Welcome to Argao: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Argao

  La Torta De Argao       Argao's Torta is a delicious delicacy famous in Cebu and some specific parts of the province. Torta is a rice, spongy and sweet pastry prepared in a unique way of cooking and special ingredients.      Torta is somewhat like a sponge cake in texture – spongy – but not fluffy and a bit moist yet almost like a muffin. You might be surprised to learn that one of the important ingredients in this recipe is the inclusion of a ‘tuba’, a traditional coconut wine. Don’t worry because you need to drink plenty of glasses (or a gallon) of this wine to get drank. HISTORY OF ARGAO TORTA       Argao's torta has a fascinating backstory, its roots tracing back to the Spanish colonial period. While the exact origins remain shrouded in a bit of mystery, it's believed that the recipe was influenced by Spanish baking techniques, infused with local ingredients and traditions.      Today, La Torta de Argao is a cultural heritage of the town and is enjoyed by locals and t

  Argao's Beloved Guilang's Tablea      In a part of Argao lies a local gem that's been in the tables of Argaowanons for over 75 years. Argao, famous not just for its historical churches and pristine beaches, but also for its delectable treats. Among these local treasures is Guilang's Tablea, a brand that's know for its rich, authentic chocolate flavor.      Stories and heritage — those are what Argao Guilang Tableya is all about. They are more than just cacao. They know that every tablea carries more than just an aromatic flavor of chocolate. Argao Guilang Tableya is about sharing their story, having a vision, and providing a sensory experience that is about chocolate.  WHAT IS TABLEA OR "TABLEYA"?      Put simply, tablea is a ball of ground-up cacao beans, usually heated and combined with water to make a traditional Filipino chocolate drink called sikwate. Many people cite that the name tablea (or tableya) refers to the Spanish word for "tablet,&qu

  Argao's Hablon: Weaving a Piece of Cebu's History      Argao, a charming town in southern Cebu, is known for its delectable treats like torta and tablea, and its stunning beaches and churches. But beyond these tourist draws, Argao boasts a hidden gem: Hablon, a centuries-old tradition of handloom weaving.      Hinablon, or shortened to hablon, is a product in a traditional process of weaving known in the town of Argao. The weaving process itself is called hablon. Produced with local fibres such as piña, cotton, and abaca, the “hablon” comes from the Visayan word “habol,” which means blanket. This weaving technique, passed down through generations, has been a thriving industry since pre-colonial times. A Legacy Woven Through Time      The arrival of the Spaniards in the 1500s marked the beginning of Argao's weaving history. Back then, mostly women skillfully crafted blankets and other textiles using various fibers. Weaving became deeply ingrained in Argaoanon