Cebu's "Chocolate Queen" To Spread Cacao Culture To The U.S.

LOS ANGELES, California—Cebu-based The Chocolate Chamber (TCC) is set to expand its operations in the United States, starting in Los Angeles, as it continues to promote the Philippine cacao heritage and traditional chocolate-making.

“At The Chocolate Chamber, we are a cultural brand. We are planning and on the process of expanding our business, The Chocolate Chamber, here in Los Angeles,” TCC Founder Raquel Toquero-Choa, dubbed the ‘Chocolate Queen’, said in an interview with the TFCN in the sidelines of the official launch of the 2026 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour at the Philippine Consulate General Headquarters in Los Angeles, October 14, 2025.

In photo: Toquero-Choa with TCC chief operating officer Edu Patino

Choa, in her company’s profile, said she dreams of sharing her love for cacao with the world and believes in the power of collaboration as she continues to inspire the next generation of cacao stakeholders to continue the centuries-old tradition that celebrate and highlight the unique qualities of homegrown cacao.

A tour to the Casa de Cacao/Tablea Tsokolate factory, owned by the Choa family, will be part of Day 6 of the VIP Tour package when the group visits Cebu. Visitors will get to experience traditional tablea-making with lusong and aljo (mortal and pestle), and take home molded tablea as a token.

Choa, a mother of eight, made a courtesy call to PCGLA Consul General Adelio Cruz in August this year to promote Philippine cacao and traditional chocolate-making.

During that visit, Cruz expressed full support for Choa’s plans to bring the Filipino chocolate experience to American audiences.

In line with the celebration of the Filipino American History Month, the TCC in collaboration with PCGLA will conduct a two-day pop-up exhibit at the Community Hall-a celebration of art,fashion, and culture through the lens of Philippine Cacao.

On October 15, Cacao artist John Paul, son of Choa, will present an exquisite collection of chocolate-based artworks.

Choa, on the other hand, will showcase wearable art from an unconventional material on a “Alamstan: Fahsionably Yours” show on October 16 also at the PCGLA community Hall.

Photo: Doeleth Gatdula/Nemen Cabatuando