Merkado: Hilario’s Tablea – Sip, Smile & Shine With Every Cup
🧘 The Beauty of a Slow Start
We talk a lot about self-care these days—slow mornings, mindful habits, and choosing what nourishes us. But sometimes, the simplest rituals are the ones we’ve had all along.
Before oat milk lattes and espresso machines, there was tablea. Pure, bold, and lovingly brewed. It’s a drink with memory— of grandmothers stirring over low heat, of provincial kitchens filled with morning light, of something real warming your hands.
Now, it’s finding its way back into city kitchens, quiet routines, and the cups of modern Filipinas looking for something grounding to start their day.
👩🌾 Meet the Makers
I met Juliet Guieb at IFEX Philippines, where she was quietly holding court at the DTI Region 2 cluster. Despite being at the helm of a rising agribusiness, she remained humble, warm, and full of stories - about the land, the harvest, and HJ Guieb Farms and Services as a whole.
With her was her savvy junior-high daughter, confidently greeting visitors and helping with samples. That kind of family energy—you can’t manufacture that.
Juliet made it clear how instrumental the DTI and their LGU were in encouraging her and other MSMEs to step into national showcases. Their support gave local producers the confidence—and the platform—to introduce their goods beyond Isabela.
from left - Juliet Guieb, the author and another exhibitor from Region 2
More than showcasing products, Juliet and her team are building a bridge: from farm to consumers abroad, sharing their story of craft, care, and sustainable farming.
🍫 More Than Just Tablea
The star might be Hilario’s Cacao Tablea, but that’s not all HJ Guieb Farms and Services produces. Under the Hilario’s brand, they also offer: Cacao nibs—nutty, bold, and perfect for baking or snacking;
Robusta coffee beans—grown and harvested with the same hands-on touch; Cacao vinegar and banana-based goods, featured at regional food and agriculture events such as IFEX to showcase their diverse produce
Through their Facebook page “HJ Guieb Farm Products and Services,” they regularly invite tastings of cacao, coffee, and other products at fairs and mall exhibits. These events aren’t just promotional—they're a way to build awareness of their growing product line and the values behind it.
Behind every item—tablea, nibs, robusta coffee, cacao vinegar—is Juliet’s quiet advocacy for local farmers. She trains growers, ensures fair pricing, and together, they invest in a future where high-quality food supports strong rural communities.
🌄 Why Cacao for Breakfast?
We’re wired to reach for coffee, but tablea holds its own in more ways than one. It’s rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and theobromine, a natural stimulant that offers calm energy, without the jittery crash. It fuels you gently, and it tastes like home.
Unlike sugary cocoa mixes, real tablea like Hilario’s is full-bodied, unsweetened, and rooted in Filipino tradition. It's a drink that nourishes without shortcuts—perfect for days that call for focus and intention.
🕊️ Your New Morning Ritual
Picture this: a quiet kitchen, city sounds still muted. A single disc of tablea melts slowly in hot water. You stir. Warm, earthy aroma fills the space.
Nearby, pandesal waits. So do your bag and phone. But for now, there’s this single cup—a quiet reminder that mornings can start differently.
Whether you’re working from home, trekking through traffic, or gliding into meetings, a few minutes with Hilario’s Tablea sets your tone—rooted, rich, and fully your own.
📍 Where to Find Hilario’s
HJ Guieb Farm Products and Services shares its offerings through DTI-sponsored expos highlighting SME's, local markets, and curated mall events.
💬 A Thoughtful Nudge
So if you spot Hilario’s Cocoa Tablea, a pouch of nibs, or a bag of robusta coffee—bring it home. Brew it slow. Let it warm your kitchen.
✨ Better yet, follow their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hjguiebproductsandservices/, share their story, or send them a message.
Because sometimes, supporting local starts with something as simple as a good cup of cacao.