Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas: Philippine Tableya Competition Launches at Ateneo, Boosts Push for Geographical Indications for Tableya and Cacao

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Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas: Philippine Tableya Competition Launches at Ateneo, Boosts Push for Geographical Indications for Tableya and Cacao

Quezon City, Philippines — The Mama Sita Foundation (MSF), in collaboration with the Cultural Heritage Studies Program at Ateneo de Manila University, successfully launched the Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas: Philippine Tableya Competition on October 25, 2025, at the Le Cordon Bleu campus of Areté, Ateneo de Manila University.

The event gathered students, faculty, scholars, food historians, judges, and enthusiasts of heritage and cuisine for an afternoon dedicated to one of the Philippines’ most enduring culinary traditions. This inaugural event also marks a significant milestone in efforts to achieve Geographical Indications (GI) status for the specific ‘terroir’ of cacao and tableya in the Philippines. Food writer Ige Ramos has described terroir as ‘kapookan,’ encompassing both natural and cultural factors that contribute to the uniqueness of G.I. products.

The Tableya Awards served as a demonstration event ahead of a planned nationwide competition in 2026. It showcased eight tableya brands chosen by students from Dr. Fernando Zialcita’s Cultural Heritage course. The event featured a hot chocolate drink contest curated by cacao expert Estela Duque. The judging panel included esteemed leaders from the food and culture sectors, such as 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 enjoyed a curated merienda featuring Mama Sita’s Heirloom Rice Champorado and Heirloom Rice Balatinaw Pinipig, showcasing the richness of local agricultural traditions. The Mama Sita Foundation’s involvement underscores its ongoing commitment to promoting terroir, sustainable sourcing, and preserving the value of heirloom crop chains. Supported by Ateneo’s John Gokongwei School of Management and Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo, the event combines academic excellence with culinary expertise.

Their joint goal is to expand the Tableya Competition nationwide in 2026, boosting research, advocacy, and community involvement aligned with the country’s GI goals. This event marks the start of a long-term partnership to elevate Philippine tableya—celebrating its heritage, supporting producers, and securing its place in both local and international markets.

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Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas: Philippine Tableya Competition Launches at Ateneo, Boosts Push for Geographical Indications for Tableya and Cacao

Melo Villareal

Out of Town Blog

The post Tableya, Gawad Tsokolate ng Pilipinas: Philippine Tableya Competition Launches at Ateneo, Boosts Push for Geographical Indications for Tableya and Cacao appeared first on Out of Town Blog