IN MY recent restful and satisfying visit to General Santos City, I was able to explore Don Ricardo Chocolate in Barangay Tambler, together with friends Laarni Valmoria-Tawagon and Dr. Gal DaƱo-Yumang. In that leisurely exploration, we were treated to a historical tour of the entire property by Don Ricardo himself and wife, Marilyn Soriano-Magnayon.
While surveying the area, I struck a conversation with Ric. I was curious about the origins of the chocolate factory, right after his stint as a top executive of General Tuna Corporation, also in General Santos City.
I learned that it began with a simple dream. āWe wanted to acquire a farm so we would have a place to go when I retire (he retired in 2019),ā Ric said. āIn 2012, we were able to buy a farm, and in 2014, we planted cacao seedlings,ā he added. In a breakthrough, āIn early 2019, we had a chance to meet some farmers in Sarangani Province, and we were shocked to realize that they had their cacao trees felled to give way to banana! When asked why, they explained that they had felt exploited by traders, buying their produce at low prices. This was a turning point! I thought of a more meaningful purpose and decided to add value to the product, so we could buy them at fair market prices,ā he enthused.
Like all humble beginnings, they rented a small house, rationalizing that his knowledge of the market was very limited, and chocolate making was new territory, although some four years back, he had planted cacao, but without any hint of a plan to process in the future.
Like many positive outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided the couple with sufficient time to undertake a lot of research and development about chocolate making. āThe COVID-19 pandemic was a blessing in disguise,ā he expressed.
The venture started with two workers, who stayed with the couple entrepreneurs. From an initial thirty-six square meter-processing area, they have now expanded to two hundred square meters, with a 150 square meter-bodega on the side. Presently, the couple has grown their workers to thirty-two, excluding themselves.
In yet another milestone, Don Ricardo has branched out to four outlets in General Santos City, and one franchise store in Quezon City! Indeed, the future looks bright for this chocolate-making venture in the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, an industry Ric once served as a canning company general manager.
Asked about their future plans, Ric stressed, āWe have to sustain our growth, and growth would come from Agritourism, branching out to Metro Manila, at least for the next two years.ā
Ric has always believed to lead with purpose. āItās the best leadership approach since you are guided by your beliefs and convictions, and this translates to empathy and fairness as we deal with our suppliers, workers, and customers,ā he highlighted. To the young entrepreneurs, this is his advice: āStart small, scale later. Validate ideas.ā Sounds sensible and practical.
To delight its loyal customers and new clients, Don Ricardo Chocolate now offers over fifty variants of their chocolate created in different forms and packaging (in bars, pouches, truffles, bonbons, ganache, etc.)!
Another highlight of their chocolate business is chocolate making which any curious individual or interested family can consider, study, and enjoy. Booking is done online via their FB Page, Don Ricardo Chocolate. For only P500.00/head and a minimum of five individuals, anyone can concoct their own chocolate and bring it home! In the workshop, adults are taught how to temper dark chocolate which they can easily top with nuts and fruits and then put in the mold. Meanwhile, kids use tempered milk chocolate, add some colors in the mold, before they pour the chocolate.
In the recent Batang Pinoy 2025, held in General Santos City on October 25-31, 2025, Don Ricardo Chocolate compound with its sprawling 20,380 square meter property, hosted the biking competition. Another exciting feature of the property is their campsite. By reservation, nature aficionados can rent a tent at P200.00 per night, good for at least two individuals, plus P150.00 for beddings.
Hosting Batang Pinoy 2025, offering a campsite, creating delectable chocolates, increasing branches, helping the cacao farmers, and leading with a purpose, I would say the venture has earned its place in the vast business landscape of General Santos City, and even in the evolving dynamic business climate of SOCCSKSARGEN.
See you soon at Don Ricardo Chocolate!
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Woman Talk with Belinda Sales is taking a wellness break. You may send your email to belindabelsales@gmail.com. Follow us on X at @ShilohRuthie./PN
