A sweet truth: In the recipe of love, a classic ingredient with no substitute whatsoever would be chocolate. It can be white or dark chocolate. Its blissful taste with the smooth melt-in-your-mouth sensation will make anyone swoon for more. And so, nothing says “I love you” more than with a box of luscious chocolates. But do away with those tinfoil-wrapped chocolate nuggets displayed in supermarket shelves for commercial consumption. Treat your beloved to something extra special; Let them get a taste of how chocolate really is -“the food of the gods…in-love.”

A messenger and artisan to this divine world of chocolates is Maribeth Santiago, owner of Chocolate Confections.  What’s her chocolate creation? Luxurious Belgian truffles made of milk, white or dark chocolate tucked in elegant boxes for a lover’s dream come true.

Chocolates used to be just a weekend tradition in Maribeth’s family. It was a much deserved reward after an entire week of dessert abstinence (they have a “no desserts” policy at home). But she couldn’t keep such a pleasurable thing under wraps. “I began to transform Belgian chocolates into various shapes and sizes while infusing unique flavors into them. Upon the urging of my brother, I joined a bridal fair and my chocolate creations were introduced to the market for the first time. Orders poured in, most of which were referrals from my family and friends. I found myself making chocolates for a growing number of clients and soon, Chocolate Confections was born,” she shares. While the all-time classic fillings of crunch and caramel are available, Maribeth injects a Pinoy twist to her chocolatefillings. She has chocolate- white or dark chocolate - with ube, macapuno, and yema. With her family as her most discriminating critic, there are no

short-cuts and cheats to her chocolate designs. Maribeth adds, “I put a premium on highly-personalized service for my products, with packaging customized to the client’s specification.”

Chocolate Confections has then been participating in bridal fairs and wedding expos, supplying corporate giveaways, and creating the perfect gift for any occasion. There’s the heavenly combo of chocolate and wine in a box, chocolate souvenirs in rigid or die-cut boxes, foil wrapped chocolate hearts, or any chocolate fantasy you wish to become a reality.

For most people, chocolate would be their drug of choice. Indeed those white or dark chocolate is too irresistible to pass. Much like love, you can never have enough. Quoting from one of Maribeth’s blog entries: “Flowers and champagne may set the stage, but it is chocolate that steals the show. An ounce of truffles is worth a pound of anything. You never really know a person ‘til you've shared a box of chocolates with them. A kiss is just a kiss, but a chocolate kiss is bliss. True love will remain long after the chocolates have gone ... provided there's another box; The best things in life are not fat free.

"And remember, if life is like a box of chocolates, take a bite out of everything.”

Amen to that, regardless of its hue. White or dark chocolate will always be a delight.