What is the way to your woman’s heart?
By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez
How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
But if you still don’t have a gift for your girlfriend or wife this Valentine’s Day, here are gift ideas from Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs.
Saskatoon-based baker Twinkle Jo-Lopez suggests heart-shaped cake pops, mini cakes or cakesicles.
They are not only easy on the eyes but are perfect for your food lover.
“Heart shaped goodies or cakes convey your love message for your valentine,” Lopez said.
It’s also a perfect way to help local Filipino bakers in your communities.
Lopez, who enjoyed making clay trinkets in the Philippines, started making fondant when she arrived in Canada.
She now makes desserts and pastries as another source of income. You may contact her through her Facebook page.
If your significant other is into candles, you can buy her something with her favourite scents through Kilig Candle Co.
Kilig Candle Co. was founded in Vancouver, B.C. in January 2020 by Sean Blishen and and stemmed from her passion of sustainable self-care products.
The scents were inspired largely by her Filipino heritage and West Coast upbringing.
The word “kilig” is a word in the Filipino language of Tagalog that expresses the inexplicable joy of love, romance, and excitement.
“We take pride in hand-making every single product to ensure the highest quality control for all of our candles and perfumes while providing our customers with eco-friendly and sustainable products to use in their homes. All of our products are vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably made,” Kilig Candle Co.’s website reads.
For every Kilig product purchased, the company donates a meal to a child in need in the Philippines in partnership with Canadian non-profit, Adhika.
You can order from their website and Instagram page.
If you want to give a more long-lasting gift, you can check out Cuchara Jewelry, which is located at 1102 College St, Toronto but can also be reached through its website.
Edi Canedo, founder and designer of Cuchara, started the business while living in Victoria, BC.
In search of new and unique accessories, she utilized intricate vintage spoons, which were in abundance in thrift stores throughout the city.
“Her Filipino mother loved them so much she would call them the ‘Cuchara’ necklace (Cuchara meaning spoon in Tagalog). Although her designs have since evolved from using spoons, the name has stuck and is a reminder of the brand’s roots,” its website reads.
They have several options, including engravable pieces that are perfect keepsakes.