About Us

Starting in 2019, Alto Peaks owners and creators and couple Celeste Barquera and Noel Barquera claimed that their Chocolate business was an unplanned journey that they never expected to take off. His wife, Celeste, was on a Keto Diet back then, and whenever they shop for a new supply of dark chocolates, they would come home frustrated as a local drugstore would often run out of stocks. Often, they would ‘hoard’ dark chocolates as another Keto dieter was also desperate to keep up with their diet. Keto Dieters go for Dark chocolate as this provides them healthy fat.

‘Why do we have to buy chocolates from Spain?’ Celeste would ask, referring to her favorite Valour chocolates from Spain. ‘Why not produce our own?’

The couple took this idea to the next level and developed an ambitious plan to pioneer a Chocolate business in Ormoc City. Later on, they realize that this grand business plan, however, required several exact and careful steps to come up with the best mouth-watering, healthy chocolates that Ormocanons would love and be proud of.

Davao is the Chocolate capital and the biggest grower of cacao beans in the Philippines. Because of the region’s reputation, Noel felt they should learn only from the experts and pioneers. Thus, he flew to Davao to receive his first training at the CIDAMI (Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao Inc.) He continued his passion and earned a certificate for Advanced Chocolate Training. After three months, he kept the momentum going and started producing his first batch of chocolates.

Starting with a few pieces of equipment, the creators faced a dilemma in producing bulk orders, even for local demands. It was Christmas of 2019, Alto Peaks’ name became more popular, and more locals were excited to experience the goodness of the first-ever local chocolate producer. Many local businesses joined the hype and produced their pastries using Alto Peaks Chocolate. The collaboration with Cut Flower Shop, a local flower shop.

Even with the pandemic, Alto Peaks managed to keep its pool of loyal customers. Keeping an aggressive attitude, Alto Peaks boosted its marketing efforts through online selling, increasing online visibility, and offering door-to-door delivery services. Harnessing the power of networking, they also partner with local artisans, resulting in more exciting collaborations for special occasions such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. “We are hopeful that as our chocolates go to other places, we want them to represent Region VIII,” Noel said. Aside from their business pursuits, Alto Peaks owners welcome collaborations with other artisans, entrepreneurs, and experts who can benefit and earn profits as their chocolate business thrive and gain more relevance in Ormoc City and the region.