Philippine Chocolate Tradition Highlighted During World Chocolate Day
NEW YORK, 07 July 2025 – In celebration of World Chocolate Day, the Philippine Consulate General in New York, in partnership with Cebu-based chocolatier The Chocolate Chamber, hosted a two-day cultural event on 07 to 08 July 2025 at the Philippine Center. The event featured the evolution of cacao in the Philippines – from ‘Bean to Beverage to Brush’ – through an immersive and multi-sensory experience for participants from the Consular Corps, the Filipino-American community, business owners, and personnel from the Consulate, the Philippine Mission to the UN, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center, and the Philippine Center Management Board.
The event began with the opening of Mr. John Paul “JP” Toquero Choa’s solo exhibition, “Brushstrokes of Worship and Wonder: A Journey Through Nature, Spirit, and Soul.” The featured artworks were created using “sikwate”, a traditional Filipino chocolate drink, and other natural materials, instead of the conventional painting medium.
Following the exhibit opening, guests were invited to a short discussion on the history and evolution of Philippine cacao. Thereafter, a live demonstration on the traditional preparation of ‘sikwate’ and guided tasting of the beverage were conducted. A cacao beverage station was also set up where variants of ‘sikwate’ – from traditional ones prepared with condensed milk to those infused with chilies and other spices were served together with Filipino delicacies.
In his remarks, Deputy Consul General Adrian Elmer S. Cruz reminisced about his childhood experience on “sikwate.” He shared, “This beloved drink—made with tablea and milk—was a staple in our home, especially on New Year’s Eve. Our midnight feast was never complete without this comforting, traditional drink.” He added, “As the world celebrates World Chocolate Day, we are proud to bring you a taste of the Philippines. There’s no better time than now to sit together in a shared moment of indulgence and appreciation—and to honor cacao as a living medium of heritage, memory, and cultural expression.”
