by Eunice Marie P. Prudente
(grandchild of Teto and Leoring, third generation)
Four generations in the Pantua family have helped establish the distinct flavour
and appearance of each product. Engr. Ernesto Pantua, Sr., Lolo Teto as we call him,
started out with just a dream of owning a parcel of land where he could start a farm.
Encouraged by our grandmother, Dr. Leonor Pantua, known to us as Lola Leoring,
they bought a piece of land situated in Barangay Kablon, Tupi, South Cotabato.
It was on this land that our parents were able to eat and pick the fruits
from the trees that our Lolo Teto planted. My mother and her siblings took
part in nurturing our grandparents’ vision. My cousins and I were the
first ones to sample the different products developed by our Tito Jun
from the fruits they ate in their youth.
My nieces and nephews came of age with the same tastes we grew up on.
We practice this tradition to this day. Every new product concoction
is always subject to a family taste test. Comments as well as suggestions for
modifications are given and taken note of in the typical regular ideas for new
products, label designs and other kinds of packaging are also discussed along
with recipes for homemade kare-kare and plans for the next family get together.
Everything about our products must bear a stamp of approval from our family.
We strive for no less when it comes to our customers’ satisfaction.
Being healthy, after all, need not be a luxury.
It is how food is intended to be. This is how our family makes it.
"Today, we draw feedback and taste profiles from our customers to help us develop
flavors and continue to expand our product range. Inherent to our farm
practices is our conscious endeavor to be as close to nature as possible
and to be responsible farmers to our workers and local community."