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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 borneo — Bohol.

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.

CACAO LEVEL-UP SEMINAR @ QC

CACAO LEVEL UP SEMINAR
February 21, 2019 10AM-5PM
3/F TriNoma, EDSA cor. North Ave., Quezon City, Metro Manila

MEL SANTOS
CEO, Plantacion de Sikwate
* Filipino Aromatico Heirloom Cacao
* Planting the Heirloom Cacao (nursery to field)

ROMELA FABULA
President/Owner – Opulento Agriventures
* Cacao Biological farming system
* Biological pest control inputs
* Crop vaccination technology

CHRISTIAN VALDES
Chocolatier, CMV Txokolat
* Chocolate Bar making
* Pinoy Craft of Chocolate bars

Executive Chef CHRISTOPHER CARANGIAN
Food Historian, Jose Rizal University
* Philippine Food and our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal

*————————————*

SECURE A SEAT for P3,000 (Inclusive of meals and certificate)

To Reserve a Seat, SMS/call:
Mel Santos 09167170207
Mia Concepcion 09155130093

*** All payments are to be settled on or before February 18, 2019 via
Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association, Inc.
Banco de Oro, J. Center Mandaue City Branch
Account No. 00419-032-4488
** Once you successfully have deposited your fee, take a photo of the deposit slip and send to PDSCACAO@gmail.com or inbox at PDSCACAO here at FB.

PDS Seminar Invitation at DA-ATI, Q.C.

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Dear Cacao Friends of PDS, I have finally met the host Mr. Louie Tabing of Let’s Talk Agriculture (a radio segment at DZMM 630, powered by one of leading TV networks in the country, ABS-CBN) when we were invited to their seminar at the DA-ATI BUILDING in Quezon City.

I felt so happy to have been given the chance to present the PDS Way of Cacao Farming infront of close to a hundred participants this morning.

The crowd was so overwhelming! I felt like a Hollywood Superstar lol! My name cards were requested to have me sign an autograph on it. (wish I brought more though) 🙂

In behalf of Team PDS of Luzon Manny Carpio, Oji Reyes, Basil Bolinao, Zaldi and I, thank you so much for the warm welcome!

It was raining but it did not hamper the participants to attentively listen to our presentation. They learned the Search for Criollo, how to plant cacao, how much it will yield and who are the buyers of their harvested cacao.

I could talk for hours but it still went on overtime even after close to 2 hours of Q&As!

I am happy to have ignited the interest of our farmers who participated in the seminar.

Thank God we were invited for another guesting to the next seminar they will be hosting soon.

Kudos to our Technical Support Team, my fellow Members of the Board and to you dear cacao friend that inspite the stormy weather, your sunshine helped us share the PDS “Teach, Educate, and Learn” mantra on Cacao Farming.

Do follow us here and at our Facebook page for the date and place of the next seminar. Thank you everyone and happy planting!

MEL SANTOS, Chief Executive Director, PDS

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Food Safety Conference

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PDS President and Cacao Planting Director was at the NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY CONFERENCE, SMX Convention Center Bacolod. He was with fellow cacao grower, Mr. Gerry Ledesma.

Mr. Fadriga commends Ms Vina R Antopina, DOST Bohol Asst Provincial S&T Director and Chocolate Expert who presents the “Processing Cacao into Chocolate Products with Food Safety in the Processing”.
——-•
The 2nd NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY CONFERENCE was a two-day learning event on FOOD SAFETY: Best for Food Entrepreneurs, Food Handlers and Manufacturers, Farmers, Restaurateurs, Concessionaires, Hospital Canteen Operators, Culinary Arts Students and Enthusiasts, Moms and Dads who care about FOOD SAFETY.

Congratulations to the movers at AFOS FOUNDATION and the ASSOCIATION OF NEGROS PRODUCERS for a successful event.

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Bean to Bar Chocolate Festival (PDS as presenter)

Hello Cacao Growers! We have just finished with the Bean to Bar Chocolate Festival last April 30 when PDS was invited as one of the presenters. As early was March 30, we asked our PDS Cacao Community for their support. It was also great to have received countless requests from different Government agencies. To all who have joined, remember the PDS letterhead we sent? Having the chance to use the logo of the PCAF was a humbling moment for us.

We are Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association, Inc. (PDSCPAI); an association initiated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of Davao City on June 2014.  Our advocacy is to teach Cacao Farmers who believe and support the natural way of farming to produce chocolate that is healthy for consumers.  We represent the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) National Sectoral Committee – Commercial Crops-Cacao Industry Development Sub-Committee (NSC-ComCrops-CIDSC) as Vice Chairperson.

We are a non-stock, non-profit organization duly registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with a mission to do continuous research and development, share the best practices in production, processing, profit-making and sharing, engage in Human Resource Development and develop linkages and networking.  — as our letter went.

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It was indeed an unforgettable sight when 64 participants flocked to Glorietta 2 that morning. Thank you so much for making that trip so worthwhile. One of the early birds at the Bean to Bar Chocolate Festival. Thank you Maam Donna Urriza for attending! It was a long way from Nagcarlan, Laguna and we are so happy that you arrived safely. Nice meeting you!

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It was such a delight to see these people meet for the first time. (L-R) Maam Corazon del Mundo (PDS Member), Mr. Manuel Carpio (Agropower and PDS Technical & Research Officer 2 – Luzon), Ms. Monette Cerda, Mr. Basil Bolinao (PDS VP – Luzon) and Mr. Linus Lee (Agropower). At the background you could also see that Dr. Fernando Zialcita arrived early for his late afternoon speaker slot at the event.

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Ms. Estela Duque, Event Organizer and Founder of Moulinet Chocolat (UK) opened the Bean to Bar Chocolate Festival. Here, she shared the Festival Goals wherein “this ground-breaking initiative celebrates Philippine history and heritage; focusing on traditions and landscapes — both rural and urban that have enabled cacao to thrive in this country.”

Ms. Duque continued on by saying that (the chocolate festival)
“positions history and trade as tools, not merely for promoting Philippine Fine/Flavour and Heirloom Cacao as a brand and commodity but also for understanding the international community’s role in promoting social cohesion and positive regional identity in the country.”

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Part One  (Programme of Activities) dealt on a narrative of the emerging fine/flavour cacao sector (FFC) of the Philippines.

Speaker 1 was Mr. Mark Ocampo. Mark is the Managing Director of Auro Chocolate (PH). He showed a video called Empowering Farmers. Their cacao farm is located in Davao at Almacen, Kilometer 11, Catalunan Pequeno, Talomo and offices at Fabtech Bldg., Santiago St., Paseo de Magallanes Commercial Center, Makati  City and Block 2F Lot 3, Phase 1 Filinvest Technology Park, Calamba City, Laguna.A1

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Speaker 2 was Mr. Melencio Santos. Vice Chairman of Plantacion de Sikwate Cacao Producers Association, Inc. He introduced what PDS was also about and continued on showing the pride of the largest cacao association in the country to date. The following photos *see below these are the ones Mr. Mel Santos presented at the event.

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Click here for The Search for Criollo Video

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A big round of applause from people who mattered most. It was an exhilarating feeling for the people who made the video possible. PDS would like to thank the men and women who supplied Ms. Cacao the inspiration, ideas and photos as she did the video.

Speaker 3 was Mr. Steven DeVries. He is the owner of DeVries Chocolates from Denver, Colorado, USA. A Bonafide Member, mentor and one of the advisers of PDS, he discussed different areas of the chocolate process from bean to bars. He also showed how the heirloom cacaos should be guarded and given special care. He happens to be one of the founders of the Heirloom Cacao Project in the United States of America.

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Here are photos from PDS participants during the event. Many thanks to all of you who have showed support to PDS.

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This song was part of the Criollo Search video. That presentation rocked the mall with a song everyone grew up with! [embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4qrcHyYj4[/embedyt]

Lunch was held at Cabalen, just upstairs from the event proper. The event entrance and food ticket looked like this. Ms. Cacao kept on saying that “Do not lose your golden ticket! Just like in the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, lose the ticket, lose the F-o-o-d.” Here are some photos that were shared.18052778_120300003321720839_1784242045_n

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After lunch, there were three speakers who discussed History, Culture, and Trade of Philippine Cacao.

Sweet Dreams are made of this!: Shang Chocolate Wonderland Post-Event Thoughts

imageSweet Dreams are made of this! Ms. Cacao was just checking how well the Shang Chocolate Wonderland came by – in terms of its Media Mileage. Well enough, our bonafide members Cacao de Davao Chocolates and Ginto Chocolates together with soon to be bonafide member CMBV Confectionaires were blogged on, raved on and desired on!

Thank you bloggers and local newspapers for featuring the Shang Chocolate Wonderland last April 16 – 23, 2017 at the East and Main Atria of the Shangrila Plaza. Ms. Cacao still has a lot to tell about the unforgettable #happyhormones extravaganza that children of all ages adored.

#chocolates
#cacao
#thebitterthebetter
#tablea
#ProudlyPinoy
#Philippines

Well enough, our bonafide members Cacao de Davao Chocolates and Ginto Chocolates together with soon-to-be-Bonafide member CMBV Confectionaires were blogged on, raved on and desired on!

Thank you bloggers and local newspapers for featuring the Shang Chocolate Wonderland last April 16 – 23, 2017 at the East and Main Atria of the Shangrila Plaza. Ms. Cacao still has a lot to tell about the unforgettable #happyhormones extravaganza that children of all ages adored.

#chocolates
#cacao
#thebitterthebetter
#tablea
#ProudlyPinoy
#Philippines

Shang Chocolate Wonderland: Day 6

imageDay 6 is a different day alright. We came in the usual time but where are the people? Haha! Slow day indeed for Team PDS.

This was our chance to take a a breather from Days 1-5 when almost all our products were signaling “replenish me”.

With the magic at #Shangchocolatewonderland, the stocks over at Cacao de Davao and Ginto Chocolates were saved from near extinction. A chocolate demo with free chocolates came to the rescue! (Whew! Saved from extinction alright.)

The kids came by at 6PM together with their parents and trooped to our booths wanting for more #darkchocolates! This was an amazing sight indeed.

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