Good and Green

Pacita Juan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Good and Green Podcast, hosted by sustainability advocate Chit Juan, was created for the purpose of helping social entrepreneurs overcome challenges and grow impactful ventures that drive meaningful change. Each week, we share the tools, strategies, and stories that empower changemakers to build businesses with purpose. Whether you're launching your dream social enterprise or looking for fresh inspiration, this podcast is your go-to space for practical insights and uplifting conversations. Let's create a brighter, more sustainable future together!

  1. 3h ago

    Episode 61: Powerful Lessons from 40 Years in Philippine Coffee with Emmanuel Torrejon

    October is Coffee Month, and we're celebrating individuals whose passion and dedication have helped shape the Philippine coffee industry! In this episode of Good and Green, Pacita Juan sits down with coffee industry veteran Emmanuel “Manny” Torrejon to look back on his remarkable journey spanning more than four decades in coffee. From the Philippines' thriving coffee export years to the rise of specialty roasting, Manny shares his experiences, lessons learned, and enduring fascination with the coffee bean. He also discusses why the future of Philippine coffee lies in returning to the farms, exploring new varieties, and inspiring the next generation of coffee professionals. It's a conversation about lifelong passion, continuous learning, and giving back to an industry that has been such a big part of his life. GUEST BIO: Emmanuel “Manny” Torrejon is a coffee industry veteran whose career began in 1979 as a coffee trader. He founded CAFEX, Inc., an artisan coffee roasting company, in 1996 and later became President of Coffee Roastmasters Alliance, now UCC Ueshima Coffee Philippines, where he serves as Business Development Director. He is also a Director of the Philippine Coffee Board and ASEAN Coffee Federation, as well as a chef and restaurateur behind Manolo's Private Dining. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Manny's journey from coffee trading to roastingThe rise and decline of Philippine coffee exportsUnderstanding global coffee trading and market fluctuationsHow CAFEX helped shape his roasting careerWhy Philippine coffee needs more farmersExploring new coffee varieties and growing regionsThe importance of mentorship and hands-on experienceStaying curious, passionate, and humble in coffee QUOTES: We were one of the bigger exporters in the '80s and early '90s. —Emmanuel TorrejonThe green coffee business is very, very stressful because you have to watch your price every day. —Emmanuel TorrejonI've always loved the soil. —Emmanuel TorrejonI'm fascinated with how things grow, how they can fruit, and what makes them tick. —Emmanuel TorrejonI think the future of coffee, especially in the Philippines, is in farming. —Emmanuel TorrejonEvery time I see green coffee, beautiful green coffee, I just really, really love it. I just love the bean. —Emmanuel TorrejonI never stop learning about coffee. There's always something in coffee that you will learn every day. —Emmanuel Torrejon LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Emmanuel Torrejon on InstagramManolo’s Private DiningUCC Ueshima Coffee Philippines Listen, rate, and subscribe! Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedInSubscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    Episode 61: Powerful Lessons from 40 Years in Philippine Coffee with Emmanuel Torrejon

  2. Sep 21

    Episode 60: How Batanes Is Leading a New Era of Sustainable Tourism with Dr. Mary Anne Ramos Tumanan and Jerome Jay Cabugao

    What does it take to make tourism truly sustainable for both visitors and the people who call a destination home?  In this episode of Good and Green, Pacita Juan speaks with Dr. Mary Anne Ramos Tumanan and Jerome Jay Cabugao about Batanes and its journey as the first Philippine destination to join the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories. They explore how research, community participation, and evidence based planning are helping Batanes address food security, tourism carrying capacity, cultural heritage, and other challenges unique to island communities. They also discuss the importance of indigenous Ivatan food and farming traditions, and how Slow Food can help preserve local culture while creating opportunities for farmers and producers.  GUEST BIO: Dr. Mary Anne Ramos Tumanan is a professor at the College of Home Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman, with more than 29 years of experience in hospitality education. Her research focuses on sustainable tourism, including resident satisfaction, social carrying capacity, and food security. She initiated the multidisciplinary project that helped Batanes become the Philippines' first destination to join the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories. Jerome Jay C. Cabugao is the Supervising Manpower Development Officer of the Provincial Government of Batanes and an accredited TESDA Trainer in Cookery. A member of the Batanes Culture and Arts Council, he researches, documents, and promotes indigenous Ivatan dishes and works to preserve the food traditions and cultural heritage of Batanes. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Batanes’ journey toward sustainable tourismWhy sustainable tourism needs reliable dataTourism’s impact on local food securityIvatan farming and traditional food practicesManaging tourism and carrying capacityProtecting natural resources and cultural heritageWhy local community participation mattersSlow Food and preserving Ivatan cuisine QUOTES: Dito sa lugar naming walang mamamatay kung masipag ka. —Jerome Jay CabugaoMeasure is very, very important if we want to be sustainable in all its entirety. —Dr. Mary Anne Ramos TumananThe issue of solid waste really needs to be addressed across the three islands. —Dr. Mary Anne Ramos TumananLong-term sustainability should embrace that level of mindset that it has to be a bottom-top approach. —Dr. Mary Anne Ramos TumananSlow food will be a big help to us in our food sufficiency. —Jerome Jay Cabugao LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Jerome Jay Cabugao on Instagram Jerome Jay Cabugao on Facebook Dr. Mary Anne Ramos Tumanan on LinkedIn Batanes Tourism and Hospitality Monitoring Center Listen, rate, and subscribe! Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedInSubscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    Episode 60: How Batanes Is Leading a New Era of Sustainable Tourism with Dr. Mary Anne Ramos Tumanan and Jerome Jay Cabugao

  3. Sep 7

    Episode 59: Better Cacao Is the Secret to Better Chocolate with Rex Puentespina

    What does it take to turn locally grown cacao into world-class chocolate? In this episode of Good and Green, Pacita Juan speaks with Rex Puentespina of Malagos Chocolate about his family's journey from rehabilitating an existing cacao farm in Davao to producing some of the Philippines' most internationally recognized chocolate. Rex shares how farmer education, international competitions, scientific feedback, sustainable farming practices, and technology have helped them continuously improve their cacao and chocolate. He also explains what chocolate percentages really mean, why consumers should pay attention to ingredient lists, and how adding value to Philippine cacao can create greater opportunities for the country's farmers and chocolate industry.  GUEST BIO: Rex Puentespina is a farmer and chocolate maker behind Malagos Chocolate, part of his family's group of agriculture-based businesses in Davao. A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Commerce, major in Economics, he leads the sales and marketing of Malagos Chocolate and has helped bring its tree-to-bar, single-origin Philippine chocolate to markets in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Under his family's stewardship, Malagos has earned numerous international recognitions for its cacao beans and chocolates while continuing to champion quality, sustainable farming, innovation, and value-added Philippine cacao products.  WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How the Puentespina family's journey from orchids led to cacao and chocolate.Growing Davao's cacao industry through farmer education and better agricultural practices.Using international competitions and expert feedback to improve chocolate quality.What cacao percentages and ingredient lists really tell you about chocolate.Why adding value to Philippine cacao matters for farmers and the local industry.Growing cacao through intercropping instead of monoculture.Regenerating soil through biofertilizers and proper soil testing.Using science, AI, sensors, and university partnerships to improve cacao farming and fermentation. QUOTES: We produce only like 0.1% of the world's (cacao) production. —Rex PuentespinaCacao is very delicate. The flowers are very delicate. Only 5% of the flower becomes a pod. —Rex PuentespinaWe put a lot of biofertilizer to regenerate the soil. —Rex PuentespinaI really embrace technology. AI is a very good tool. —Rex PuentespinaTest your soil. —Rex Puentespina LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Rex Puentespina: Malagos Chocolate in InstagramMalagos Chocolate in FacebookMalagos Chocolate in TikTok Listen, rate, and subscribe! Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedInSubscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    Episode 59: Better Cacao Is the Secret to Better Chocolate with Rex Puentespina

  4. Aug 24

    Episode 58: Growing Better Lives With Hectares Of Hope with Tancho Baes

    What if farming could do more than grow food? In this episode of Good and Green, Pacita Juan speaks with Tancho Baes about leaving a successful career in Canada to return to the Philippines and dedicate his life to serving marginalized communities. Through Hectares of Hope in Davao, Tancho is building a model that uses sustainable farming to create livelihoods, empower Indigenous and rural communities, and give families opportunities to thrive where they already live. He shares the challenges and lessons behind the initiative, from learning organic farming and finding markets for high-value crops to building trust, teaching financial literacy, and creating a model he hopes can be replicated in communities across the Philippines. GUEST BIO: Tancho Baes is a Certified Public Accountant, social entrepreneur, and Executive Director of Hope for the Nations. After spending 25 years in Canada, he returned to the Philippines following volunteer work during the Zamboanga siege and the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, experiences that inspired him to dedicate his life to serving marginalized communities. After four years of immersing himself in the urban poor communities of Davao, he founded Hectares of Hope, a social enterprise that uses sustainable farming, livelihood development, and financial empowerment to help rural and Indigenous families build better lives within their own communities. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Why Tancho left his career in Canada to serve marginalized communities in the Philippines.How working with Davao's urban poor inspired the idea behind Hectares of Hope.Using sustainable farming to create livelihoods for rural and Indigenous communities.Growing high-value crops while adapting production to market demand.Why community transformation must come before profit.Building trust through immersion and understanding local culture.The role of financial literacy, training, and personal development in creating lasting change.Creating a replicable model that can bring opportunities to other rural communities. QUOTES: The most effective way to really reach out and help those people is to live among them and to understand. —Tancho BaesWe're not in the business of farming vegetables. We're in the business of transforming people's lives. —Tancho Baes I'm always training, so that's part of what we do. —Tancho BaesIf you don't know what your mission is, when you go there just because of other things, then when there's challenges, it's easy for you to give up. —Tancho BaesI consider myself a missionary. —Tancho BaesI counted the cost and I had to trust God for His provision, and He's never failed me. —Tancho Baes LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Tancho Baes: Hectares of Hope on FacebookHectares of Hope on Instagram Hectares of Hope Website Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    Episode 58: Growing Better Lives With Hectares Of Hope with Tancho Baes

  5. Aug 10

    Episode 57: A New Beginning Rooted in Sustainability with Ces Oreña-Drilon

    What happens when one chapter of life comes to an unexpected end? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan sits down with veteran journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon to talk about how she reinvented herself through sustainability, wellness, and entrepreneurship. From building a rammed earth farmhouse and cultivating herbs to creating natural wellness products through Provenciana, Ces shares how curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning helped her discover a new purpose. She also reflects on why every setback can become an opportunity to grow and create something meaningful.  GUEST BIO: Ces Oreña-Drilon is an award-winning broadcast journalist with over four decades of experience in Philippine television. Today, she combines journalism with sustainability advocacy through her #Cestainability segment while leading Provenciana, a wellness enterprise that promotes native botanicals, natural products, and sustainable living. Through her work, Ces continues to inspire others to embrace resilience, innovation, and a deeper connection with nature.  WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How a career transition led to a new passion for sustainability.The benefits of building with rammed earth and other sustainable materials.Creating natural wellness products from locally grown herbs and botanicals.Why gardening, aromatherapy, and nature can support personal well-being.Lessons on resilience, reinvention, and finding opportunity during life's biggest challenges. QUOTES: Never give up. —Ces Oreña-DrilonYou have to use your herbs. You don't just let them be. You need to harvest. —Ces Oreña-DrilonScent grounds you. Scent is very powerful. Scent brings back a lot of memories. —Ces Oreña-DrilonIn a crisis there is opportunity. —Ces Oreña-Drilon LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Ces Oreña-Drilon: Provenciana Website Ces Drilon on Instagram Listen, rate, and subscribe! Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedInSubscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    Episode 57: A New Beginning Rooted in Sustainability with Ces Oreña-Drilon

  6. Jul 27

    How to Save Marine Wildlife One Choice at a Time with Dr. AA Yaptinchay

    What role does marine wildlife play in keeping our oceans and communities healthy? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan speaks with Dr. AA Yaptinchay, marine wildlife conservationist and Founder of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines, about protecting threatened species such as whale sharks, marine turtles, dugongs, dolphins, and sharks. They discuss how responsible marine tourism, stronger public awareness, and science-based conservation can protect biodiversity while creating sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. Dr. AA also shares practical ways everyone can help, from respecting wildlife in their natural habitats to reducing plastic waste and supporting responsible tourism.  GUEST BIO: AA Yaptinchay, DVM, MSc is a marine wildlife conservationist with more than 30 years of experience protecting some of the Philippines' most threatened marine species, including whale sharks, dugongs, marine turtles, dolphins, and sharks. A pioneer in responsible marine wildlife tourism, his work helped secure legal protection for whale sharks in the Philippines and has influenced national policies on marine conservation. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines (MWWP) and continues to champion science-based conservation, wildlife rescue, and sustainable tourism.  WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Why marine wildlife is vital to healthy ocean ecosystems.How responsible tourism can support marine conservation.The biggest threats facing the Philippines' marine wildlife.Why awareness is key to protecting endangered marine species.Simple actions everyone can take to help protect our oceans. QUOTES: The Philippines is in the center of marine biodiversity globally. —Dr. AA YaptinchayConservation-wise, the Philippines now has more marine protected areas. —Dr. AA YaptinchayI would go for allowing marine wildlife to be in their natural habitat in the most natural way without any disturbance. —Dr. AA YaptinchayWhen you enter the home of the marine species, it is their home. We need to respect these animals and their habitat. —Dr. AA YaptinchayRemove any form of threat. Hunting is a threat. Plastic pollution is a threat. Coastal development is a threat. —Dr. AA Yaptinchay LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Dr. AA Yaptinchay: Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines on FacebookMarine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines on Instagram Listen, rate, and subscribe! Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedInSubscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    How to Save Marine Wildlife One Choice at a Time with Dr. AA Yaptinchay

  7. Jul 13

    Episode 55: The Living Classroom That Inspires Better Learning with Sara Soliven-De Guzman

    What if the best classroom was found in nature? In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan sits down with Sara Francesca Soliven-De Guzman, President of O.B. Montessori Center and steward of Preziosa Farms, to share how a school campsite evolved into a 16-hectare destination for experiential learning, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Sara explains how hands-on experiences—from harvesting vegetables and caring for animals to planting native trees—help children and families develop a deeper appreciation for nature while inspiring future generations to live more sustainably. GUEST BIO: Sara Francesca Soliven-De Guzman is the President of O.B. Montessori Center and the steward of Preziosa Farms, a 16-hectare educational farm in Alfonso, Cavite. Building on her mother Dr. Preciosa Soliven's vision, she has transformed the farm into a destination for experiential learning, regenerative agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Through camping programs, farm experiences, native tree conservation, and sustainable design, Sara continues to inspire children, families, and communities to develop a deeper appreciation for nature and responsible living. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How Preziosa Farms grew from a school campsite into an educational farm.Why hands-on experiences help children connect with nature.How regenerative agriculture and native tree conservation support sustainability.Designing a farm that balances education, hospitality, and environmental stewardship.Simple ways families can reconnect with nature and inspire future environmental advocates. QUOTES: In my family, we don't do things just abruptly. —Sara Soliven-De GuzmanYou don't just cut the trees. They are like elements. They also have life. —Sara Soliven-De GuzmanI would advocate for parents to start bringing their kids to farms or rural areas around the country. —Sara Soliven-De GuzmanWe're happy because we're able to inspire people and share what we know, what we can do to teach them more about nature. —Sara Soliven-De GuzmanWe have a total of 5,000 kilos of vegetables harvested each year. —Sara Soliven-De GuzmanBe inspired by experiencing nature. We need to activate our wonder and awe towards loving Mother Earth. —Sara Soliven-De Guzman LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Sara Soliven-De Guzman: Preziosa Farms on IGPreziosa Farms on FBPreziosa Farms Website Listen, rate, and subscribe! Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedInSubscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    Episode 55: The Living Classroom That Inspires Better Learning with Sara Soliven-De Guzman

  8. Jun 29

    Episode 54: How A Curious Mind Built a Successful Organic Farm with Raffy Dacones

    Great farming doesn't begin with the harvest. It begins with healthy soil. In this episode of Good and Green, Chit Juan sits down with Raphael "Raffy" Dacones, Chief Farming Officer of Teraoka Farm, to share his journey from studying architecture and working in Japan to becoming one of the country's leading advocates for organic farming. What started as curiosity grew into a thriving farm that now supplies premium organic produce to some of Metro Manila's top restaurants. Raffy shares the lessons he learned through years of trial and error, from finding the right market and diversifying crops to building a farm school, mentoring future farmers, and creating stronger partnerships with chefs. He also explains why healthy soil, regenerative agriculture, and continuous learning are essential to building farms that are both productive and sustainable for generations to come. GUEST BIO: Raphael "Raffy" Dacones is the Chief Farming Officer of Teraoka Farm, an organic farm in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. Under his leadership, the farm has become a national benchmark for sustainable agriculture, supplying premium organic produce to many of Metro Manila's leading restaurants. He also consults on farm development and leads Soil Studio, integrating agriculture, landscape design, and sustainability to create greener, more resilient spaces.  WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How curiosity led Raffy from architecture to organic farming.Building a successful organic farm through trial, error, and persistence.Finding the right market for premium organic produce.Growing farmers through education, partnerships, and farm immersion.Why healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. QUOTES: I've always liked getting my hands dirty. —Raffy DaconesI was so determined to start a farm, but I never had that give up attitude despite it being very difficult at first. —Raffy DaconesI like being challenged. —Raffy DaconesI've always believed a farm should have a track record of producing and selling commercially. —Raffy DaconesTake care of your soil. Soil is the life of everything. —Raffy DaconesComposting is the key. —Raffy Dacones LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED: Connect with Raffy Dacones: Teraoka Farm on InstagramTeraoka Farm on Facebook Listen, rate, and subscribe! Subscribe to the Good and Green Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow Chit Juan on Instagram and Facebook, and LinkedInSubscribe to EchoNews on LinkedIn.Sign up here for the 2nd Philippine Coffee Sustainability Congress! Learn more about the Philippine Coffee Board at www.philcoffeeboard.com. 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.

    Episode 54: How A Curious Mind Built a Successful Organic Farm with Raffy Dacones
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About

The Good and Green Podcast, hosted by sustainability advocate Chit Juan, was created for the purpose of helping social entrepreneurs overcome challenges and grow impactful ventures that drive meaningful change. Each week, we share the tools, strategies, and stories that empower changemakers to build businesses with purpose. Whether you're launching your dream social enterprise or looking for fresh inspiration, this podcast is your go-to space for practical insights and uplifting conversations. Let's create a brighter, more sustainable future together!

Information

  • Creator
    Pacita Juan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Good and Green
  • Show Website
    Good and Green