Love in the Time of Corona

Love in the Time of Corona

By Michelle Chermaine Ramos
The Philippine Reporter

Whether you are celebrating Galentine’s Day with your best female friends on the 13th, or Valentine’s Day with your partner on the 14th or Family Day on the 15th, social distancing rules have made the winter blues tougher for more people than usual around this time of year. Many small businesses have also been devastated by the pandemic while those that survived must constantly adapt to last-minute changes to stay afloat.

What if you could send your love to those dearest to you while wielding your purchasing power to support the community? By choosing small businesses over major stores, not only are you treating yourself and your loved ones to unique products, you are also helping build many Filipino families’ dreams in Canada while supporting the local economy. Moreover, that ripple effect supports the livelihoods of artisans and farmers in the Philippines. Here are some food and gift ideas from Filipino-Canadian businesses to help you celebrate this month’s special occasions.

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Cambio & Co.

Why give flowers that will eventually wilt when you can select floral inspired jewelry that will last as heirlooms? Cambio & Co. sources their handcrafted products from traditional artisans in the Philippines. They are currently offering free shipping for purchases over $80 within North America. They have also partnered with Oodaalolly to do a mini giveaway of a free box of Oodaalolly Filipino chocolate truffles made with Philippine cacao and Don Papa Rum on February 14 on Instagram. https://www.shopcambio.co/

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Saucy Plate

The Mancols have years of experience cooking for high-profile guests in New York including celebrity connoisseurs, authors, actors, and statesmen. If you want to try some creative fine dining, they offer Filipino, French, and Mediterranean fusion food. Here are some items on their three-course Valentine’s Day menu. Call ahead for catering and takeout. https://www.saucyplate.ca/

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Casa Manila

Their extensive menu features kamayan feasts, family bundles as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. They have various February Celebration bundles and offer 10% off on curbside pickup orders online. Use promo code “10ANNIVERSARY” online for additional discount on top of the discounted Valentine kamayan. For dessert, enjoy a taste of the tropics in the middle of winter with their signature ice cream collection. https://www.casamanila.ca/

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Kasama Chocolate

This Vancouver based chocolate brand bravely opened their brick-and-mortar retail space in the middle of the pandemic on January 1, 2021 on Granville Island. They make their international award-winning chocolate in small batches with cacao and coffee beans sourced from the Philippines and other countries. Currently offering free shipping on orders over $50 in Canada. https://kasamachocolate.com/