said.

Laser pointers, for instance, used to require rubies, but the rubies are now commercially manufactured. Artificial diamonds are also widely used, from industry to jewels.

The authors said some of the rare minerals required exact temperatures to grow, others formed only with rare elements, others can dissolve easily, or only occur in dangerous locations such as in volcanoes.

"They form in a perfect storm of conditions," Jesse Ausubel, co-author at the Rockefeller University, told Reuters.

The authors estimated 1,500 types of mineral were still to be found on Earth. "There are some master jewellers who would love to work with the rare minerals tiara of the 21st century," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

5 Inexpensive Valentine’s Day Gifts for Women

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on Valentine’s Day to make it special. This is especially true if you’re married or dating a money conscious women. In fact, I would be appalled if my husband “surprised” me with an inexpensive gift. I would much prefer a thoughtful gift that is easy on the budget.

If you’re low on money but still want to do something special for your wife this Valentine’s Day here are five inexpensive Valentine’s Day gifts for women.

A Card

If your wife is sentimental and appreciates something that she can hold onto then a card (and maybe even a box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers) is a perfect solution.

Just do yourself a favor and spend some time reading through the cards and select that one that really speaks to you.

A Clean House (**My Favorite!)

My favorite option, and one that I’m sure many women would appreciate, is a clean house.

Cleaning is an everyday chore for many women and is even harder when small kids are involved. Get your wife out of the house and surprise her by letting her come home to a clean home. If you have kids try and get them involved in the cleaning action.

A Dinner Cooked By You

There’s something special when a man goes way out of his comfort zone to do something special for his wife. So, even if you aren’t a great cook your wife will love seeing you at least attempt to make a meal for her.

A Movie Night

I’m a big fan of horror movies but my husband hates them. I know that whenever he’s happily agreeing to watch a horror movie it’s purely for my benefit and I appreciate it.

Your women would probably also appreciate you choosing to cooperatively watch with her whatever she’s interested in. Pick out a movie together or choose one you know she’d love and set up a movie night. (You could also make it a dinner + movie night.)

Do Something She Always Asks For

For me the simplest gifts can be the most meaningful. Your significant other probably feels the same.

If there’s something that your wife or girlfriend always asks of you but you never manage to get around to then go ahead and do it for her – it will be the perfect inexpensive gift!

source: everybodylovesyourmoney.com

LOOK: Hugot-filled ice cream for Valentine's Day

MANILA – Too jaded for dessert? These ice cream flavors may change your mind, or at least bring a smile to your face.

Homegrown brand Sebastian’s has unveiled its now-annual Valentine flavors, which are exactly the same as what they came up with in previous years.

“Completely unchanged. No progress. No growth. No moving forward. Because this is what happens when you have unresolved issues,” Sebastian’s said in jest on its Facebook page as it promoted Unresolved Issues, an ampalaya sorbet with candied ampalaya and “your tears.”

Another hugot-filled variant is called Closure, which consists of Earl Grey ice cream, bergamot oil, and orange and lemon peel.

Explaining the story behind the choice of ingredients, Sebastian’s said: “[Closure is] a smooth ice cream with a deep, soothing flavor that comes as a result of a lot of time, patience and care. The Earl Grey tea calms while the citrus notes rejuvenate, allowing you to let go of the past and be hopeful for the future that lies ahead.”

Still can’t find the one for you? Sebastian’s has come up with the Matinong Girlfriend and Matinong Boyfriend flavors – unlike people, these will never leave you.

The Matinong Girlfriend is a dark chocolate ice cream garnished with roasted cocoa nibs and chocolate-covered chicharon “with laman” – because the ideal female partner is “fun, sweet, surprising and goes well with sporting events,” according to the people behind Sebastian’s.

 On the other hand, the Matinong Boyfriend is dulce de leche ice cream with strawberry sorbet – a dessert that is “sweet, straightforward, uncomplicated but with plenty of depth,” just like anyone’s dream man.

 Sebastian’s has branches at Mall of Asia, Podium and Regis Center Katipunan.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Food shorts: Drunken Naked Cake and other V-Day offers

MANILA – Make your Valentine’s Day celebration more special with these sweet deals.

These are not endorsed by ABS-CBN News.

Brownie Waffle Sundae at Bono

Bono Gelato’s Brownie Waffle Sundae includes your choice of gelato sandwiched between two heart-shaped brownie waffles topped with whipped cream and drizzled with homemade caramel and chocolate sauce.

It will be available for the month of February at Bono Gelato’s branches at SM Aura Premier, SM Makati, Mega Fashion Hall and The Podium.

Cheesy meals at B&P

Homegrown comfort food restaurant B&P is offering a Valentine set meal that includes Cheese Squash Blossom Tempura served with kesong puti and walnuts, Monte Cristo Benedicts with poached eggs and hollandaise, and Creamy Mixed Berries Panna Cotta.

For the whole month of February, customers at B&P can enjoy the restaurant’s signature dishes in a different way with its “breakfast in bed” themed set meal for two. Those who dine on February 14 will receive complimentary flowers from Island Rose.

B&P has branches at 515 Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City (631-3252), Il Terrazzo at Tomas Morato, Quezon City (374-7730), McKinley Hill in Taguig City (833-0440), and Robinsons Cybergate Alpha in Ortigas (997-3218).

Drunken Naked Cake at Wicked

Dense chocolate butter cake is drunk in rum, filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with assorted chocolate confections to create Wicked’s Drunken Naked Cake, a sexy and intoxicating dessert for Valentine’s Day.

There is also the Trio of Hearts – three-inch heart-shaped s’mores in white, milk and dark chocolate all in one box.

Wicked is located at the fifth level of Shangri-La East Wing.

L’Amour at Amelie Hotel Manila

Amelie Hotel Manila is offering L’Amour special rates starting at P5,500 for two from February 12 to 15.

The promo includes overnight accommodation for two, dinner for two, couple massage (advanced reservation required), breakfast for two, and complimentary Wi-Fi, pool and gym use. Guests will also get a raffle coupon for a chance to win an overnight stay at the hotel.

Amelie Hotel Manila is located at 1667 J. Bocobo in Malate, Manila. For reservations, call 875-7888.

Romantic delights at Peninsula Manila

The Peninsula Manila is setting the mood for couples this February with its Valentine offerings.

Escolta will have a Seafood Dinner Buffet on February 12 and 13 at P2,700 per adult, P3,600 per adult with champagne, and P1,350 per child under 12 years old. On February 14, the buffet restaurant will hold a Sunday Brunch at P3,750 per adult, including free-flowing champagne.

From 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on February 14, guests can have an Afternoon Tea Buffet at the Lobby for P1,550 per adult and P990 per child under 12, or a Tapas Buffet from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for P2,200 per adult.

A five-course menu with a glass of champagne will be offered at Old Manila on February 12 and 13 for P5,400 per person, or P4,900 sans the bubbly. On February 14, Old Manila will have a set lunch menu for P4,600 or P4,900 with champagne, and a five-course dinner menu for P4,900 or P5,400 with champagne.

Spices will share the love on February 13 and 14 with the exotic flavors of India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam with an a la carte menu and a P1,900 minimum spend.

Meanwhile, The Peninsula Manila is also offering a Ruby Valentine Room Package inclusive of an Escolta buffet breakfast for two adults and two children under 6, P1,500 dining credit at The Lobby (once per stay), a special Valentine’s Day gift and a pair of monogrammed pillow cases for the couple. Rates start at P10,500 for a Grand Deluxe Room, with rates valid until February 21.

For inquiries and reservations, call 887-2888 extension 6694 (restaurant reservations) or 6630 (room reservations).

Valentine escapade at Sisterfields

Go on a quick escape this Valentine’s Day to Sisterfields, Tagaytay’s newest culinary destination.

Sisterfields is offering a Valentine set menu on February 13 at P999 per person or P1,999 for two. The meal includes Rosemary Gougeres with Mini Cheese Puffs; Cream of Roasted Tomato Soup with Crispy Kale and Hearts of Palm Salad; Surf and Turf Braised Beef Short Ribs with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Giant Prawns with Herbed Butter, Sauteed Haricot Verts and Grilled Asparagus; Pineapple Souffle with Tarragon Crème Anglaise; and Sisterfield’s Rocky Road Bites and Sugar Cookies.

Sisterfields is located at Km 58 Maharlika West, General Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City. For reservations, call 240-6888.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Condoms vs chocolates in the Philippines on Valentine's Day

MANILA - A condom maker in the Philippines capital Saturday found their Valentine's Day giveaway challenged by a church group who tried to persuade people to swap the contraceptives for chastity and chocolates.

A colourful flower market in Manila became the unlikely battleground over the use of contraception in the Catholic dominated Southeast Asian country as the church group countered the free condoms with chocolates and sweets -- complete with printed messages encouraging chastity.

"Exchange your condoms for candies, #WeKeepLoveReal," read the signs carried by volunteers from the Christian advocacy group Filipinos for Life.

"Condoms send the wrong message that Valentine's is about sex, when it's really about love," volunteer Anna Cosio told AFP.

DTK Health, the country's biggest condom manufacturer, plans to give away 40,000 condoms over the weekend, the company's head of marketing Emmanuel Alfonso told AFP.

Offering free condoms alongside stalls selling bouquets of red roses, balloons and chocolates for Valentine's Day will help erase the stigma attached to contraceptives, Alfonso said.

The country's ultra-conservative Catholic Church continues to preach against contraceptives, likening its use to abortion, despite failing to block legislation to make them widely available to the poor.

In the past, the government handed out free condoms on Valentine's Day but didn't this year to avoid drawing the ire of the Church, health department spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy told AFP.

But he stressed the ministry was not giving up its safe sex advocacy, especially to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

"Every time you do it, sex should be safe, not only during Valentine's," health Lee Suy said.

While men casually accepted the condoms from the DTK models in tight blue t-shirts and shorts, some bashful women handed them back and then scurried away.

But some people got both candies and condoms.

"I already ate the candies. The condoms, I can't use it yet because I'm only 16 and I don't have a girlfriend. Maybe I will keep it in my wallet for good luck," college student Danny Villegas told AFP.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

6 affordable sweet treats for Valentine's Day

MANILA – Whether you are single or in a relationship, these treats will make your Valentine’s Day sweeter without hurting your pocket.

These are not endorsed by ABS-CBNnews.com.

Mallow Puff snacks

Mallow Puff combines the goodness of marshmallow, cake and chocolate. Photo: Handout

 

Fluffy marshmallow and cake are combined and coated with chocolate in this new treat from Jack ‘n Jill called Mallow Puff, which can be enjoyed at home or on the go.

A pack containing two big pieces of Mallow Puff costs only P13.50 and is available at supermarkets, groceries and convenience stores nationwide.

Alpenliebe candy

With its smooth and silky finish, Alpenliebe candy offers both sweetness and creaminess in a single bite. It is available in supermarkets nationwide in four flavors: caramel, strawberry, coffee and cheesecake.

Alpenliebe comes in bags of 50 and 320 pieces, and can be easily shared with family and friends.

Toblerone chocolate bars

Sweet messages are written on selected packs of Toblerone, making the well-known chocolate an ideal Valentine’s Day gift.

The packaging can also be transformed into origami shapes such as rings, hearts, roses and boxes.

Toblerone is available in supermarkets, convenience stores and chocolate shops nationwide.

Danish Bar pastries

Looking for freshly baked goods? The Philippine branch of the Tokyo-based Danish Bar at SM North EDSA mall may satisfy your cravings.

Danish Bar offers stick-type mini pastries sprinkled with sugar (P60) or filled with ham and cheese (P80) and other seasonal ingredients (P70). Pastries in ball form are also available, as well as boxes for larger orders.

Aside from the Philippines, Danish Bar also has branches in Hong Kong, Thailand and China.

Fog City Creamery ice cream

Fog City Creamery lets customers send a pint of ice cream with a personalized note to their special someone this Valentine’s Day.

Known for flavors such as Strawberry Shortcake, Ferrero Rocher with Nutella Swirl and Vanilla Malt with Maltesers, Fog City Creamery can be ordered via phone at 87878. Each pint is priced from P190 to P320.

Teleserye-inspired chocolates

Remember the Buena Criollo chocolates in the top-rating ABS-CBN series “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon” starring Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino? These are still available at the ABS-CBN Store at the ELJ Center in Quezon City, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The Buena Criollo chocolates are in the heart of the story of “Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon” and come in six flavors – caramel, cashew, coconut, coffee, nougat and tiramisu. These are sold in boxes of six and 12.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com