A New Chapter for Filipino Chocolate Begins with Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas

The rich aroma of heritage and chocolate filled Areté as the Mama Sita Foundation, together with Ateneo de Manila University’s Cultural Heritage Studies Program, unveiled Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas—the country’s first-ever Philippine Tableya Competition. Held at Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo last October 25, the gathering brought food lovers, scholars, and culinary stewards together to celebrate tableya not just as an ingredient, but as a living expression of place, culture, and kapookan. More than a competition, the event marks a meaningful step toward recognizing the Philippines’ cacao terroirs through Geographical Indications, spotlighting tableya’s rightful place in the nation’s culinary legacy.

Designed as a demonstration event ahead of a planned nationwide competition in 2026, the Tableya Awards showcased eight tableya brands selected by students under Dr. Fernando Zialcita’s Cultural Heritage course, in a hot chocolate drink competition curated by cacao expert Estela Duque. The judging panel featured respected leaders in the food and culture sectors, including Felice Sta. Maria, Oscar Mejia, Carla Villanueva, Rosario Juan, and Jancy Kilayko.

“The Philippine Tableya Competition is more than a culinary showcase—it's a cultural and agricultural advocacy,” organizers noted. GI protection for tableya and cacao is expected to strengthen value chains, elevate production standards, and support the farming communities behind these heritage ingredients.

Guests were treated to a curated merienda featuring Mama Sita’s Heirloom Rice Champorado and Heirloom Rice Balatinaw Pinipig, highlighting the diversity and depth of local agricultural traditions. The Mama Sita Foundation’s participation reflects its continued commitment to promoting terroir, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of heirloom crop value chains.

This initiative was supported by Ateneo’s John Gokongwei School of Management and Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo, institutions that bring academic rigor and culinary excellence to the program. Together with the Mama Sita Foundation, they aim to scale the Tableya Competition nationwide in 2026, strengthening research, advocacy, and community engagement connected to the country’s GI aspirations.

The event marks the beginning of a sustained collaboration to elevate Philippine tableya—honoring its origins, empowering its producers, and securing its rightful place in both local and global markets.