Green Earth Café’s path to health, wellness

By Jeremy C. Medrano, Missy D. Añonuevo,

Angeline T. Benito (BS Entrepreneurship, BISCAST)

JOSE and Nancy Obias are the founders of Green Earth Farm Cafe, established in 2021 in Carolina, Naga City, and Green Earth Cafe Philippines, which they opened in 2006 in Concepcion Pequeña, Naga City.

The couple started their business in response to recurring health issues within their family, which led to frequent hospital visits. Their child suffered from a blood disease, while Jose was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure. “We started our business for health reasons, to avoid the suffering that comes with illnesses,” Jose explained.

Upon visiting their doctor, they were advised to change their diet to address the root causes of their illnesses. “The doctor told us to change our diet, change the cause of sickness, and the sickness will go away,” added Jose.

Motivated by the need to alter their diet, the couple began eating more vegetables and healthy foods, growing their own produce in their backyard.

With an initial capital of 10,000 pesos, they decided to start a business aimed at helping themselves and others with health issues through plant-based food products.

Both of their cafés in Concepcion Pequeña and Carolina offer plant-based food items at affordable prices, ranging from 30 to 300 pesos. Most menu items are made from homegrown vegetables and fruits, with their production area and business events located in Carolina.

Green Earth Farm Café serves familiar dishes like pizza, ice cream, burgers, and bread, but made entirely with plant-based and organic ingredients, free from cholesterol. “We use nuts and beans for cheese, and our spaghetti sauce is made from homegrown tomatoes. Our ground meat substitutes are made from vegetables and beans we grow ourselves. We use extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil,” explained Jose.

Nancy added, "We want our products to be all-natural, with no artificial chemicals. Many restaurants offer vegan foods, but most are processed and contain chemicals and preservatives."

“Our products are good for 3-5 days and need to be consumed within that period, as we don't use preservatives,” said Jose.

While some raw materials, like onions and garlic, are sourced from the market, the main ingredients are homegrown.

The cafes offer two types of dishes: preventive, which helps prevent illnesses, and reversal, which uses minimal oil to help reverse illnesses and break down cholesterol.

Initially, the cafe relied on word-of-mouth promotion. "Customers told others about our business based on their experiences," said Jose. Now, they promote Green Earth Farm Cafe and Green Earth Cafe Philippines on various social media platforms to reach a wider audience and inspire plant-based eating.

The couple also participate in trade fairs and seminars organized by DTI, DOST, and the Grow Negosyo Program, which help promote their business.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, their business remained open, attracting more customers who became health-conscious due to COVID-19.

With the support of their employees, mostly locals, the business strengthened. The employees eat the same food served to customers.

Most customers are vegans or those with allergies to pork and fish. Initially, senior citizens were their primary customers, but now, they also attract younger individuals.

Green Earth Farm Café offers cooking classes in Carolina, teaching participants of all ages how to cook with plant-based products. They announce these activities on their Facebook page.

The café now earns five-digit figures, growing from their initial capital of 10,000 pesos. They attribute their success to following the 10th commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day,” believing that resting on the 7th day, as God did, brought them more customers and recognition.

“What you eat is what you become,” Nancy said.

“People aren't aware of plant-based products, leading to many illnesses. Start taking care of your body. Kids today only know fast food, and schools don't teach enough about planting and eating vegetables,” she added.

Green Earth Farm Café has plans for the future, including collaborating with DepEd to increase healthy snacks in school canteens. Nancy and Jose’s main goal is to expand their business offering plant-based products.

They also shared advice for aspiring student entrepreneurs: “Try to understand your business. Don't focus on profit. Follow your passion and consider how you contribute to society's health. Promote local products and focus on the quality of what you offer to consumers.”

Nancy and Jose Obias hope to further their advocacy of improving people's health through plant-based food products offered in their café.