Are you a tourist planning to visit the Philippines any time soon? Are you a Filipino looking for something to give to your foreign friends? Visit Kultura Filipino.
Kultura, a well-known local concept store in the Philippines, highlights uniquely Filipino artistry and craftsmanship. It offers an expansive range of goods made from indigenous materials which proudly reflects Filipino heritage and culture. Kultura offers three main goods: Fashion, Home, and Souvenirs.
Last Tuesday, February 11th, Kultura Filipino, launched its partnership with Manila Chocolatier.
“Your journey starts with your first bite.”
Manila Chocolatier, founded by Raul Matias, is a fruit of his love and passion for the Philippines. He lived in Canada and the US for several years where he learned the technique of creating chocolate. He shared how he felt every time he comes home to the Philippines every year and how he can only bring shirts which say “PHILIPPINES” across the chest.
This “frustration” started his vision and fueled his passion and love for our country. He wanted to make something of the Philippines world-class.
Then came Machiavelli Chocolatier. He later renamed it to Manila Chocolatier to pay tribute to the melting pot of the country’s diverse culture, language, and flavors.
Kultura x Manila Chocolatier
As of today, there are ten Kultura branches carrying Manila Chocolatier’s fifteen (15) chocolate flavors:
- Leche Flan
- Bukayo
- Mango
- Banana Cue
- Muscavado Nougat
- Salabat
- Pili Nut
- Lambanog
- Buko Pandan
- Jasmine Tea
- Panotsa Caramel
- Kalamansi
- Barako Coffee
- Ube
- Palawan Honey
A chocolate bar could cost between ₱89.75 – ₱99.75 while one box of 10 costs ₱999.75. Kultura and Manila Chocolatier also released their newest flavor to add to the existing ones. This flavor will surely hit home to Cebuanos.
Masareal
Masareal is a Filipino delicacy made from a mixture of finely-ground boiled peanuts, sugar or syrup, and water. It is dried and cut into rectangular bars and traditionally sold wrapped in paper and tied with twine. Masareal originates from Mandaue, Cebu and was mostly known as a great pasalubong bought by sea travellers.
Manila Chocolatier created their own flavor of Masareal chocolate. Instead of boiled peanuts, they used toasted nuts to prolong its shelflife. One box of 8 costs ₱649.75.
I surely had an awesome time trying all of the flavors while getting to know more about the history and inspiration of Manila Chocolatier. If you plan to visit Cebu or if you want to bring something from the Philippines, consider Kultura Filipino and Manila Chocolatier.
DEE Explores 