Merkado: Cacao and the Cordilleras – Meet Dulche Chocolates

She welcomed me to her booth with so much warmth, and before long, we were deep in conversation about her journey. Eva isn’t just making chocolate — she’s building a movement. Dulche was born out of her and her team’s passion to uplift cacao farmers in the Cordilleras. With quiet strength and deep commitment, she talked about how they train local communities — from cacao farm maintenance, post-harvest handling, all the way to making tablea and fine chocolates. She doesn’t just send support from afar — Eva is in the field, boots on the ground, sharing knowledge and building futures with every workshop.

Despite all the awards they’ve been receiving (and rightfully so!), she remains incredibly humble. What shone brighter than any accolade was her pride in her roots — and in being called the Igorota Chocolate Maker. That title wasn’t just on a sign; it was in the way she carried herself, with dignity and deep love for her culture and people.

Of course, I couldn’t leave without a photo — we both threw up the “C” hand sign for cacao. And after tasting her samples (I’m still dreaming about that dark one with just the right snap and depth), let’s just say I went home with more chocolates than I originally planned. Zero regrets.

If you ever come across Dulche Chocolates, don’t just try a bite — get to know the story behind each bar. Naimas — and then some.