Imagine waking up early in the morning, smelling the aroma of silkwate, in the quiet and laid-back town. This is the childhood of Dr. Raul and his siblings, which also propelled him to venture venture into a chocolate business.

“It reminds me of happiness and home. It is our favorite drink every morning because our parents  used to  make sikwate when we were young  and every time I smell tableya, it reminds me of my family.” ~Dr. Raul Destura

He belongs to a family of farmers. An example of “rags-to-riches” kind of story, his father Dr. Pedro Destura was a farmer who cultures cacao since he was young. With Dr. Perdro’s perseverance, hardwork, and innate intelligence, he propelled himself from being a gardener/farmer to becoming a President of the University of the Eastern Philippines.

But, why chocolate? Needless to say, it is everybody’s favorite. People from all ages sink in their sweet tooth on a soft and luscious chocolate. That is why this kind of business booms and thrives, which is also one of the reasons why Cacao Lavezares was born.