Celebrating independence with a bittersweet artisan treat

While Filipino chocolate brands have only been appearing and been internationally-recognized recently, the cacao trees that are responsible for our unique chocolates have been thriving in our archipelago for centuries.

The valuable cacao pod, which was native to the Amazon Basin and cultivated by the Olmec, Maya and Aztec civilizations in Central America, was introduced to Asia via the Philippines in the 17th century. It was brought from across the Pacific Ocean with the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, which linked the continent to the Americans from 1565 to 1815. It wasn’t until later when Filipinos started inheriting and practicing the Mexican tradition of preparing unfermented beans into tablea or dark chocolate/cacao tablets – which are dissolved to make hot chocolate and rich desserts like champorado (chocolate rice porridge) and suman muron/moron (a type of rice cake). These traditional treats were also once served in the Malagos Garden Resort food business that gave delight to its guests.

Today, fine chocolate manufacturers in the Philippines like the Malagos Chocolate are using this near-forgotten history as a guide and inspiration in producing and manufacturing single-origin and uniquely-Filipino flavored chocolates that our country would definitely be proud of. And speaking of Filipino pride, no other brand has raised the profile of home-grown cacao like the Malagos Chocolate. Our company goes beyond the bean-to-bar movement by growing its own Trinitario hybrid cacao trees and manufacturing fine chocolates on-site, thereby streamlining the value chain and greatly reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Its single-origin process is what also distinguishes Malagos Chocolate from other Philippine chocolate brands.

Malagos Chocolate harvests, ferments, and processes cacao from its own plantation thereby maintaining the “terroir” of its single-origin chocolates – much like fine wine and cheese. “Terroir” refers to the unique set of environmental factors, such as topography and climate, which influence the taste and aroma of produce. The fruit growing area surrounding the cacao trees is responsible for the berry-like or fruity notes that Malagos Chocolate is known for. That’s why it’s also no surprise that when Malagos Chocolate developed products that involved combining dark chocolate with dried fruits, the two distinct ingredients played a certain medley that fascinated local and foreign taste buds.

For years, the brand has been known for its trademark unsweetened and dark chocolate line of products, but with all other new options thriving in the global market, Malagos Chocolate recently launched its couverture products in 2019. It was a risk every business had to go through at some point – expanding products and coming up with more appealing options to the market. But the earnest efforts of the team behind its development immediately paid off as it was recognized in the 2019 Academy of Chocolate (UK). One of the coverture products, Dried Guyabano (Soursop) in Malagos Couverture Dark Chocolate, received a commendation from the prestigious London-based award-giving body. This recognition was one of the five wins and four commendations that were given to Malagos Chocolate during that time. More than 46 countries joined and were represented, showcasing the diverse range and creativity of producers offering a multitude of flavour profiles. To date, Malagos Chocolate has already earned 34 international wins, one (1) GOLD national award, and five (5) commendations in fine chocolate competition.

Aside from the dried guyabano, Malagos Chocolate also made use of other dried fruits such as dried mangoes, dried pineapple, and dried young coconut – all of which are produce that are native to the Philippine Islands.

Malagos Garden Resort has been home to this single-origin brand. As we observe the Philippine Independence 2020, let us remain proud and continue supporting locals such as Malagos food products featuring this artisanal line of chocolate especially during this time. Stock up on Malagos’ award-winning chocolates at https://malagoshomegrownproduce.com/collections/signature-products.