Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
I had to look into our series of photos taken at Malagos Chocolate Museum three weeks ago so I could recall the museum and all the things within it. I admit I had been very lazy these past few days about blogging. I have a lot of other topics in line which I don't know if I could finish. Currently, I have been looking for C-Blogging topics which are taking a huge chunk of my time. Anyway, today, I decided that I must finish the Chocolate Museum blog so I can move on and share with you the rest of our Davao City escapade.
Previously, I posted an actual blog and another C-Blogging topic regarding this resort where the Chocolate Museum resides. You might also be interested to look into these blogs.
One with Nature and More at Malagos Garden Resort Davao
C-Blogging Features: How Malagos Chocolates are Made?
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Today's topic, on the other hand, is still about The Chocolate Museum of Malagos Garden Resort. From the previous blogs, I had shared that this chocolate brand is proudly made by Filipino locally here in the Philippines, specifically in Davao and it is just right for the resort to also build a sanctuary for chocolates and so the rest of the Filipinos within this city and in the Philippines, in general, can be educated with how their chocolates evolved. It is a Filipino pride being globally awarded and distinguished.
So, allow me to share with you more information about the Malagos Chocolate Museum, what to expect, what to see within and how you can also enjoy your time in here if in case you decided to visit it in the future. Note that this is the very first Chocolate Museum in the country!
Welcome to Malagos Chocolate Museum
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Within the natural beauty of Malagos Garden Resort resides a sweet and delicate building dedicated to everyone's favorite - chocolates! The huge resort don't only have a spot for kids and the couples or those who are into flowers and butterflies but it also has a spot for those who would love to see, experience and really dive into the making process as well as the history of chocolates in the Philippines and in the world too because this museum also displays international influences in terms of this delicacy.
After a few minutes of walking from the main entrance of the resort, we finally made it to the Malagos Chocolate Museum. Outside we saw huge ants surrounding the vicinity, there was also huge chocolate decorations, very Instagram-worthy type of place plus the pine trees along the area added beauty.
Video credits: Kriztja Marae via YouTube
Of course, we can't get in without taking a shot at the museum's red brick wall with the name Malagos Chocolate Museum in it. Right there, we went in and was welcomed by a staff who was attending the main customer service table.
Tree to Bar Experience at Malagos Chocolate Museum
There was only us inside, at least at the main entrance. I could hear some birds chirping as if I was in the real farm. They made a recording and it felt real! Later I found where they kept the speaker. Lol.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Anyway, going back, the resort offers their Tree to Bar Experience but since we didn't avail that package, we instead had to go through the museum ourselves and learn the things displayed here by ourselves.
I would have appreciated it if there was someone inside whom we could ask about or just someone who could at least refer us where to first go and such but, it was fine after all, we were also slow in moving to the next phase because we were taking photos and videos at the same time.
But this Tree to Bar Experience is one that might be interesting to students, those who are into chocolate making and those who would like to start their own farm and chocolate company too!
I might be making a Querlo Chat about their Tree to Bar Experience too. I'll keep you updated.
What to Expect When Inside the Chocolate Museum?
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Being a Chocolate Museum itself, it surely boasts everything about Cacao and Chocolate making process. But aside from that, I truly appreciate that they also provided a history of how chocolates started and how the Philippines specifically the Malagos Chocolate is now coping up with this business and also giving hope to the rest of the Filipino farmers.
Here are the four phases of the Chocolate Museum:
The Museum
From the main entrance, this section occupies around 50% of the entire building. There's a preview of how the Cacao fruit looks like, its nursery area where the trees are being grown and then there's also a section showcasing how this cacao looks like from when they were picked, to drying, then roasting and finally into what they look like as packed in as a Chocolate for selling.
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
Aside from that, there's also a history of how chocolate has been discovered and the significant people who had made a difference in making chocolates and the varieties of chocolates. They got headphones installed too in each corner for those who would like to listen and learn.
One interesting part here is the Cacao Heritage board where they honor the Cacao legacy with paintings and poems made for the Cacao and nature. An entire wall here was also dedicated to the international Cacao Belt.
Video credits: 佐﨑瑛 via YouTube
And finally, an entire corner with an illustration and even fake chocolates to help the audience visualize the chocolate making process.
Interactive Zone
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
There's indeed a place for learning and a place for playing. How can kids enjoy the Chocolate Museum? Well, they got an interactive zone where kids could play games, pick up toys, and fake fruits and act like chefs themselves.
There's also a corner for the kids to learn about chocolates, and if you are lucky, Beanie, the resident Malagos Chocolate mascot might also come to play with you!
Malagos Chocolate Bar
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
I had to mention that there's a corner as well just within the interactive zone that is very Instagrammable. So James and I had to take a couple shot.
So, this bar is where customers could buy a chocolate souvenir and even try out their delicacies before getting out of the building.
We tried their hot chocolate which was really good! It was unique and I never tasted that type of hot chocolate before. They also had it paired with local sticky rice and I didn't also miss to try their Tableya cake which was also good! We had too much sugar and chocolate in one sitting!
Chocolate Laboratory
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
From the Malagos Chocolate Bar, there's a transparent glass window that shows a preview of the chocolate making inside this section. This is the laboratory, some workers wearing a white gown and head caps are inside monitoring their machines and processing liquid chocolates.
If you want to be familiar with the process, you might want to participate in my C-Blogging Querlo Chat featuring how the Malagos Chocolate are made here:
The laboratory is also intended for those who would like to make their own chocolate. Well, it isn't really about making but molding them. The fee was Php 450 with the made chocolate ready for take away too! The staff will pack it for the guests.
Overall
Image credits: Jean Beltran-Figues via Cloudinary
I felt really blessed to be able to visit this area being the only Chocolate Museum in the country, it is worth visiting. I wished we had a lot of time to spend but it was already four in the afternoon when we got out of the museum and we still have a lot of things that had not checked out in the resort. So if you are visiting, make sure to come early or better yet, book a room with them!
Thank you for reading!
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About the author:
Jean Beltran-Figues is a photography enthusiast.
A traveler who wants to promote her beloved country, the Philippines.