As Seen on FEATR: Sharing the Story of Cacao Culture and Philippine Chocolate

Jul 02, 2026

We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to share some incredibly exciting news with our beloved community! Cacao Culture was recently featured in a beautiful, documentary-style video by FEATR Media, a platform renowned for its captivating storytelling. This feature isn't just a spotlight on us; it's a heartwarming affirmation of our shared journey in championing Philippine cacao and Filipino-made chocolates.

A Story Bigger Than Chocolate

The FEATR documentary, titled "Building a Chocolate Empire From Scratch in the Philippines," delves into the very heart of Cacao Culture. It beautifully narrates the story of our founders, Ken and Shiela Reyes-Lao, who left behind the bustling tech startup scene in Manila to pursue a dream rooted in Davao's rich agricultural landscape. Their leap of faith in 2016 led them to discover the incredible potential of Philippine cacao, transforming their lives and igniting a passion to create something truly meaningful.

Shiela, now our Chief Chocolate Maker, passionately states, "I eat, I breathe, I drink, I sleep. Everything I do is about chocolates talaga." This dedication, coupled with Ken's entrepreneurial spirit, forms the bedrock of Cacao Culture. The documentary highlights how their journey is not just about crafting delicious chocolates, but about building a social enterprise that uplifts local cacao farmers and empowers women in the community.

Why Philippine Chocolate Deserves to Be Known

For too long, the Philippines, despite being the first country in Asia to grow cacao, has been a net importer of chocolate. Cacao Culture is on a mission to "flip the script." Our home in Davao City, nestled within the Global Cacao Belt, provides the perfect climate and volcanic soil for cultivating cacao beans with unique nutty and fruity flavors. We believe that the entire value chain, from bean to bar, should flourish right here in the Philippines.

This commitment extends to actively supporting our local farmers. We partner with cooperatives, ensuring fair trade and helping them refine their farming practices. By creating demand for local chocolate, we are directly contributing to jobs and livelihoods, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for Philippine agriculture. It's a message of Filipino pride, celebrating our own produce and the skilled hands that bring it to life. "We are very passionate about producing Philippine chocolates and making sure that each and every Filipino gets to try it," shares Ken, encapsulating our core belief.

Thank You, FEATR

We extend our deepest gratitude to FEATR Media for their incredible work in telling our story with such authenticity and heart. Their platform has allowed us to reach new audiences and share the passion that drives us every single day. This feature is a testament to the growing appreciation for local craftsmanship and the rich agricultural heritage of the Philippines.

To our cherished customers, the dedicated cacao farmers, our valued partner brands, and everyone who has supported Philippine chocolate – thank you. Your belief in our mission fuels our efforts and inspires us to continue spreading the love for Philippine chocolates.

New Here? Start Your Philippine Chocolate Journey With Us

If you're new to Cacao Culture, we warmly invite you to explore the world of Philippine chocolate with us. The FEATR documentary offers a wonderful introduction to our story and our commitment to quality and community.

Visit Our Davao Chocolate Cafés

Experience the rich flavors firsthand at our chocolate cafés in Davao. Enjoy thoughtfully made chocolate drinks, pastries, and a curated selection of our finest chocolates.

Check out our menu and locations here: Locations

Shop Philippine Chocolates Online

Can't make it to Davao? No problem! You can easily shop our artisanal Philippine chocolates from anywhere in the country. Explore our Best Sellers, Chocolate Bars, and Gift Sets on our website. Every purchase supports local farmers and helps us continue our mission.

Together, let's continue to celebrate and elevate Philippine chocolate on the global stage!