DAVAO CITY — Discovery Samal Resort is putting Mindanao's finest flavors on the plate through a hyperlocal culinary campaign that partners with homegrown brands Cacao de Davao and Mindanao Butchers. A recent food tasting event at the resort's Bistro showcased dishes highlighting Davao-sourced chocolates and Samal-grown mangoes.
A Hyperlocal Campaign Rooted in Local Produce
The resort's Food and Beverage Manager, Mae Ellen Nobleza, emphasized that the initiative is a deliberate effort to promote local products. She described it as a hyperlocal campaign that highlights what the region has to offer. The meals featured ingredients that have gained international acclaim, including cacao from Davao and sweet mangoes from the Island Garden City of Samal.
Nobleza explained that the chefs incorporated these products into their dishes and that the items will become part of the permanent menu. She noted that the tourism industry should have at least 50 percent of its menu sourced locally. The resort also uses durian and other ingredients from across Mindanao.
Signature Dishes Showcase Local Flavors
The tasting menu included several standout creations. The Mango Velvet Tartlet is a dessert made with mango sublime cheese in a sweet tart, complemented by mango compote. The mangoes come from Samal, where rich limestone soil and endemic Dwarf Honey bees contribute to their unique sweetness.
Two dishes highlighted Davao cacao. The Cacao Pod features silky cacao butter parfait, cacao pulp sorbet, roasted cacao nib pralines, and cocoa butter crisp. The Noir 80 is an 80 percent dark chocolate dessert enriched with roasted hazelnuts, olive oil, and sea salt. Wines from Mindanao Butchers and Company complemented the rich flavors.
Supporting Farmers and Local Businesses
Ethan Kyle Lim, CEO of Cacao de Davao, said the collaboration with Discovery Samal is part of a series of culinary partnerships promoting Davao-sourced chocolates. He noted that these collaborations help many cacao farmers and their communities through the volumes that partners order.
The resort's general manager, Jonathan Bartlett, described the event as a celebration of the incredible talents, products, and craftsmanship in Samal, Davao, and Mindanao. He praised the partner brands for their commitment to quality and excellent ingredients.
Aligned with National Tourism Goals
The initiative supports the Department of Tourism's approach of treating the industry as an interconnected ecosystem. DOT Secretary Dita Angara Mathay has emphasized that tourism is not simply about destinations but about livelihoods and the strength of local economies.
A roadmap signed by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, and DOT in February 2026 envisions strengthened linkages between agriculture and tourism. The Farm Tourism Strategic Action Plan 2026-2031 aims to ensure tourism growth drives demand for local agricultural products.
