From the Mountains to the Monarchy

AN INTERVIEW WITH RAQUEL CHOA, THE CHOCOLATE QUEEN OF CEBU

At Buckingham Palace, the gates surrounding the Royal Family’s home loom around the perimeter. The wrought iron bars mark the edge where sovereign ground lies and where mere citizens do not enter. Yet, it doesn’t stop the kingdom’s loyal constituents from approaching to gaze upon the palace in awe. Is there any place in the world so grand? Yes, there is, and it is found in Cebu.

The mountains of Balamban are home to a palace that is surrounded not by iron bars, but rather by towering trees. It is a magical place full of winding rivers and lush expanses of foliage. Rather than keeping villagers and visitors out, the trees are an invitation into the home of the Chocolate Queen of Cebu—Raquel Choa.

At a young age, Raquel experienced the inevitable hardships of life. When her parents deserted her, she was brought from the city to a secluded mountain. Raquel found hope in the legend her grandmother told her about the Queen of the Forest—Maria Cacao. According to the legend, she traveled across rivers to the ocean, where her ship would turn to gold. After each journey, she brought ornate treasures back to the secluded forest. As a little girl, this planted a dream in Raquel’s heart—to travel the world and share the forest’s magic.

A Cebuana by birth, but a queen by calling, Raquel had a long journey to discover her royal role. Her childhood was difficult. To go to school, she had to navigate seven rivers. In her home, she lived without electricity. She had to be inside by six o’clock each night to avoid the rebels that lived in the mountains. Despite the challenges, she says that, “Life has a way of comforting us.” Her brother encouraged and motivated her. She saw her role as the eldest to lead and care for her siblings. Through her upbringing, the queen was prepared for her high calling.

Raquel longed to reunite with her mother, so at 13 years of age, she bid the mountains goodbye and joined her in Manila. She worked as a garbage collector and house cleaner in the busy city to pay off her mother’s debt. Years later, her parents left again. Even though it devastated her, she never hated them. She knows that God had a purpose for it and jokes, “If my parents never left, you wouldn’t have a Chocolate Queen! So, everything happens for a reason.” Eventually, she moved back to Cebu and discovered her kingdom’s treasure: cacao.

When Raquel lived in the mountains as a child, she didn’t think cacao was very special. It was abundant! Her grandmother taught her the art of roasting and grinding it into tablea. It wasn’t until later in life that she realized it was the main ingredient in chocolate. Today, she doesn’t see herself as a chocolatier, but rather, as a tablea maker. Tablea is often referred to as “dirty chocolate,” but it is a treasure that Filipinos should be proud of. Raquel dreams of putting the Philippines on the map of chocolate-making through her business and advocacy.

When she considers her title as the Chocolate Queen of Cebu, she asks, “Why? I defy many conventions as a woman and a Filipino.” Looking back on her life, she sees it as a calling and that she has a duty to perform. She is passionate about listening to the voices of the mountain villagers—those to whom she protects, empowers, and teaches. She says, “with every sip, you remember there are people [farmers] behind the sikwate.”

In the Philippines, farming is considered a lowly job. However, Raquel sees beyond convention and knows the vital role of farmers in caring for the land and cacao plants. For her, success is found in empowering them to take pride in their jobs and teaching them that farming is a business. Therefore, she founded the Cacao de Filipinas Fellowship (CFF), which aims to bridge the gap between landowners and farmers.

With every sip, you remember there are people [farmers] behind the sikwate.

In 2013, she opened The Chocolate Chamber (TCC)—her artistic interpretation of the palace of Maria Cacao. At TCC, the Chocolate Queen and Royal Family share the magic behind the fairy tale. Five of her eight children assist in making the legend reality. Each has a role to play, and every detail is carefully considered. There are a variety of kubyertos¹ and tasas,² which were brought back from Maria Cacao’s journeys. As the legend says, her palace was full of light at night from the fireflies. Thus, there is a chandelier that illumines the magical space. The chamber is full of imaginative creations, including decadent chocolate cakes sprinkled with edible gold dust and paintings made with the rich brown hue of the cacao beans.

To visit The Chocolate Chamber is an experience like no other—one where you can enter the legend and find your place in Cebu’s Chocolate Kingdom. In this kingdom, you will find community, creativity, and inspiration. If you stay for a while, you can get to know the Royal Family, including her children and business partner Edu Pantino. You may even get to meet the queen herself. Each of them is passionate about sharing the secrets behind the cacao, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Raquel lives by the three C’s: Creator, Country, and Cacao. Even though she didn’t finish college, she hasn’t given up on her dreams. Cacao is the instrument by which her dreams continue to become reality. She said, “Give your best…God will do the rest.” If you’re facing challenges that seem impossible to overcome, “Hang on and keep hanging on. Moagi ra ni.” Remember, “Life is a process…it’s a journey. Never give up!”

The Chocolate Queen always remembers that we are created in God’s likeness and His image. For her, responsibility takes discipline. To cultivate creativity in her life, she says it’s important to “Take time to be silent. Know your strengths and weaknesses. We each have a role to play. If you’re a farmer, then toil the land.” Whoever you are, wherever you are, you have a place in Cebu’s Chocolate Kingdom, for “this is our Promised Land.”

Visit The Chocolate Chamber

Level 1, Verandah, Robinsons Galleria Cebu, Gen. Maxilom Ave., Cebu City 6000
Open Monday-Sunday 10:00am to 7:00pm
Learn more at thechocolatechamber.ph or facebook.com/thechocolatechamber

¹ cutlery ² cups