VISITORS to Bohol can now discover the story behind one of the Philippines’ finest chocolates through an immersive and hands-on experience at the newly opened Dalareich Chocolate Studio in Tagbilaran.
Developed by Dalareich Chocolate House, the studio offers guests an opportunity to explore the journey of chocolate from cacao bean to finished product while learning about the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and communities behind Filipino cacao.
“Many visitors would ask if they could make their own chocolate instead of simply buying our products,” she said.
“We realized there was a growing interest in experiencing the chocolate-making process firsthand. That inspired us to create a space where people could not only taste and purchase chocolate, but also learn, create, and become part of the story behind it," added Polot who in October 2022 became the first Filipina to receive the Goldman Sachs/Fortune Most Powerful Women Global Award.The result is a dedicated experiential space where visitors can engage directly with the art and science of chocolate making while gaining a deeper appreciation of Philippine cacao and the communities that cultivate it.The opening comes at a significant time for both the company and the province. Dalareich Chocolate House gained international recognition in 2019 when its Unsweetened Chocolate (Tableya) won a Gold Award at the Academy of Chocolate Awards in London, one of the world’s most respected competitions for fine chocolate. The achievement brought global attention to Bohol’s cacao industry and demonstrated that traditional Filipino tableya could stand alongside some of the best chocolate products in the world.The studio’s launch also complements Bohol’s growing reputation on the international stage. In 2023, Bohol was designated as the Philippines’ first Uneso Global Geopark, recognizing the province’s unique geological, cultural, and natural heritage. Together, these milestones highlight how Bohol continues to evolve as a destination that celebrates both its natural wonders and local industries.
“Many people enjoy chocolate, but very few get to experience how it is made or understand the journey behind every piece,” she said. “Through the studio, we want guests to connect with our farmers, our traditions, and the craftsmanship that goes into every chocolate product.”
At the heart of the experience is the Heritage Tableya Making Experience, where guests learn traditional chocolate-making techniques that have been practiced for generations.
Participants roast cacao beans over a charcoal clay pot, crack and winnow the beans by hand, grind cacao using traditional tools, and mold their own tableya wrapped in banana leaves. The activity concludes with a cup of freshly prepared hot sikwate (chocolate) while guests learn about the history of cacao in the Philippines and its role in Filipino culture.Visitors can also take part in the Make Your Own Chocolate Bar workshop, where they become chocolatiers for a day by designing and decorating their own chocolate creations and taking home their handcrafted chocolates. The activity is designed to be both educational and enjoyable for families, children, and adults.
For those seeking a deeper appreciation of chocolate, the Professional Chocolate Appreciation session introduces participants to the art of chocolate tasting. Guests learn how to evaluate aroma, texture, flavor, and finish while exploring how fermentation, roasting, and cacao origin influence the overall chocolate experience.Since its establishment, Dalareich Chocolate House has worked closely with cacao farmers through training programs, technical assistance, and market development initiatives that help improve their productivity and income. The company has supported cacao-growing communities and contributed to efforts that strengthen cacao production in Bohol and neighboring provinces.
“Our dream is not only to create world-class chocolates, but also to create world-class experiences that allow people to appreciate the richness of Filipino cacao and the communities behind it,” said Polot.