Dahon ng Cacao na Tinatapon Lang, May PERA Pala!

Can a cacao leaf that usually gets thrown away really make you money? In this episode of The Business Explorer, we visit a booth of fossilized cacao leaves at a DTI bazaar in Davao City and meet Maritess G. Alaba and LVee Merquita, crafters who turn ordinary cacao leaves into lace-like earrings, lamps, Christmas decor and accessories. We look at the process from green leaf to cooking, brushing, bleaching and dyeing, watch two shoppers buy earrings on the spot, and learn about the two-day training for farmers, mothers and crafters. They also talk about orders from the Maldives, the US, airport boutiques and Discovery Resort that they can't fill yet because they need more crafters and machines. Training and workshops: Java Competency Training Center, Davao City Contact: Maritess G. Alaba, 0936 085 1574 Facebook: Agrika Cacao Fossilized Art Crafts Contact: LVee Merquita (fashion jewelry, with EDMAR), 0945 649 6488 The Business Explorer is dedicated to discovering business ideas, opportunities, and inspiring Filipino entrepreneurs across the Philippines.