The first time I heard of Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, I was reminded by 24 units of Theology and Philosophy classes I had in college. Let me say that it was not a fond memory. I was not keen on reading thick materials that make me say “wut?” and want me to pull my hair out at the end, and Theo and Philo classes in Filipino were more complicated for the mere verbosity of the texts. Case in point, being is nagmemeron in Filipino, five letters versus 10. Half of my classes in Theo and Philo were in Filipino, and they coincided with Physical Chemistry (subject I hated the most) and Instrumentation (subject that lulled me to sleep the most). It was a nightmarish year. But I digress.

Theo & Philo according to Theo & Philo

Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates is the first bean-to-bar single origin chocolates from the Philippines. Theo & Philo proudly sources its cacao locally, crafting flavor combinations that are uniquely Filipino. It advocates organic and fair trade practices that support scholarships and farming communities. More than just making darn good chocolate, Theo & Philo’s commitment is to make a difference in the world, one bar at a time.

Theo & Philo’s Journey

Theo & Philo chocolates are made from natural ingredients sourced from around the Philippines. Before Theo & Philo started, its founder spent a year traveling around the Philippines searching for farmers that would provide him with the best cacao beans for chocolate bars. His travels took him to Davao, where the tropical climate and rich soil yield some of the best cacao in the country. From bean to bar, it is a journey of love of chocolate and respect for the land.

Theo & Philo’s Name

Theo is short for Theobroma cacao (italics and capitalization are mine), the scientific name for chocolate. Philo is the Greek word for love. Together Theo & Philo means ‘chocolate and love’. They are what go into every bar of Theo & Philo chocolate. They are also responsible for that warm, fuzzy feeling one gets with every bite.

Theo & Philo chocolates incorporate Philippine cacao with the most Filipino ingredients like mangoes, siling labuyo, barako coffee, turon, and adobo. The combinations seem weird, but they taste extraordinarily heavenly. Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates are lovingly ensconced in new wrappers that are more festive and more Pinoy. The chocolate bars themselves are edible works of art – with the polygons (mostly triangles and quadrilaterals) and zigzag lines that are visible.

My favorite as of this writing is the Milk Chocolate Adobo. There is something in it that titillates my palate that the other flavors cannot.

For related entries, please read Connie’s Kitchen Deli, Part I and Auro Chocolate: Beyond Bean-To-Bar.

Exchange Rate: US $1.00 = P52.30

Theo & Philo products are available at Connie’s Kitchen, Bo’s Coffee, ECHO Store, Enchanted Farm, Gourdo’s, Human Nature, and Team Manila.

Theo & Philo Contact Number:

(02) 631 – 1362

For more information, please visit hello@theoandphilo.com.