WHAT are you hoping to receive from your loved one this Valentine’s Day? According to a survey, the most preferred gift on the most romantic day of the year continues to be a box of chocolates. This is according to a consumer research done across seven Asia Pacific countries.

The Valentine’s Day survey, conducted by an independent research house commissioned by Kraft Foods, was held for the first time in January 2011, and a second time in November 2011. This latest survey involved more than 700 male and female consumers in major cities in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and the Philippines.

Chocolate is the top gift. About 56 percent of women surveyed in the Philippines profess they hope to receive flowers and chocolates this February 14. What’s interesting to note is that about the same number of men hope to receive chocolates, minus the flowers. This just goes to show that the creamy deliciousness of chocolate transcends gender.

Seeing red. Since they hope to receive it, half of the men and women surveyed plan to give their significant others chocolates as well. Proving that Valentine’s is an eagerly anticipated time of the year, the men and women surveyed shared they plan to spend about P2,000 for their gift. That’s a lot of chocolates!

True love wants for nothing. That isn’t to say Filipinos expect to have a grand celebration. More than half surveyed said that if their loved ones were experiencing a financial crunch, they would just say that “No presents are needed, except to spend time together.” Now that’s sweet.

Getting creative. In fact, when receiving gifts, Pinoys and Pinays expressed that only one thing is important: The thought behind it. Whether in a monetary crunch or just running out of gift ideas, why not go with the safe bet? Chocolates! Try your hand at cooking too. Almost all of those surveyed rated chocolate as the essential ingredient to a Valentine’s dessert.

Dangwa is sure to be packed this month. Fortunately, getting delicious chocolates for gifts is much easier. You can look no further than Kraft Foods’ Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk brands. Kraft Foods’ inspiration comes from consumers. The Company listens, learns and innovates to create foods that fit your life.

As early as January, Cadbury Dairy Milk 175-gram packs were released bearing sweet Valentine’s designs with a built-in dedication portion. Available in selected stores, you only need to write yours and your loved one’s names and it’s an instant gift to make anyone smile.

“It’s easy to fall in love with Cadbury Dairy Milk because of its smooth and creamy taste,” says the brand’s marketing manager Michelle Santillan. “What better way for us to share this delicious experience and help people fall more in love than Valentine’s?”

Toblerone on the other hand, presents a special “Design Your Own Toblerone Sleeve” activity! Available on the Toblerone website at www.givetoblerone.com, the application lets you design your own packaging sleeve for the favourite triangular chocolate.

The “Say it Sweeter with Toblerone” promo will make a couples’ dream date come true. Just take a picture of you and your significant other with the special Valentine’s edition Toblerone pack. Send your description of the most creative dream date with the photo. Entries can be sent via email and the deadline for entries is on February 18.

Kraft Foods hopes you have a very happy Valentine’s Day and that you enjoy the Company’s special chocolate treats this season.

To find out the other ways Kraft Foods makes today delicious, visit www.kraftfoods.ph.