Good and Green

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 ston...

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 fam...

How do we bring dead soil back to life? In this episode, sustainability advocate Chit Juan sits down with Nicolo Aberasturi, President of Banhaw Agriculture and a longtime champion of regenerative farming in the tropics. Together, they unpack how small farms can thrive by working with nature — not against it — and how compost, ruminants, and indigenous wisdom all play a role in soil health and foo...

What does it take to scale organic farming from a single farm to a million kilos of produce annually? In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, Chit Juan talks to Mike Melendres, founder of Organic Options, Earthman, and Biotech JP. From a modest farm in 2001 to a vertically integrated business promoting food safety, farmer training, and agricultural innovation, Mike shares how his journey ha...

Seeds are at the heart of farming and food security. In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, host Chit Juan talks with Julius Barcelona, Chief Operating Officer of Harbest Agribusiness Corporation and Vice President of the Philippine Seed Industry Association. Julius explains why seeds are the foundation of agriculture, the differences between open-pollinated, hybrid, and transgenic seeds,...

Chit Juan sits down with Carlomagno “Carlo the Farmer” Aguilar to talk about how growing your own food can change both consumer and farmer mindsets, reduce waste, and make farm-to-table truly work in the Philippines. Carlo shares his mission to localize food production, empower communities, and bring fresh, sustainable food closer to home. From backyard gardens to island-to-island farming solution...

Chit Juan speaks with Reena Gamboa about the vibrant and growing Slow Food movement in the Philippines. Reena shares how her community’s deep-rooted pride in Ilonggo food culture laid the foundation for their leadership role in hosting Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific, a biennial event gathering farmers, chefs, food advocates, and producers from across the region and beyond. Reena gives us a previ...

What happens when a photographer trades the ocean for the land? In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, Chit Juan sits down with Al Linsangan III, environmental photographer turned regenerative farmer, sustainability advocate, and founder of Coron Natural Farms. Al shares how his journey from scuba diving and ecotourism led him to conservation agriculture, farm-based education, and communit...

What happens when art, agriculture, and social good come together? In this episode, Chit Juan talks with Bernadette “BidiBidi” delos Santos, artist, entrepreneur, and farmer-leader from Bicol. Through her vibrant upcycled fashion brand, BidiBidi empowers over 150 rural women with embroidery skills while promoting sustainability and Filipino culture. She also shares her work as RAFC Chair, giving v...

Chit Juan speaks with Anya Lim, co-founder of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, about how she’s preserving Filipino weaving traditions through sustainable fashion and community enterprise. Anya shares how ANTHILL empowers artisans—especially women—by providing market access, entrepreneurial training, and circular design opportunities. She also opens up about the challenges of running a social enterprise, in...

How can we protect the oceans that feed us and empower the coastal communities that rely on them? In this episode of the Good and Green Podcast, Chit Juan speaks with Attorney Gloria Estenzo Ramos, co-founder of the Philippine Earth Justice Center and former Vice President of Oceana Philippines. Atty. Ramos shares her decades-long mission to protect the Philippines' marine ecosystems and figh...

How do we protect our oceans while empowering the next generation of advocates?  In this inspiring episode, Chit Juan speaks with Anna Oposa, Chief Mermaid and co-founder of Save Philippine Seas, about her 14-year journey in marine conservation. Anna shares how education, storytelling, and community partnerships fuel her advocacy work, and why empowering young leaders is key to long-term impact. F...

Building a social enterprise isn’t just about having a great product or mission. It’s about creating the right environment for that mission to grow. In this episode, Chit Juan shares why social entrepreneurs need ecosystems made up of nonprofits, local governments, and private sector allies. Drawing from her experience with ECHOstore and the Great Women Project, she explains how collaboration, mar...

When entrepreneur Sarah Claudio left behind a thriving retail career to revive her late mother’s unfinished farm project, she didn’t expect it to spark a whole new mission. In this episode she shares with Chit Juan how Verdeli Davao was born as an agritourism destination and learning site that brings sustainable food systems to life through natural farming, community collaboration, and experientia...

What does it really mean to track your carbon footprint, and how can small businesses take meaningful steps toward sustainability? In this episode, Chit Juan speaks with George Wade, co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Zevero, a carbon management platform that helps organizations measure, reduce, and report their emissions with confidence. George shares why understanding your environmental...

Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend. It’s a movement that creates lasting economic and social impact. Chit Juan sits down with designer and social entrepreneur Zarah Juan to explore how her brand blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design while empowering Filipino artisans. From her early days as a flight attendant to becoming a champion of responsible sourcing, Zarah shar...

How can a social enterprise stay resilient for nearly two decades?  In this episode, Chit Juan speaks with Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, co-founder of R2R (Rags2Riches), about her journey in sustainable fashion and ethical entrepreneurship. Reese shares how R2R started by supporting artisans in Payatas and evolved into a fully integrated fashion brand. She discusses the pivots, challenges, and lessons lea...

How can digital technology revolutionize farm-to-market systems?  Chit Juan sits down with Henry James Sison, founder of AgroDigital PH, to discuss how his agritech startup is transforming small-scale farming into a scalable and sustainable business. With over 38,000 farmers and fishers in their network, AgroDigital is helping producers achieve price stability, improve market access, and adopt bet...

Chit Juan explores the essential elements that make a social enterprise sustainable and impactful. She reflects on how corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved and why social entrepreneurs must go beyond philanthropy to create long-lasting change. Listeners will gain insights into the key factors that drive a purpose-driven business, from ensuring financial viability to making a meaningfu...

This episode explores how aspiring entrepreneurs can build socially responsible and environmentally sound businesses without compromising profitability. Chit Juan shares practical strategies to align one's passions with ethical practices and financial sustainability, offering valuable insights for success in a competitive landscape. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How to evaluate business ideas with susta...

Chit Juan kicks off 2025 with a heartfelt reflection on the growth of the Good and Green podcast since its launch in July 2024. She shares highlights from memorable episodes and expresses gratitude to listeners for their feedback and support. Chit also announces an exciting update for the podcast, which will now focus on helping social entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building sustainable...

Kickstart 2025 with small yet impactful steps toward a greener lifestyle. Host Chit Juan shares her personal tips and reflections for embracing sustainability in the new year. From decluttering to mindful choices, this episode is all about fostering habits that are good for both you and the planet. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Chit’s practical tips for starting the year on a positive, sustainable note Declu...

Chit Juan welcomes Olivia Puentespina to discuss the transformative power of composting for soil health, waste management, and sustainability in the Philippines. They explore how supercompost enriches our soil, discuss the environmental impact of composting, and share insights into Davao Thermo Biotech’s initiatives for businesses, households, and landfills. Olivia also offers practical tips for a...

Explore the art of sustainable gifting with Chit Juan, who shares mindful ideas for Christmas presents that minimize waste, support local communities, and foster meaningful connections. From eco-friendly packaging tips to creative ways of giving back, the episode highlights how thoughtful choices can spread joy while protecting the planet. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: Practical sustainable gift ideas for Ch...

Chit Juan sits down with Dhang Tecson of Sinaya Seafood to explore the heart of sustainable seafood and responsible sourcing in the Philippines. Dhang shares her journey into sustainable practices, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities within local fishing communities. They discuss why some fisherfolk turn to illegal methods and the transformative impact of shifting to safer, eco-frie...