Forest, Flavor, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Behind the scenes at Anitu Food Forest—Bukidnon’s very own handcrafted chocolate haven

Ever tasted chocolate that feels like a warm hug from Mother Earth?

We just did.

And the best part? It’s made right here in Bukidnon, in the middle of a thriving, intentional food forest called Anitu Food Forest.

Located in New Kidapawan in the municipality of Kibawe, Anitu Food Forest isn’t your typical farm. It’s alive. Layered. Peaceful. The trees grow beside vegetables. The cacao grows beside bananas.

It’s called syntropic farming, and it mimics the rhythm of nature.

At the heart of it all are Sir Clyde and Ma’am Rogen Montecillo, the kind of people who don’t just farm—they live with purpose, passion, and a deep love for the land. We were welcomed like old friends. The stories flowed, the chocolate melted (literally and figuratively), and the learning never stopped.

What is Syntropic Farming?

At Anitu Food Forest, everything starts with syntropic farming. It may sound technical, but it’s actually quite a simple and beautiful idea: work with nature, not against it.

Unlike conventional farming that may rely on chemicals or clearing land, syntropic farming encourages the natural growth of different plants together. Trees, shrubs, vegetables, and fruits grow side by side, helping each other thrive. It’s a system that imitates how a natural forest works—creating a self-sustaining environment that keeps giving back.

This method keeps the soil healthy, protects biodiversity, and produces healthy food—without harming the earth. The Montecillos believe that when you respect the land, it gives back in abundance. They began in this farming style not just because it’s effective, but because it reflects their deeper values: sustainability, abundance, and harmony with nature.

And honestly? Walking through their food forest felt more like entering a healing sanctuary than a farm.

It’s peaceful. It’s intentional. And everything growing there has a purpose.

From Tree to Bar: The Art of Chocolate Making

But Anitu Food Forest isn’t just known for farming. It’s also home to one of Bukidnon’s finest chocolate brands—and yes, it’s handcrafted!

We were lucky to witness firsthand how their chocolates are made—from harvesting ripe cacao pods, fermenting and drying the beans, to roasting and grinding them into smooth, rich chocolate. It’s a slow process, but one that’s full of care and intention. Every bar is truly a labor of love.

And it shows in the taste.

We got to try a fresh batch straight from their kitchen—and it was heavenly. Bold, deep, and just the right amount of sweet. Each bar is made with premium local cacao and no shortcuts. No wonder it’s been compared to some of the best chocolates in the world (yes, even those luxury ones from Dubai!).

What’s even more exciting is they’re growing a lineup of artisanal, single-origin products. Apart from their best-selling Pistachio-Kataifi Chocolates, they offer:

85% and 75% dark chocolate bars – for those who love strong, pure chocolate flavor.
Guava-Forest flavor – a fruity twist that’s uniquely tropical.
Banana-Nangka Flavor – earthy, fruity, and deeply satisfying
Trail Mix – pre-order this powerhouse blend of energy and flavor

They deliver nationwide via LBC—so whether you’re in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao, flavor is just a parcel away!

These are products that celebrate both flavor and the local harvest. Everything is made with intention and respect for where it came from.

Before these gorgeous bars and gourmet blends, Anitu Food Forest started with something simple and soulful: tablea and their signature trail mix.

They’ve always been passionate about local, honest food—from roasted cacao for sikwate mornings to energy-packed trail snacks for nature walks. Their journey into tree-to-bar chocolate was a natural next step… and now, here we are enjoying world-class chocolates.

A Taste of Warmth and Welcome

What really made this experience feel like magic was how we were welcomed. The Montecillos didn’t just tour us around—they hosted us. Like family.

They served us a hot cup of sikwate made from their own cacao, paired with the delectable cassava suman we’ve ever had. We sipped, laughed, and learned. Later, we had a feast of breakfast from Big Mont’s Korean Fried Chicken, and the freshest buko!

We weren’t just documenting a story. We were in it—soaking up the morning light, listening to birds, and realizing how good life can be when it’s lived simply and with purpose.

The truth is, Anitu Food Forest is more than a brand or a farm. It’s a quiet revolution. A reminder that sustainable living is not a trend—it’s a return. A return to roots, to community, and to a slower, more meaningful way of creating.

We left Anitu Food Forest full. Not just in the belly, but in spirit. Because when you stand in a space that’s built with love, you don’t just see growth—you feel it.

In a world moving too fast, Anitu Food Forest is a gentle nudge to slow down. To care. To create.

Their chocolates are more than sweets—they’re symbols of sustainability, intentionality, and abundance. A reminder that when you nurture nature, it feeds you back.

And lucky us—we got to see it. Taste it. Live it.

Why This Matters

Anitu Food Forest is a shining example of how small, local efforts can create big waves. It reminds us that farming can be both modern and natural, and that food can be both delicious and meaningful. Their work isn’t just about growing cacao or making chocolate—it’s about living in abundance and inspiring others to do the same.

If you ever get the chance to visit, go. Or better yet, support their products. Because when you buy from Anitu Food Forest, you’re not just getting high-quality products—you’re supporting a dream, a forest, and a way of life that honors both people and the planet.

So next time someone asks if good chocolate exists in Bukidnon, tell them:

“Not just good. Legendary.”

And it starts in a forest called Anitu.

Watch our exclusive feature interview with Sir Clyde as he shares the heart and science behind Syntropic Farming — a regenerative approach that’s not just sustainable, but abundant and deeply inspiring: https://youtu.be/2fXIbQYouSY

And guess what? Part 2 is dropping soon!

Stay tuned as Ma’am Rogen takes us inside their humble chocolate lab—where local cacao is transformed into handcrafted, forest-grown treasures that are proudly Bukidnon-made.

Trust us, this one’s rich in flavor and story. 💛

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CONTACT ANITU FOOD FOREST:

☎️ 0936 457 3159