What does it really take to build a business that lasts for decades? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan sits down with franchising pioneer Armando “Butz” Bartolome to unpack how entrepreneurship has evolved and why values, credibility, and responsibility matter more than ever. Drawing from over 35 years of mentoring Filipino entrepreneurs, Butz shares insights on balancing speed with caution, using technology wisely, and building businesses that serve both people and communities. This conversation is a grounded reminder that growth means little without purpose.

GUEST BIO:

Armando Bartolome is an entrepreneur, franchise consultant, and mentor with over 35 years of experience helping Filipino MSMEs grow through responsible franchising. As President of GMB Franchise Developers Inc., he has guided over 800 entrepreneurs across food, retail, and service industries. 

He is a founding member of the Philippine Franchise Association and the Association of Filipino Franchisers, and a Go Negosyo mentor for over 20 years. His co-authored book Is Franchising for You? was named Book of the Year in 2012, and he was granted a special E11 visa by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in recognition of his expertise in franchising and business development.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How today’s entrepreneurs differ from those of previous generations.
• Why speed and opportunity need to be balanced with discipline and numbers.
• The role of credibility and sincerity in long-term business success.
• How franchising and business models have evolved with technology.
• Why values, sustainability, and community impact are shaping modern entrepreneurship.
• What it means to build a legacy through mentoring and shared responsibility.

QUOTES:

• There is wisdom in the old way, and there is also wisdom in grabbing opportunities quickly because of the fast pace of business today. —Chit Juan
• You cannot say one platform will suit everyone. —Butz Bartolome
• I always input my legacy in our clients. We don't want them to be dependent on us. —Butz Bartolome
• There's no secret in this business. It's a matter of mindset. —Butz Bartolome
• The award will only come when people remember you. —Butz Bartolome

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Butz Bartolome:

• Butz Bartolome's Website - http://www.butzbartolome.com
• GMB Franchise Developers - http://www.gmb.ph/
• Butz Bartolome on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/franguru/
• Butz Bartolome on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/butzbartolome
• Business Mentor Talks Podcast - https://bit.ly/3ZeEAn0

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

What started as a simple search for a healthier chocolate drink for her children became something much bigger. In this episode, Chit Juan sits down with chemist and entrepreneur Melanie “Mel” Medrano, founder of Cacaomistry, to talk about how science, motherhood, and sustainability came together to create a Filipino origin based cacao brand rooted in clean ingredients, local sourcing, and social impact.

GUEST BIO:

Melanie Medrano is a chemist, entrepreneur, and chocolate maker, and the founder of Gramworth Enterprises Inc., a family-owned social enterprise behind PhOligo and Cacaomistry — the Philippines' first origin-based instant cacao mix. 

Rooted in science, heritage, and sustainability, Melanie creates clean, thoughtfully made products using local ingredients, while working closely with farmers, artisans, and communities. Her work bridges food innovation and social impact, proving that businesses can grow profitably while caring for people and planet.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why reading ingredient labels is a powerful act of conscious consumption.
• How motherhood and science shaped the creation of Cacao Mystery.
• The difference between chocolate flavored products and real chocolate.
• Building a plant based food business rooted in local ingredients and Filipino cacao.
• Staying calm and creative during supply chain and pricing challenges.

QUOTES:

• Your kids are your best critics. —Chit Juan
• It can be healthy but it's useless when your child doesn't like it, so it has to be both. —Mel Medrano
• My greatest challenge was when the cacao price tripled. —Mel Medrano
• Entrepreneurship is a little like chemistry. —Chit Juan
• Make it a habit to read ingredients. —Mel Medrano

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Mel Medrano:

• Cacaomistry Website - https://www.gramworthph.com
• Cacaomistry on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Cacaomistry/
• Cacaomistry on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cacaomistry/

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

Chit Juan sits down with the co-founders of ARTFARM Sustainable Solutions to explore how a small family-run farm in Bay, Laguna evolved into a certified organic and Slow Food-recognized enterprise. From surviving a natural disaster to building a regenerative, technology-enabled, and community-driven farming model, this conversation offers insight into resilience, innovation, and how sustainable farming can create both livelihood and impact.

GUEST BIO:

ARTFARM was co-founded in 2011 by Turo Tolentino and Andrea Alforte as a small-scale farming venture that evolved from hydroponics into a certified organic, regenerative agriculture enterprise specializing in high-value salad crops. Turo is an agriculture professional trained in horticulture and regenerative composting, with extensive experience supporting farmers through agribusiness entrepreneurship and organic certification work. Andrea brings a background in human ecology, social enterprise, and sustainability education, leading ARTFARM’s value-added processing, community engagement, and training programs. Together, they run ARTFARM Sustainable Solutions, a circular, zero-waste farm model recognized as a Slow Food Farm and a Top 10 Social Enterprise in the BPI Sinag Challenge.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How ARTFARM transitioned from hydroponics to soil-based organic and regenerative farming.
• Why small-scale farms can be productive, resilient, and financially viable.
• The role of family, diversification, and technology in sustaining a farm business.
• How composting, soil health, and minimal tillage support long-term productivity.
• Sharing knowledge through training, consultancy, and community-based farming models.

QUOTES:

• We have always been looking for solutions that will be more sustainable over the longer term. —Andrea Alforte
• The key is to diversify your production, the products that you are offering. —Andrea Alforte
• Since our land is limited, our consulting service is our way of expanding our production area. —Turo Tolentino
• Just make the first step. Take a small plot. Plant something. —Turo Tolentino
• Anything good and anything green that you can do, you can do it at home. You teach it to your kids. —Andrea Alforte

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with ARTFARM:

• ARTFARM Sustainable Solutions on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/artfarmph
• ARTFARM  on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/artfarm.ph/

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

In this New Year episode, Chit Juan shares a gentle reflection on welcoming 2026 with intention and purpose. She talks about simple ways we can shift our habits, broaden our experiences, and make the coming year more meaningful for ourselves and others. This short conversation is an invitation to start the year with clarity, curiosity, and a renewed sense of what it means to live good and green.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Welcoming the new year with intention and mindful habits.
• Exploring meaningful ways to care for our health and well-being.
• Finding inspiration through movement, reflection, and personal growth.
• Considering spiritual practices or acts of service as part of the new year.
• Embracing a fresh start by choosing purposeful and fulfilling actions.

QUOTES:

• This coming year, let's make it different. —Chit Juan
• A new habit is something you can carry out throughout the year. —Chit Juan
• Do something out of the ordinary. —Chit Juan

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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In this Christmas episode, Chit Juan reflects on the meaning of giving during the holidays and invites listeners to revisit the idea of presents beyond material gifts. She talks about offering the gift of time, creating a “job jar” of thoughtful favors, sharing causes and advocacies, and finding moments to be truly present with the people who matter. Chit reminds us that time is finite, but choosing how we give it can create deeper connections, greater purpose, and a more meaningful Christmas for ourselves and others.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why time is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give.
• The “job jar” as a creative and thoughtful Christmas present.
• How to prioritize time through intentional choices.
• Sharing a cause or advocacy as a powerful non-material gift.
• Finding fulfillment in giving presence, not just presents.

QUOTES:

• The gift of time is something that is very important, very precious, and something so nice to receive. —Chit Juan
• Time is also a present and it's the present. —Chit Juan
• The gift of time is something that everyone can give. —Chit Juan
• The best feeling is what you will feel after you spend time with that person. —Chit Juan
• This Christmas, let's think of something that is intangible. —Chit Juan

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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Organic farming is gaining new momentum in Southeast Asia, and the Philippines is beginning to feel that shift. 

Chit Juan talks with Marco Schlüter, Director for Strategy and International Affairs at Naturland, about how organic markets emerge, what helps farmers transition successfully, and why restaurants and retailers play a crucial role in expanding access to organic products. Marco draws from decades of global experience, including his work with IFOAM, to explain the systems, training, and verification models that support sustainable agriculture. He also offers practical starting points for Filipinos who want to make organic part of their daily lives.

GUEST BIO:

Marco Schlüter is an international executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in sustainable food systems and global market development. He serves as the Director for Strategy and International Affairs at Naturland, where he leads a €6M international department, developed Naturland’s first global strategy, and built teams across Southeast Asia, Africa, the US, and Europe. He is also Vice President of IFOAM – Organics International, shaping global policy and leadership development for the organic sector. His expertise spans strategic planning, sustainable supply chains, international organizational transformation, and capacity building for organic farming worldwide. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why organic demand is growing in Southeast Asia.
• How Naturland supports Filipino farmers transitioning to organic.
• The role of restaurants, hotels, and retailers in building organic markets.
• Why verification systems like PGS matter for local organic supply.
• How IFOAM strengthens global leadership and policy for organic farming.
• Simple ways consumers can begin living an organic lifestyle.

QUOTES:

• Naturland's vision is to shape the ecological transformation worldwide. —Marco Schlüter
• We believe in the need for innovation, for new knowledge. —Marco Schlüter
• We always enhance our cooperation, always to the benefit of nature and the farmers. —Marco Schlüter
• Organic is not input based. It's knowledge based, but not only in production, also on the leadership level. —Marco Schlüter
• What is important is that the government identifies organic as an opportunity. —Marco Schlüter

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Marco Schlüter:

• Naturland Philippines - https://www.naturland.ph
• Naturland Philippines on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/naturlandphilippines
• Naturland Philippines on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/naturland_philippines
• IFOAM Organics International - https://www.ifoam.bio

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

In this episode of Good and Green, host Chit Juan speaks with Ann Dumaliang of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation about the delicate balance between nature conservation and human activity. Ann shares how the Masungi team transformed a once-threatened landscape into a thriving model for geotourism, reforestation, and environmental protection. She and Chit discuss the importance of building systems—not just trails—to protect over 3,000 hectares of critical land in Rizal. From dealing with encroachers to designing nature-based experiences, Ann reminds us that true sustainability is not just about planting trees—it’s about stewardship, collaboration, and protecting ecosystems for generations to come.

GUEST BIO:

Ann Dumaliang is the Managing Trustee of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, a conservation project based in Baras, Rizal known for its work in geotourism, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Since founding the foundation in 2015, Ann has led efforts that earned Masungi global recognition—including awards from the UNWTO, the Global Water Partnership, and the UN SDG Action Awards. A National Geographic Explorer and Ashoka Fellow, she advocates for systems-based conservation approaches and has represented the Philippines at international climate and biodiversity forums.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Masungi Georeserve blends conservation, tourism, and education to protect critical ecosystems.
• Why sustainable development must be rooted in science, not just aesthetics.
• The challenges of protecting public land and dealing with encroachers and corruption.
• How storytelling and design help build emotional connections to nature.
• Why real climate action starts with system change, not just symbolic gestures.

QUOTES:

• If you wanna be Wakanda, we need to start learning about what we have for ourselves, building on that. —Ann Dumaliang
• There's nothing compared to boots on the ground. That's the most important  thing to have as far as human resources are concerned. —Ann Dumaliang
• There's no point in building something if it's not going to last. —Ann Dumaliang
• When you're true to the science, it forces you to be creative. —Ann Dumaliang
• Without experiences in nature, we lose that connection with nature, and in the process we lose touch on how to protect it. —Ann Dumaliang

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Ann Dumaliang:

• Masungi Georeserve Foundation: https://www.masungigeoreserve.com/
• Masungi Georeserve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masungigeoreserve
• Masungi Georeserve on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/masungigeoreserve

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

Chit Juan talks with sustainability and supply chain leader Christian Schmidradner about ten years of the Philippine Sustainability Movement and how it all started with Sustainable Seafood Week. Christian shares how his work in traceable seafood supply chains led to a nationwide campaign for responsible sourcing and collaboration among government, business, and communities. He explains the importance of certifications, the impact of bycatch, and why sustainability is a continuous journey that begins with awareness. The conversation also highlights the movement’s growth beyond seafood — now including organic farming, plastic reduction, animal welfare, and food waste solutions.

GUEST BIO:

Christian Schmidradner is a sustainability and supply chain leader with over 20 years of international management and consulting experience. He is the Founding Partner and Managing Consultant of Pristine Solutions, advising organizations like Naturland, USAID, and The Meloy Fund while leading ESG consulting initiatives. He also co-founded SeaTrace International, a sustainable seafood distributor in Manila, and initiated both Sustainable Seafood Week (2015) and the Philippine Sustainability Movement (2018). From 2013 to 2018, he served as General Manager of Meliomar Inc. (Blueyou Group), overseeing tuna exports under the ARTESMAR® Fishery Improvement Project and developing responsible seafood supply chains across Asia and Europe.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How the Philippine Sustainability Movement and Sustainable Seafood Week began.
• The role of traceability and certification in sustainable seafood.
• Why handline tuna fishing is an ethical, low-impact method.
• What bycatch means and how it affects marine ecosystems.
• How hotels and restaurants are adopting responsible sourcing.
• Expanding sustainability beyond seafood to farming, waste, and plastic reduction.
• The importance of creating roadmaps for long-term environmental goals.

QUOTES:

• The tuna handline fishery is a very sustainable choice in itself because the capacity of fishing is not overfishing the stock of Yellowfin Tuna. —Christian Schmidradner
• Retailers need to take care that they don't take very small, juvenile fish because that has not repopulated its stock yet. —Christian Schmidradner
• Sustainable seafood has to also be available in a price category that can trickle down to more consumer groups. —Christian Schmidradner
• It matters where our food is coming from. It matters that we can trace it, that it's transparent. —Christian Schmidradner
• Sustainability is a journey. —Christian Schmidradner

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Christian Schmidradner:

• Christian Schmidradner on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/christian.schmidradner
• Philippine Sustainability Movement - https://www.facebook.com/ThePhilippineSustainabilityMovement 

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

What does it take to leave a stable career abroad and rebuild life from the ground up back home? In this inspiring episode, Chit Juan talks to Anatista Perez, a former OFW and civil engineer who returned to the Philippines to build Don Narciso Café-Restaurant in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. From failed ventures to finding purpose in coffee, Anatista shares how she turned setbacks into stepping stones and built a thriving business rooted in community and sustainability. Her story is a testament to resilience, continuous learning, and the power of going back to one’s roots to grow something meaningful.

GUEST BIO:

Anatista Perez is a civil engineer turned coffee entrepreneur and the founder of Don Narciso Café-Restaurant in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. A former OFW, she returned to the Philippines to build a community-centered business that uplifts local farmers and empowers women through the Misamis Oriental Women in Coffee movement. Her café is known for its made-from-scratch dishes, real herbs and spices, and growing use of organic farm produce. As a certified coffee professional, Anatista continues to prove that a business rooted in purpose can sustain both people and the planet.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How returning from OFW life inspired Anatista to build a purpose-driven business in Claveria.
• The financial and emotional challenges of investing locally and starting from scratch.
• Lessons from early business failures that opened the path to coffee entrepreneurship.
• The value of learning continuously and involving her children in the family’s coffee journey.
• Her mission to uplift farmers, empower women, and promote sustainable livelihoods through tree planting.

QUOTES:

• Don Narciso is part of our life. — Anatista Perez
• What I like about your resilience, Anna, is that it doesn't get you down. You just move on. — Chit Juan
• Sometimes you plan on things and if it doesn't work, you really just have to look for another thing. — Anatista Perez
• I just want to bring coffee to the home. — Anatista Perez
• Every time I am into something, I really just want to hone myself first. — Anatista Perez
• The roasting and the brewing is the sexy part of coffee. — Chit Juan

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Anatista Perez on:

• Don Narciso Cafe Website - https://www.facebook.com/Donnarcisocafe
• Don Narciso Cafe Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/donnarcisocafe/

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.

In celebration of National Coffee Month, this October series of Good and Green episodes features inspiring stories from Filipino coffee advocates and entrepreneurs. In this episode, Chit Juan sits down with Imelda Dagus, founder and CEO of Dennis Coffee Garden, the first heritage coffeehouse brand rooted in the Kahawa Sug tradition of the Sulu Archipelago. Imelda shares how she transformed her family’s 1962 coffee legacy into a thriving business that uplifts farmers, preserves Tausug culture, and empowers communities. From her years as an OFW to becoming a cultural entrepreneur, Imelda reflects on legacy, sustainability, and the power of coming home to build something meaningful.

GUEST BIO:

 Imelda A. Dagus is the Founder and CEO of Dennis Coffee Garden, a heritage coffeehouse from the Sulu Archipelago that celebrates Kahawa Sug. She also serves as President of Suluk Holdings, Inc., and has expanded her brand through multiple branches, bottled coffee products, and a roastery and nursery to support local farmers. A recognized advocate for heritage-based enterprise, she has received national and regional awards for entrepreneurship and cultural preservation and is currently pursuing a Master in Entrepreneurship at the Asian Institute of Management. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How a 1962 family café inspired a modern heritage coffee brand.
• Preserving Tausug culture through Kahawa Sug coffee and traditional pastries.
• From OFW life abroad to building a legacy-driven enterprise at home.
• Empowering farmers and youth through sustainable, inclusive business practices.
• Faith, heritage, and leadership as anchors for lasting community impact.

QUOTES:

• It was more than just opening a cafe for me. It was about continuing my grandmother's legacy. — Imelda Dagus
• Drinking coffee is a way of life for us. — Imelda Dagus
• You can't stop a good thing. — Chit Juan
• I see Dennis Coffee Garden as a platform to earn money, preserve culture, empower out of school youth, and help the farmers. — Imelda Dagus
• My mantra is: if I can do something to help not just my family, but the whole community, why not? — Imelda Dagus

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Imelda Dagus on:

• Dennis Coffee Garden Website 
• Dennis Coffee Garden on Instagram  
• Dennis Coffee Garden on Facebook 

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.