To Nanay Cora...
As a child, some of my fondest memories revolve around chocolate, and they all lead back to my Nanay. I remember the small moments that felt so big at the time. The trips to Metro Colon, hand in hand, where she would buy me a small KitKat. The trip home from Colon always felt so long. I would often fall asleep on her shoulder, and when we got home, I would wake up excited to eat my melted KitKat, savoring every bit. Those simple treats sparked something in me, a love for chocolate that has only grown deeper with time.
Today, I walked the streets of Metro Colon again, a little trip down memory lane to honor my Nanay and the memories we shared. That love for chocolate did not just stay with me as a child. It became a part of who I am. Chocolate has been my comfort on trying days, my joy in celebrations, and even my calling. It was this connection, nurtured by my Nanay, that led to the birth of Dahlia Chocolates.
My Nanay, the matriarch of our family, was born during the world war Japanese invasion of the Philippines, a beginning full of hardship and uncertainty. Despite everything she faced, she achieved remarkable heights in her career and defied expectations. She raised seven children, put herself through college, earned a master’s degree, and attended a doctorate program. She faced every challenge with courage and determination, showing us that true strength is in how boldly and faithfully you live your life. Her life has been an example of living courageously, striving relentlessly, and reaching for the stars.
Through Dahlia Chocolates, I carry a piece of her legacy, the mother-daughter connection, the drive to create, and the courage to pursue a dream without reservation. Chocolate for me is more than a treat. It is a thread that ties our memories, our passions, and our love together.
This Women’s Month, I honor my Nanay Cora, the woman whose courage lights our way, our lighthouse, our beacon. Her strength, guidance, and example continue to inspire me every day. And to all the women reading this, here's to us! For the love we give, the courage we show, and the dreams we chase.