Cacao is a crop that has been included in the annals of Philippine history. The country was rediscovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 but it wasn’t until in 1670 that the most sought-after cacao seeds were brought to Manila as a gift. Spanish mariner Pedro Bravo de Lagunas planted the seeds in...
Marvi and Rogen, owners of Anitu Food Forest. (Anitu Food Forest) Marvi Rafael Montecillo and Rogen Montecillo, a husband and wife team, are the driving force behind the remarkable Anitu Food Forest. This passionate pair is on a mission to redefine sustainable farming and leave a positive...
 Prolific fruiting of cacao. (Royal Cocoa Farm) Cacao, often referred to as the "food of the gods," has a rich history in the Philippines, with its cultivation dating back centuries. This tropical country boasts a climate and soil conditions ideal for growing high-quality cacao beans. In recent...
Conrado Soriano is the owner of Royal Cocoa Farm and Cocoa Federico in Mangaldan, Pangasinan. His journey in cacao farming traces back to his childhood when his father introduced him to the world of planting cacao. Although initially skeptical about pursuing a career in farming, Conrado's...
Many work hard to reach a point of independence and stability, and it’s definitely not easy to turn back on these to venture into uncharted territory. However, taking on a new path may turn out to be the best decision you could make. This change can either bring you to achieve financial success,...
The earth gives us gifts through the plants that grow on it. From these, we gain vegetables and fruits, and the meat we consume are also fed and made plump by these resources. Marielle Aguilar, 28, is a teacher by profession. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, she lived independently in Metro Manila,...
DAVAO CITY – Fresh from winning the 2022 Philippine Cacao Quality Awards (PCQA), three cacao farmers from this city will represent the Philippines in the 2023 International Cocoa Awards at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris, France. Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Abel James I....
A couple in Tanay, Rizal are helping their fellow farmers in their livelihood in cacao production, not only for the benefit of the growers and their dependents but also to help propagate the industry in the region. Mr. and Mrs. Romeo and Nancy Casco, owners of RNC Farm, are also advocating for the...
Rodolfo “Jun” Adarlo Jr., a retired mechanical engineer and OFW, thought that he should still live an active lifestyle even after retirement. So, in 2018, he established a farm in Ilat South San Pascual Batangas to keep him moving, provide a sustainable food source, be an avenue of simple...
Plantacion de Sikwate CEO Mel Santos with Bohol Chapter Members toured the Sagbayan, Bohol Farm. (Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association, Inc) It’s no secret that cacao is a crop full of potential. It can be made into cocoa powder, butter, liquor, and, of course, chocolate. There...
This is in partnership with SM and other organizations In celebration of the 65 th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Switzerland, the Swiss Embassy in Manila launches the third edition of its Angels for Angels project to promote women empowerment, livelihood,...
Chefs Josh Boutwood and Hylton Le Roux explore the limits of the Filipino cacao on a two-night Auro-driven dinner at Solaire’s signature steakhouse Finestra DEPTH OF FLAVOR Dry-aged duck breast, drizzled with chocolate duck sauce How much more can we love chocolate? There are seven new ways, that...
