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Evelyn Macairan - The Philippine Star
February 13, 2026 | 12:00am
A woman arranges flowers for sale in Manila’s Dangwa market. Flower prices soared ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Edd Gumban
MANILA, Philippines — Attending mass can be included in lovers’ itineraries on Valentine’s Day, papal nuncio Charles Brown said yesterday.
The archbishop suggested putting God in the center of a couple’s relationship, even for those still in the courtship phase.
“If you’re a Catholic boy who’s interested in a Catholic girl… maybe invite her to come, to go to mass for this one,” Brown said.
Warning vs toxic gifts
Meanwhile, couples should be wary of Valentine’s Day gifts that contain traces of hazardous substances, watchdog BAN Toxics said.
Citing their market surveys of products sold on the streets of Makati, Manila, Caloocan and Quezon City, the group discovered lead levels that far exceeded the limit under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ chemical control order.
Products tested by the group include colorful plastic flowers with button cell batteries, mini plastic flower bouquets with lights, heart-shaped items and gift items paired with chocolates and ceramic mugs, with prices ranging from P50 to P300. – Ramon Efren Lazaro
