Community Cultivator Series featuring KASAMA Chocolate's Vince Garcia

Filipino Fridays

Hey y'all! We're back with another episode - in honor of Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, we will be featuring some of the notable Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs who are putting Filipino products on the world map. Kicking off our 'Community Cultivator' Series is Vincent Garcia from Kasama Chocolate. We talk about the the history of cacao in the Philippines, the story behind creating bean-to-bar chocolate from Philippine cacao beans, and becoming a disrupter in the specialty chocolate industry by winning international awards with Filipino chocolate products - including gaining accolades for their single origin 70% Davao chocolate bar. By being rooted in the Filipino identity and gaining international recognition, Kasama Chocolate is an example of when we are stand in our power as a Filipino, we become living examples of Filipino excellence. The heart of the company is also rooted in its name, "Kasama" - which is the Tagalog word for friendship, camaraderie and collaboration - proving that success is a collective effort best achieved, together. In the spirit of community, we also talk about why it's important to work together towards openness and dialogue behind our struggles in order to learn from each other and elevate each other to thrive and succeed. We also discuss the generational shift happening today where many 2nd gens and beyond are rising to the challenge and becoming a part of the Filipino culture movement.

Based in Vancouver BC, Vincent Garcia is one of the co-founders and owners at the international award-winning, bean-to-bar chocolate shop KASAMA CHOCOLATE on Granville Island. A second-generation Filipino-Canadian, born to Itawis and Ilocano parents who immigrated to Canada in the 1970s, Vince credits chocolate-making for allowing him to delve deeper into his roots and discover the beauty and nuances of our culture during Philippine cacao origin visits to Cagayan, Malvar, Zamboanga Del Sur, and the Cordilleras to name a few. Holding true to the name of the chocolate company - KASAMA - Vince hopes to help build and nurture collaboration and camaraderie within the newly emerging Filipino Food Movement scene and business community in Vancouver and beyond. Check out KASAMA Chocolate at www.kasamachocolate.com

Thank you to our partners Potato Corner BC and CiTR 101.9 FM for supporting this podcast. Follow Filipino Fridays Podcast on Instagram: @FilipinoFridaysPodcast Email us at [e-mail]. Follow Archie on Instagram: @saychiees / Follow Archia on Instagram: @nah.tividad Music: Hot Coffee by Patrick Patrikios