Go loco with local tasty treats for Valentine’s Day

Whether you want to celebrate the day of love or just need something to help you get through it, sweet treats can perk you up and give you comfort.

You don't even need to venture too far—quick relief is just around the corner, because local chocolates are here to stay. The best part? Purchasing these products spreads love and gives back to the community!

Freefood Co

This Davao-based chocolate company prides itself with a line of organic products and the fact that they work closely with the farmers that harvest their ingredients. The 65% Dark Chocolate with Chili is appealing, but the plainer flavors (Milk Chocolate, 65% Dark Chocolate) deserve a try, too.

Available in select Rustan's and EchoStore branches.

Artisanal Chocolate Barks by Southern Folk

The word "artisanal" hardly means anything anymore, but the good news is that these chocolate barks don't need too much hard-selling, really. Raw cacao nibs or pili nuts add a great texture to each bite. If you prefer your chocolate in a mug, Southern Folk also has a trusty tablea.

Southern Folk accepts online orders via Marketa.ph. Products also available at Ritual.

Pufft Marshmallows

Flavored marshmallows in conveniently cut cubes? What's not to like? Enjoy a soft bite of salted caramel, mint chocolate, rose almond lychee, honeycomb and chocolate, tiramisu, and nutella. Get yourself a second box, if you like, which has dulce de leche, butter candy, rose almond lychee, chocolate cookies and cream, strawberries and cream, and matcha. Whew, what a mouthful!

Pufft's Valentine's Day package is available at SM Megamall.

Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates

We have marsmallows and we have chocolates—the next logical step is combining the two and making some s'mores. For that, Theo and Philo have our backs. The hitch is that you have to get P300-worth of Theo and Philo chocolate bars first before receiving these coconut s'mores. We don't need an excuse to grab some good old chocolate, but being rewarded for getting a few bars feels awesome.

The Theo and Philo S'mores promo is on offer at Gourdo's branches.

Risa's Cookie Dough Truffles

You might have tried these before as Risa (like Theo and Philo) have been serving delectable chocolate for a while now. But what's stopping you from enjoying these again and again and again?

Risa products are available for order online via Marketa.ph and FoodSource.ph. Products are also available at Risa Chocolate Kitchen and in Ritual.

Spud Buds

If you're planning on holing up and watching movies, by yourself or with a date (yii!), consider making room for chocolate covered potato chips. Sweet and salty, these snacks are trying to find a spot as a new movie buddy. Switch to these for Valentine's Day and maybe you'll develop some feelings for it?

Spud Buds are available for order online via Marketa.ph. Products also available in Movie Snackbar in Ayala Malls.

Farmyard Pantry's Matcha Chocolates

A jar-full of heart-shaped matcha chocolates will last beyond Valentine's Day—although nobody's going to judge you if the pieces all mysteriously disappear before midnight. If you're not into hearts, matcha chocolates also come in cubes. Everyone happy!

Farmyard products are available for order online via Marketa.ph. Products are also available at their outlet store in Alabang Town Center and at Aviles Restaurant in Las Piñas.

— Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News

Ritual is in Languages Internationale Building, 926 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City.

Risa Chocolate Kitchen is in Somascan Building, CRM Avenue, BF Almanza, Las Piñas.

Aviles Restaurant is on the National Hi-Way in Real, Calamba City, Laguna.

Photos from the brands.