<strong>Hot chocolate in the Philippines: </strong>In Filipino cuisine, chocolate has a rich, delicious history that started with hot chocolate -- also called sikwate or tsokolate de batirol, depending on the region. It has recently evolved into new culinary techniques and artisanal creations.
Hot chocolate in the Philippines: In Filipino cuisine, chocolate has a rich, delicious history that started with hot chocolate -- also called sikwate or tsokolate de batirol, depending on the region. It has recently evolved into new culinary techniques and artisanal creations.
Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa
<strong>The Cacao Project: </strong>"Chocolate's been popular for a long, long, long time in our cuisine and diet," Louise Mabulo, the founder of sustainable agricultural initiative the Cacao Project, tells CNN Travel.
The Cacao Project: "Chocolate's been popular for a long, long, long time in our cuisine and diet," Louise Mabulo, the founder of sustainable agricultural initiative the Cacao Project, tells CNN Travel.
The Cacao Project
<strong>The history: </strong>As the story goes, the Spanish planted the first cacao tree in 1665. Then, Catholic friars introduced hot chocolate to the Philippines.
The history: As the story goes, the Spanish planted the first cacao tree in 1665. Then, Catholic friars introduced hot chocolate to the Philippines.
The Cacao Project
<strong>Local </strong><strong>cacao farms: </strong>Nearly a century later, local Filipino farmers started cultivating cacao trees in their own backyards and the plant quickly propagated throughout the archipelago.
Local cacao farms: Nearly a century later, local Filipino farmers started cultivating cacao trees in their own backyards and the plant quickly propagated throughout the archipelago.
The Cacao Project
<strong>Cacao fruit: </strong>Filipino hot chocolate -- made with cacao beans, which come from the pictured fruit -- can be enjoyed solo or with some tasty accompaniments, such as churros, traditional pan de sal (salt breads), rice cakes and fried donuts.
Cacao fruit: Filipino hot chocolate -- made with cacao beans, which come from the pictured fruit -- can be enjoyed solo or with some tasty accompaniments, such as churros, traditional pan de sal (salt breads), rice cakes and fried donuts.
Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa
<strong>Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa: </strong>For a decadent experience there's the chocolate afternoon tea at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, which has its own cacao garden and chocolate-making facilities.
Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa: For a decadent experience there's the chocolate afternoon tea at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, which has its own cacao garden and chocolate-making facilities.
Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa
<strong>New bean-to-bar brands to know: </strong>Several bean-to-bar Filipino brands -- such as Theo & Philo (pictured here), Malagos Chocolates, Chocoliz, Trinitario and Auro Chocolate -- are putting a spotlight on high-quality, minimally processed chocolate.
New bean-to-bar brands to know: Several bean-to-bar Filipino brands -- such as Theo & Philo (pictured here), Malagos Chocolates, Chocoliz, Trinitario and Auro Chocolate -- are putting a spotlight on high-quality, minimally processed chocolate.
Theo & Phil
<strong>Argao Guilang's Tableya: </strong>Other not-to-miss Cebu chocolate experiences include Argao Guilang's Tableya, a family business that offers an interactive tour of its chocolate kitchen.
Argao Guilang's Tableya: Other not-to-miss Cebu chocolate experiences include Argao Guilang's Tableya, a family business that offers an interactive tour of its chocolate kitchen.
Argao Guilang's Tableya