PLANTACION DE SIKWATE CACAO PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION, INC.

A Ratatouille Taste-imonial

Thank you Khalil Corazo for having a ratatouille moment when you tasted this simple craft chocolate bar from Christopher Fadriga.

To those who are new to this site, thank you for dropping by and reading through our cacao adventures. Chris Fadriga is Plantacion de Sikwate’s Chairman and National President.

He has a plantation, nursery, and training camp at Brgy. Atipuluan, Bago City, Negros Occidental.

Here is Kahlil Carazo’s article entitled ”Are these the Best Craft Chocolate Bars in the Philippines?”

Thanks for reading and we hope to have shone some rays of sunshine your way!

Diamond Hotel: Saving the Best for Last

You may wonder why we skipped posting the opening updates at the Diamond Hotel’s PHILIPPINE CULINARY HERITAGE featuring our very own Brand Ambassador, Razorchef Founder and Kusinero Maestro Heneral of the Culinary Generals Philippines.

There is a saying that we have ‘SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST’. Well we did since there were so many things that happened from Ingress to Egress of the event. Ms. Cacao was on top of the whole cacao adventure that she skipped to celebrate her birthday just to be on duty on the 28th of June. But before that, allow us to share what transpired on the opening day.

The bells signaled the start of the festivities with the Mayor of Manila Hon. Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso’s arrival. He was then Mayor-elect at that time but when our CEO Mel Santos whom we fondly called Meyor Mel got introduced to the real Mayor,they discussed the project of PDS to support DENR Sec. General Cimatu’s Legacy Graduation Program of having graduating students plants 10 trees. Mayor Isko loved the idea and said to give his office a call for a meeting. Ms. Cacao is scheduling the Courtesy call when she and Meyor Mel would go to a business meeting sometime soon.

With her were top calibre guests such as Lunchbox Theatrical Productions’ Robert Sewell, and the spouse of Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. Mrs. Maria Lourdes Locsin.

Before the VIPs have gathered near the entrance of Corniche, the historical characters of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo emerged.

The flag was not our Ntional Flag yet. People were wondering why the National Anthem was not played. Ms. Cacao interviewed our Brand Ambassador Executive Chef Carangian who also is a Professor at Jose Rizal University, shared that the Philippine national anthem shall not be played for entertainment purposes. Republic Act (RA) 8491 or otherwise known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines provides when the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or by singing or both, or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor. The event was not a public gathering and other foreign hotel guests has the right for a relaxing stay.

The media who covered the event were from ABS-CBN, Business Mirror, Esquire Magazine, Cook Magazine, Orangemagazine.ph, Hospitalitynews,PeopleAsia, Malaya, ABS-CBN Global and CNN Philippines to name a few. Bloggers like The Pickiesteater, thehungrykat, talesfromthetummy, thefoodalphabet, dude4food, manila standard today, The Daily Tribune. Phil. Daily Inquirer.

Each gastronomic adventure singled out our very own Filipino Aromatico or Criollo cacao variety. From intensley bitter, midly bitter to hey what did I just tastwe? comments of first time Millenial to taste the Criollo sorbetes, Chanporado ng Laon Laang, and the Criollo golden truffles.

The much older generation wanted more of our sikwates since it reminded them of their lolas who made the hot beverage using the batirol. If you asked PDS Bohol Chapter Vice-President Ms. Cecilia De Leon, the batirol is the vessel that usually was aluminum made or bronze if it stayed in their families since time in memorial. The wooden stirrer is called in — Bohol.

They discussed the project of PDS to support DENR Sec. General Cimatu’s Legacy Graduation Program of having graduating students plants 10 trees. Mayor Isko loved the idea and said to give his office a call for a meeting. Ms. Cacao is scheduling the Courtesy call when she and Meyor Mel would go to a business meeting sometime soon.You may wonder why we skipped posting the opening updates at the Diamond Hotel’s PHILIPPINE CULINARY HERITAGE featuring our very own Brand Ambassador, Razorchef Founder and Kusinero Maestro Heneral of the Culinary Generals Philippines.

There is a saying that we have ‘SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST’. Well we did since there were so many things that happened from Ingress to Egress of the event.

Ms. Cacao was on top of the whole cacao adventure that she skipped to celebrate her birthday just to be on duty on the 28th of June. But before that, allow us to share what transpired during the opening day.

JULY 19, 2019

Diamond Hotel Philippines general manager Vanessa Ledesma Suatengco, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions’ Robert Sewell, spouse of Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. Mrs. Maria Lourdes Locsin, Manila City Mayor Francisco Dumagoso and Chef Christopher Carangian

The next VIP whom we met was the GM extraordinaire Madame Vanessa Ledesma-Suatengco. It came to our knowledge that she was the first Filipina to assume the post in 2009. Ms. Cacao would go on talking about the GM’s achievements but you may read through the link https://www.diamondhotel.com/news/promotions-board. With her were top calibre personas such as Lunchbox Theatrical Productions’ Robert Sewell, and the spouse of Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. Mrs. Maria Lourdes Locsin,

Before the VIPs have gathered near the entrance of Corniche, the historical characters of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Noli me Tangere and El Filibusterismo emerged.

QUALITY BEANS. QUALITY FOOD.

Join us at the Diamond Hotel, Roxas Blvd. Manila on June 19-30,2019 from 8:30AM onwards for the Philippine Culinary Heritage featuring Executive Christopher Carangian.

Executive Chef Carangian
*Graduated from Culinary Institute of America
*Founder of Razorchef PH
*Punong Heneral at Culinary Generals of the Philippines
*Food Historian at GMA7, Kapuso mo Jessica Soho, Pinas Sarap, and Ijuander
*Filipino Heritage Food Advocate
*Certified Coffee Sensory Judge for World Coffee Events
*Food Historian of Jose Rizal University

June 19, 2019 is the opening of the Filipino Food Festival where we will be selling and displaying heirloom cacao grafted seedlings, cacao tablea, cacao nibs, cacao tea, and coffee.Joining Plantacion de Sikwate are its members from Pangasinan, Bicol, Bohol, and Negros Occidental. We shall be at the booth everyday to cater to your queries as well.Such a Filipino celebration will not be complete without Elar’s Lechon, and naturally sweet Stevia sugar (one of the event’s bar hosts and exhibitors). To cap off the celebration, Chef Christopher shall prepare long-forgotten Filipino food and expplain the rituals that make the Philippines the land of gold (Ophir) with royal bloods known as MaharliCas.

Free registration so just drop in and be proud of our heritage through the eyes of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Remembering Yesterday, Today.

TeamPDS, represented by Media Director Mia Concepcion and CEO Mel Santos, attended the Media Launch at the Diamond Hotel in Roxas Blvd., Manila. This is for the preparations leading to the Philippine Culinary Heritage – Filipino Food Festival that will happen on June 19 – 30, 2019.(Ms. Cacao with Executive Chef Christopher Guado Carangian)(Mel Santos with RazorChef Philippines’ and Culinary General’s Executive Chef Christopher Guado Carangian)(Mel Santos with RazorChef Michelle Arce)Amazing recipes that brought back to the days of Jose Rizal and Emilio Aguinaldo were prepared by Executive Chef Christopher Carangian. The ingredients were close to home and showed us how Filipino heritage food evolved through the years.From the Warikwarik (Ilocos) Ciento Quinse (Cavite with Chavacano origins), Sikwate (Bohol, Bicol, Negros Occidental, Naga, Pangasinan) to the Philippine Civet coffee took centerstage as Executive Chef Christopher Carangian gave a sneak peak on the menu on June 19 and 21 respectively. Such a Filipino celebration will not be complete without Elar’s Lechon, and naturally sweet Stevia sugar (one of the event’s bar hosts and exhibitors).

To cap off the luncheon, history took over with the food’s long-forgotten Filipino rituals that makes the Philippines the land of gold (Ophir) with royal bloods known as MaharliCas.

Bio:

Executive Chef Christopher Carangian

Graduated from the Culinary Institute of America
Founder of Razorchef PH
Punong Heneral at Culinary Generals of the Philippines
Food Historian at GMA7, Kapuso mo Jessica Soho, Pinas Sarap, and iJuander
Filipino Heritage Food Advocate
Certified Coffee Sensory Judge for World Coffee Events
Food Historian of Jose Rizal University

— PLANTACION DE SIKWATE has a booth at the lobby area where they will sell homegrown Heirloom Filipino Aromatico’s cacao nibs, tableas, and grafted cacao seedlings. Drop by for all day sikwate taste tests.

This event is open to all! NO REGISTRATION FEEs to enter.

PDS Farm Visit April 25, 2019

WISH GRANTED.

There comes a time when you ask the heavens to give you a sign so you’ll know if your intentions were heard. When you have associated every single rose petal as thee sign, you’d go to bed realizing you’ve been misled. Soon after you’d start questioning your faith.

I have gone to almost every church all over the country and have whispered my intentions. I wished for more Criollo mother tree searches, and more planting materials to complete the Filipino Aromatico trademark variety mix. We needed more Trinitarios (K9, W10, and BR-25s). I was starting to ask; was I worthy of such demands?

From Quezon City, where TeamPDS declared its commitment to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on preserving the environment by planting High-value crops from open, barren lands, to residential/commercial backyards. Someone urged me to rearrange my schedule.(L-R: Ms. Ann Wynkoop, Ms. Charo Yu (OWI), DENR Sec. Gen. Roy Cimatu, Mel Santos (PDS CEO)

3 hours and change land travel via T-PLEX Expressway, I was welcomed by SIGN #1. “Welcome to MANGALDAN, Pangasinan.”There I met up with PDS member Conrado Soriano (cacao propagator & tablea maker ~ Federico’s Cacao Tablea) Mia a.k.a Ms Cacao met Cons at the Cacao Level Up Seminar in QC last February 21 and told me non-stop that she often visit Pangasinan to swim at the beach, eat at Matutina’s Restaurant, and visit to venerate Our Lady of Manaoag. She knows that part of the North with her eyes closed. She also told me that I should visit Pangasinan when I have the time since I told her that it was one of my WISHES.I was praying to have the chance to meet someone who was dedicated to planting as I was. The 3-hectare farm tour with Cons paved the way for me to meet the Regional Focal Person for Region 1, Mr. David Rhondal DA R1 — SIGN #2.I later on found out the Cons was able to propagate the Trinitario variety that was one of the Filipino Aromatico trademark variety mixes that would produce the best blend for the country and the world. — SIGN #3. I was happy to see a good supply of scions and budsticks that would help Plantacion de Sikwate’s benefactors.Now that the farm tour was over, Cons drove me about 12 kilometers via Binalonan to a solemn place by majority of the Catholic religion — there I saw SIGN #4. Welcome to Manaoag.
Ms. Cacao told me that there are times when you can vaguely see the face of the Our Lady of Manaoag. She may appear blurred to Her visitors for She knows his or her purpose of visit ~ just passing through for FB photo-ops or in need of Divine intervention.
I climbed several steps to reach the cathedral and from the doors, I clearly saw Our Lady cloaked in GOLD. Thank you for allowing me to see Your beauty today, Our Lady.In closing, we all look for SIGNS to validate our wishes. Little do we know that what we are searching for is right before our very eyes. We become complacent when we thought we have seen the SIGNS we wished for. We forget to say thank you Our Lady or thank you Lord; so allow me to share with you with an excerpt of a prayer called DISTURB US LORD.

“Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little, When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly, To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show Your mastery;
Where losing sight of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.

Thank you for giving me and Plantacion de Sikwate the strength, courage, hope, and love to continue our advocacy. Have a great weekend everyone!

With God’s Grace: Bulacan Missionary Church Plants Filipino Aromatico Seedlings

Fr. Nap Baltazar is from my hometown in Bulacan. He wanted to plant cacao in order to feed the street children with champorado. At first you may say why not lugaw like we always do. Yes, that is common but does it have the right vitamins and minerals to last a day?

Champorado with real Filipino Aromatico cacao tablea is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and other remarkable goodness that grow, go, and glow. We are happy to share that the open area of their church shall plant the heirloom cacao seedlings. In no time, the children will enjoy a good cup of Champorado personally made by the people they look up to.

Now that we are here, remember that cacao/chocolate is considered the food for the gods? Fr. Nap’s presence takes us closer and under the Divine mercy of our Lord. In today’s gospel, the parable of the Prodigal Son was mentioned.

We may have went the other way when we believed that cacao in the country is about to die. We tried different crops and strategies but the real variety knocked at our doors. Those who may have thought we have sold our souls to the devil now opened their eyes that what we offer is the chance to allow farmers gain their grounds and use their voices.

The Prodigal son may be us or you. In someway or another, we have made the wrong decisions, we have faltered. Now that the truth is here, accept and rejoice because you did not seek false paths or false messengers to bring you closer to a bountiful harvest.

Awarding a PDS Member: OWWA Balik Pilipinas Hanapbuhay Program

Congratulations to our Cacao Amazona from Sagbayan, Bohol! It is to be remembered how she was repatriated from Kuwait a year ago. Without any means to support her family, she came home to the Philippines with just her belongings and blurred dreams.

When she found out about Plantacion de Sikwate’s seminar with DOST Bohol, she attended for a day got know more about the benefits of cacao planting and chocolate making. Since then, she went on a mission to save two things: her family’s best interests and the Filipino Aromatico heirloom cacao’s white beans.

She now is doing well and have attracted the nods of OWWA-Region VII for being one of the 1,000 beneficiaries of the Balik Pilipinas Hanapbuhay Program.

Awarding rites are currently happening for the OWWA 2019 Marilag Award where she is the deserving awardee. In behalf of Plantacion de Sikwate Board Members, Officers and the entire Cacao Community, CONGRATULATIONS Ms. Felipa ‘Indai Le’ Cortes of Sagbayan, Bohol!!!! You are indeed the epitome of a Woman of Inspiration.

March 30, 2019 The OWWA 2016 Mariliag Awardee for Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program paid a courtesy call at the PDS Heaquarters today. WIth her are PDS CEO Mel Santos and his wife Maam Allie, and PDS Nestor Saludo. Sharing her “Oscar-award” like grateful thanks to all who helped achieved her dreams.
————-
Maraming akong dapat pasalamatan… Unang una ang Diyos na laging naka patnubay.

Sa OWWA Overseas Workers Welfare Administration at sa mga iba pang tao na tumulong sa aking mabilisang pag uwi from Kuwait noong ako’y nagpa repatriate.

Sa tulong ng Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association, Inc. (PDS) ay nakapag simula ako ng Cacao Nursery at naitayo ko ang Villa Cortes Criollo Farm. Dinagdagan pa ito ng tulong financial ng OWWA para sa kanilang Balik Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Program. Sa ngayon nga ay meron na akong produktong Indai Le Tablea na sinusuportahan naman ng Department of Trade and Industry. Salamat sa walang sawang suporta ng aming Negosyo Center dito sa Sagbayan at kay Sir Blair Panong at Ms. Ai Rish. Dahil dito ay nabigyan ako ng Award sa katatapos lang na event ng OWWA.

Salamat din sa Office of the Provincial Veterinarian – Bohol (OPV) sa kanilang ibinigay na 12 ka pirasong Native Chicken na sa ngayon ay naparami ko na at ang iba ay nai ulam ko pa. ?

Salamat din sa drum na bigay DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE VIIIIII (D.A.) thru SagbayanMunicipal Agriculture Office (MAO) Arlen Rosolada Aparrii . Malaking tulong ito lalo na ngayong tag init.

Kahit kulang na kulang ako sa financial para maka sustain ay may mga taong katulad ninyo na bukas palad para tumulong. Nawa’y pagpalain pa sana kayo ng ating Panginoon.

NEWS UPDATE

Paying it Back: The Criollo Search Continues

For us cacao farmers, weekends are essential to seek strength and inspiration for the incoming week. We may do it differently from the corporate group that seeks rest and rejuvenation through #staycations or #travel.

If you ask me, I find strength by searching for new cacao mothers trees. Right now, I am in Bohol to search for the elusive Criollo or better known as the Filipino Heirloom cacao. Once I get my hands on it, they will definitely be part of our gene bank.

Golden mother trees may be difficult to find. We, at Plantacion de Sikwate, never give up and pack up. The determination and passion we share is our strength that arms us when we look for the elusive cacao variety.

If we have strategies to aid us in this search; our answer is none. We just go around, ask the people to lead us on our way. The Filipino Aromatico comes to our safekeeping with a Promise of the future. That is our way to return the blessings given to us.

We seek, we validate, we pay it back.

On March 26, 2019, I decided to return home to Cebu.

On my way home. The past few days I’ve been around Bohol; searching for golden mother trees. I’ve been to highlands and lowlands in search for them. My trip did not end in vain for I saw several cacao trees with white bean lineage.

Now, aboard the FastCat bound to Mandaue, I cant help but smile. Soon every port in our country shall serve a cup or two of the Filipino Aromatico.

#heirloomcacaoBEARER #heirloomcacaoPRODUCER #PLANTACIONDESIKWATE

PCAF Cacao Industry Development Sub-Committee conducts the monthly meeting

Members of the Cacao Industry Development Sub-Committee conduct the monthly meeting. PCAF Vice Chairman Melencio Santos is present together with our Honorary Founding Members One World Institute Chairperson Madame Yolanda Ortega Stern and Ms. Ann F.E. Wynkoop.

Agenda: The status of Resolutions No. 32 and 33, Series of 2018 which are “Recommending to the Department of Agriculture through the High Values Crops Development Program the Creation of a National Organization Committee to oversee the participation of local cacao producers in the International Cocoa Awards”.

Also conferred by the body are the Climate Outlook for March-September 2019, update on the implementation of the Industry Road Maps for Coffee and Cacao, Rubber and Fiber, and presentation of Resolutions Passed during the National Cacao Growers Summit.

For more photos and stories, visit www.pcaf.da.gov.ph
Text by Ali Estoesta
Photos by Jez Campaniel