An imaginative pairing of Venchi with traditional Filipino meals at different times of the day sounds like an exciting showcase for chocolate collaborations. But when this concept became reality at a recent afternoon event hosted by Venchi in partnership with M Dining + Bar M, the biggest surprise was the lasting impression made by Venchi brand ambassador Giovanni Battista (G.B.) Mantelli. Beyond the chocolates he helped create, Mantelli himself stood out—an effective, convincing, and utterly charming ambassador. It also helps that he is a direct descendant of Venchi founder Silviano Venchi.

As the keeper of Venchi’s traditional recipes, Mantelli safeguards classics like Cremino and Gianduiotto. He also played a personal role in developing its iconic Chocoviars. His approach goes beyond expertise—he immerses himself in the culture of each country he visits. In Indonesia, he introduced himself in Bahasa. In Manila, he charmed the audience by referencing local delicacies like kutsinta and puto, even expressing his hope that everyone left the event feeling full.

Since its founding in 1878, Venchi has amassed a rich history. In the last four years, it has achieved impressive success in travel retail. In many airports, the presence of Venchi’s now-familiar logo and its striking gelato counters serve as a status symbol for high-end retail offerings. Here in the Philippines, we can be grateful that Good Eats, the brand’s distributor, has established several Venchi stores across the metro—continuing to grow the brand while expanding the ways we can indulge in this exceptional chocolate.