For lovers of what is unquestionably the most
exotic, addictive fruit in the country, Durian Park is a
haven.
Developed and owned by the Consunji family, the Park
offers an array of durian products from sweets, jam,
syrup, pastillas, hopia, bibingka, puto bungbong, to the
inevitable durian milk shake. They also carry quality fruits
from Mindanao such as pomelo, mango, mangosteen, and
banana.
Jing Consunji-Reyes explained that their family’s devotion
to the Southern fruit can be traced back to poignant
memories of their past. “My father never failed to bring
home durian as pasalubong from the South. We were
addicted to it,” she states.
Ten years ago, this obsession piqued the entrepreneurial
interests of Mrs. ConsunjiReyes and her siblings, as they
planted durian trees throughout their spacious Baracatan
farm in Davao City, for the objective of marketing these
specialized foods.
A successful business with the brand name Sun Gee had
been created, beginning with their main branch-currently
located at #124 Domestic Airport Rd., Pasay City.
“How the costumers lapped up the fruit was beyond our
expectation,” she said. “We didn’t quite know that there
were so many Manilans who loved it as much as those in
the South.”
The main branch, which is located at Manila International
Airport, recently celebrated its formal opening with
fun-filled activities featuring the delectable fruit. These
included distinctive competitions such as on the proper
way to open durian using a unique “durian machete”,
interesting talks on the proper way to eat durian, and a
durian-eating contest. The event culminated with a
performance of Muslim dancers.
The Consunji family opened two more outlets, at the
Festival Supermall (Alabang), and at the Dacon Bldg.,
2281 Pasong Tamo Ext. Makati. Another branch is
scheduled to open at Liberty Center (Beside Puregold),
Shaw Blvd.
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