Filipinos have long had a love affair with chocolates. Those richly dark treats were first brought to this country over four centuries ago by Spanish colonizers who introduced the growing of cacao to the locals. Today, the Philippine cocoa industry has grown to become the primary producer of cocoa beans in Southeast Asia and has brought about innovative local chocolate brands.
One such brand is Theo & Philo. Curious about the name? “Theo” is short for “theobroma cacao,” the scientific name for chocolate, while “Philo” comes from the Greek word for “love.” Theo & Philo therefore means “chocolate and love.”
With products made from natural ingredients sourced from around the Philippines, Theo & Philo built its advocacy for organic and fair trade practices that support scholarships and farming communities. It has also pioneered in the production of new chocolate flavors that feature tastes that are embedded in Filipino culinary traditions and pop culture.
Its bold-flavored chocolates have garnered international awards and recognition, most recently at the International Chocolate Awards – 2018 Asia Pacific Competition.
During the recent Crafts for a Cause exhibit at SM Mega Fashion Hall, I was able to buy some bars which include:
70% Dark Chocolate (Php119.75). With its use of high quality cacao for rich depth with notes of earthiness and cherries. Its great for a no-nonsense chocolate experience.
Net Weight: 45 grams
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Cocoa Butter
60% Dark Chocolate with Ginger and Mint (Php119.75). With this combination of rich dark chocolate, warm ginger and refreshing mint, you can enjoy a sweet treat with a bit of a surprising feel in your mouth.
Net Weight: 45 grams
Ingredients: Cacao Beans, Sugar, Ginger, Cocoa Butter, Peppermint Oil
Milk Chocolate Adobo (Php119.75). This novelty bar is among the three flavors that won Theo & Philo the Bronze award in the International Chocolate Awards – 2018 Asia Pacific Competition. With a unique flavor from the soy sauce toffee and black pepper adobo infusion, this milk chocolate will let you see two Filipino favorites – adobo and chocolates – in a whole new light.
Net Weight: 45 grams
Ingredients: Sugar, Cacao Beans, Cocoa Butter, Milk Powder, Butter, Soy Sauce, Black Pepper
Theo & Philo and its penchant for fearless chocolate flavors will make for great post-meal indulgences, dessert adventures or memorable novelty gifts.
Theo & Philo chocolates are available in the following retailers:
- Human Nature: Alabang, Makati, Manila, Marikina, Pasig and its flagship store in Quezon City
- Gourdo’s: Alabang, SM Megamall, Trinoma Mall and Greenhills
- Echo Store: Makati, The Podium, Eton Centris
- SM Kultura: SM Makati, SM Megamall, Mall of Asia, SM Aura
and more. For more details, visit the Theo & Philo website.
Jellybeans in the City 