Italian gourmet chocolate company Venchi brings a Filipino twist to its signature chocolates with unexpected food pairings that break the rules of tradition.
There’s a moment for chocolate at any time of the day—or at least, that’s what Venchi Philippines set out to prove at their recent event, A Taste for Every Moment. Held in collaboration with M Dining + Bar and local favorite Don Papa Rum, the event celebrated flavor, fusion, and the shared joy of food between two rich cultures: Italian and Filipino.
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Venchi’s Head of Product Development and Global Brand Ambassador, Giovanni Battista Mantelli (also known as GB), was present, and his passion for experimentation was on full display. Each pairing crafted by the chocolate master offered a unique perspective on Venchi’s award-winning Italian confections, showcasing bite-sized, high-quality ingredients, and delightfully unexpected textures—complemented by well-known rich Filipino flavors.
Each course was designed to pay tribute to a specific Filipino meal time. For instance, the “Brunch” course spotlighted the Venchi Cremino 1878 and was paired with local sweet delicacies such as taho, puto manapla, sapin-sapin, and kutsinta, while the “Midnight Snack” recalled late-night coffee runs with Venchi Espresso Caffe, paired with Barquillos and latik. The experience was a dream for chocolate lovers, unfolding through various courses that brought surprising combinations to life.
Guests at the event were encouraged to embrace the unexpected as Venchi broke the rules of traditional food pairing. Every course played with contrasts: a spicy Masskarita Don Papa cocktail served with a “Lunch” of Venchi Pistachio, gising gising, and salted duck egg with tomatoes and sea grapes; Venchi Nougatine paired with honey roasted pili nuts, crispy chicharon and Sinamak for “Aperitivo”; and even savory liempo balanced by Venchi’s best-selling Chocaviar 75% for “Dinner.” The creativity surprised even the most discerning food lovers, turning each moment into something memorable.
What made the experience even more special was how Venchi reintroduced Italian chocolate to Filipino audiences in a way that felt luxurious, surprising, and yet familiar to their palates. Think of creative combinations: chocolate with hints of mango or calamansi, or a cream-filled bite balanced by the warmth of Don Papa’s Masskarita. The result? A playful flavor profile that speaks to Filipinos and their love for all things sweet.
And of course, no Venchi experience would be complete without their famous gelato. With every spoonful, you could taste the authenticity—crafted with high-quality ingredients and no shortcuts. This indulgence was a gentle reminder of the brand’s Italian roots, seamlessly blending tradition with the spirit of celebration.
More than just appealing to the taste, A Taste for Every Moment raised a glass to values that often tie two cultures together: a shared passion for food, the joy of celebration, and the warmth of coming together. In this way, Venchi’s signature Italian Allegria, a celebration of life’s joy and little pleasures, felt right at home.
Venchi is located at Central Square in BGC and The Podium.
Photos courtesy of Venchi Philippines
