As local chocolate enthusiasts celebrate a sweet milestone, the pioneering homegrown brand Theo & Philo is making waves by opening its very first chocolate café at Mitsukoshi Mall in BGC, marking an exciting new chapter for its 16th anniversary.
Cacao and Love
The story of the country’s first bean-to-bar chocolate maker is deeply rooted in its clever name.
Specifically, “Theo” is derived from Theobroma Cacao, the scientific name of the cacao tree, connecting the brand to a rich agricultural heritage and the country’s potential as a fine cacao producer. Meanwhile, “Philo,” comes from the Greek word Philos, meaning love, representing a deep passion for the Philippines, its diverse flavors, and chocolate itself.
Together, they form the core identity of Theo & Philo, translating to “Cacao and Love” a philosophy that continues to guide the brand to this day as it honors local communities and ingredients like Davao cacao and Bacolod cane sugar.
Local Treats From Scratch
Building on this foundational pride, the brand remains heavily committed to showcasing Filipino craftsmanship to the world. Furthermore, this dedication shines brightly at their new destination, where the team makes everything completely from scratch.
Instead of relying on premixes, they utilize premium ingredients like fresh milk and European butter, expertly incorporating their signature chocolates into a wide variety of artisanal pastries, ice cream, and treats.
The Rebirth in BGC
Ultimately, this brand-new space on the second floor of Mitsukoshi Mall in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) offers fans a wonderful opportunity to experience chocolate far beyond the classic bar.
As visitors explore the incredible versatility of Philippine cacao through best-selling hot chocolates, the Theo Cake, and a selection of cookies, founder Philo Chua captures the vision behind the endeavor best:
We see the café as an opportunity to explore new ideas, experiment with different flavors, and create new chocolate experiences that people can enjoy.”
The launch of the Theo & Philo Chocolate Café successfully launched the traditional bean-to-bar craftsmanship and modern culinary innovation. By staying true to its founding philosophy and celebrating the very best of local produce, the brand continues to elevate Philippine chocolate onto a vibrant new stage.
Read more stories on Simpol.ph
‘Aaminin’ Confesses a James Reid-Kathryn Bernardo Tandem
Heritage Holidays: F1 Hotel Manila’s Halloween Party is Here!
