Hi, guys. If you have been to The Vegan Dinosaur cafe, we have probably already met but to those who haven't gone and met me yet, my name is Sahara Lara Casteel. I am TVD's main raw cake maker and recipe creator. I have been vegan for several years now and you can read my story here. I also manage this blog.
The Vegan Dinosaur was born on May 2, 2015 after 2 months of preparation and renovation. And I tell you, it was no mean feat. TVD is a product of hard work, perseverance and a belief that it is going to work out despite veganism being not a mainstream lifestyle in the Davao City. Plant-based eating is still not popular now but there are people now who are interested to learn more about healthier lifestyle and there are those who want to transition slowly. Although, it cannot be helped that there are still people who are skeptical and would not even dare try vegan food.
Fast forward to today, a year and 4 months later, The Vegan Dinosaur is still here and now with a small following of transitioning vegans and health-conscious clients. I can't be any happier and prouder than this. I am grateful for all the people who helped me along the way, especially to my brother-in-law whose support was unwavering.
I will always be grateful not only to those who support the cafe but also to those who are trying to make the world a better place with their food choices.
The Vegan Dinosaur was born on May 2, 2015 after 2 months of preparation and renovation. And I tell you, it was no mean feat. TVD is a product of hard work, perseverance and a belief that it is going to work out despite veganism being not a mainstream lifestyle in the Davao City. Plant-based eating is still not popular now but there are people now who are interested to learn more about healthier lifestyle and there are those who want to transition slowly. Although, it cannot be helped that there are still people who are skeptical and would not even dare try vegan food.
Fast forward to today, a year and 4 months later, The Vegan Dinosaur is still here and now with a small following of transitioning vegans and health-conscious clients. I can't be any happier and prouder than this. I am grateful for all the people who helped me along the way, especially to my brother-in-law whose support was unwavering.
I will always be grateful not only to those who support the cafe but also to those who are trying to make the world a better place with their food choices.
This is The Vegan Dinosaur cafe and this is where I spend most of my time working. Be it writing my blog or just doing something for the cafe like making raw cakes and recipes to share to people with hopes that my creations would encourage them to try food that is vegan at home.
I love spending time here just as much as I love spending time with my nephews and nieces. Sinoah Khaleb has been my rock and my pillar of strength since day one. I wouldn't have been able to make the cafe without the support of his parents.
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This is another of my favourite thing to do, aside from cake making and blogging. I cycle a lot these days, as a form of entertainment or exercise. I love cycling with friends or cycling alone as meditation. I didn't know I would enjoy it this much. Had I known, I would have gotten a bike a lot sooner. My bike's name is Khan.
Aside from the work that I do at The Vegan Dinosaur, I am also organising the first ever vegan fruit festival in the Philippines called Madayaw Davao Fruit Fest with a friend. My friend Mirabai, (@thehealthypinay) and I thought that we would like to have like-minded people gather in Davao City (not only because it is the fruit basket of the Philippines) because if more vegan people come to the Philippines, this might encourage locals to try veganism as well. However, this is a festival not just for vegans and foreigners, nonvegan locals are also pretty much welcome to join.
You can join our facebook group, Madayaw Davao Fruit Fest, for discussions and event updates.
Sometimes, I do TV demos and interviews. TVD gets featured on newspapers and magazines too. I am always grateful for this opportunity to be promoting veganism and plant-based eating whenever I can as it gets the idea of a healthier and cruelty-free lifestyle out there. It is not easy to promote something in a city where most people have no idea what veganism is but I am happy that slowly, it's getting recognised here.
