Tony Galvez Beauty Café Review in 9th Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City

Sir Tony Galvez and his niece Ms. Marie who's the cafe manager.

 I tried to drop by Tony Galvez Beauty Cafe simply because a friend recommended the place. Honestly, at first I could not imagine that a beauty salon, beauty school + a cute café could actually be found all under one roof! I walked in to find a beautiful little modern seating area with bright-white/ecru walls, some reds and vibrant green plants á la Forage Modern Workshop. I had just a rather gloomy day so I was sort of predisposed to a little crankiness, but the friendly faces behind the counter quickly changed my attitude. There’s a cute chalk-board menu with all of the offerings, and the prices are competitive with the other coffee shops around the hood.

Lovely recycled steel chairs gives off a vintage vibe

Baking Essentials: Fondarific, Make ‘n Mold candy Wafers and LorAnn Gourmet Oils and Flavor Extracts

Fondarific Buttercream Fondant tubs

Baking is all about precise cooking. It is meticulous and requires patience mixed with creativity and artistry. Unlike plain cooking where one could tweak her dishes with a dash of salt or pepper here or add a cup of water there, baking requires more than that. Having studied baking and pastry, I know whereof I speak. One has to be passionate enough and put some TLC each time you bake, regardless if it’s a batch of cupcake, muffins, bread or a cake you’re doing. As long as you put your heart into it, the baked goodies will be delightful once it’s done. 

Fondarific in lovely colors and flavors

Small bottle of extracts with super strength flavors

cakes are ready to be decorated

It’s been quite a long time since I last baked a cake. So I was truly glad to be one of the selected bloggers invited to an afternoon of baking and chocolate molding event held at The Cookery where we all got to try Fondarific, Make ‘n Mold Candy Wafers and LorAnn Oils and Flavors.

LorAnn Oils, emulsions and extracts

Chef at the Cookery Place instructs us what to do

The chef prepares all the bloggers' ingredients

It was my first time to use Fondarific products. My fellow blogger Honney Marie and I had chosen hot pink and blue Fondarific buttercream fondants for our cakes. We were surprised that Fondarific fondant are great for both beginners and professionals because it covers twice as much as much as other brands. It’s so easy to use as it rolls to 1/8” thick without sticking. You can be assured it’s made from only high quality ingredients as it is more pliable, it does not have what we bakers refer to as “elephant skin”. 

Edel Santiago prepares her cake

The author puts coffee extract into our buttercream

Honney molds a chocolate cake into a ball

My fellow blogger Honney Marie Natividad and Purple Plum Fairy at work

Fondarific drapes over corners easily without tearing. And it absolutely tastes good, no need for confectioner sugar. What I love most about Fondarific, it dries firm but does not dry out. It really is an amazing fondant, hence, being true to its name—fondant + terrific! Fondarific has 13 gourmet delicious flavors to choose from. Their buttercream is available in fourteen different colors such as black, red, blue, orange, green, lime green, yellow, purple (my fave!), hot pink, princess pink, teal, chocolate, wedding white and antique white. Fondarific is truly versatile as it’s so easy to blend and shape.

With Fondarific, just cut out the excess and you're good to go

Fondarific fondant in hot pink looks pretty!

Honney and I decided to make flowers and hearts on top of our cakes. We also mixed two Fondarific fondant colors and braided them on the core of our cakes. It is truly a great discovery. I vow that the next time I do cakes; I’m certainly going to use Fondarific on them. These products make baking fun and a lot easier. 

The cakes that Honney and I did.

I used 1 teaspoon of LorAnn’s Coffee emulsion on our buttercream before we spread them on our cakes for an added kick of flavor. While we were busy making our cakes, we also made our olfactory nerves worked properly as we basically sniffed the lovely scent of baking and candy goodies wafting in the air. LorAnn Bakery Emulsion was such a revelation. One smell from the bottle is enough to tell you that it is made from superior high quality. The flavors are more robust, just right—not too much or overpowering unlike other brands. I personally prefer emulsions than alcohol-based extracts, as it will not “baked out” when exposed to heat. LorAnn Bakery Emulsion is perfect for cookies, cakes, muffins, brownies, sweet breads, frostings, and glazes. 

Some of the lovely cakes that bloggers had made during the event.

Bloggers really had a blast by the end of the afternoon as we looked into our finished products. Some made their cakes with a small second layer, colorful personalized cakes with their initials on top, others did Halloween-themed cake designs, and one even did a chocolate gingham inspired cake. We also made chocolate lollipops too using Make ‘n Mold Candy Wafers!

I am amazed at how Make ‘n Mold Candy Wafers make it easy to create delicious candy pieces and lollipops. For one, these make ‘n Mold Candy Wafers are microwaveable and comes in different flavors and colors: vanilla, red, pink, dark green, orchid, orange, yellow, chocolate, and milk chocolate.

The great thing about these baking essentials is the fact that they are made affordable. LorAnn’s Bakery emulsions costs only P210 per 4oz bottle. The vanilla extracts differ in prices: Clear Vanilla is priced at P120, Pure Madagascar Vanilla extract is at P160 (for 2oz) and P300 (for 4oz) while 2 Fold Tahitian Vanilla extract is pegged at P300 for 4oz bottle. It may look a bit pricey, but I can guarantee that it is not considering that a teaspoon of such extracts goes a long, long way. 

Last week, my beloved Kyle and I bonded over these awesome Make ‘n Mold Candy Wafers as he helped me melt chocolates and mold them into chocolate lollipops. Kyle said he really had fun working with me in our kitchen. He even requested that we do it again next time. I strongly suggest Mommies for you to try doing this activity with your kids. So we just had a wonderful weekend over the kitchen.

 Baking may not really be difficult especially with the presence of the right ingredients as well as baking essentials such as Fondarific, Make ‘n Mold and LorAnn Bakery Emulsion. Using the right products can make baking more efficient, fun and a whole lot easier!

Fondarific, LorAnn Bakery Emulsion and Extract Oils, Make ‘n Mold Candy Wafers are available at Cook Exchange, The Chocolate Lovers Confectioners and other leading stores where baking supplies are sold. 

For more information and inquiries on Fondarific, LorAnn Bakery Emulsion and Extract Oils as well as Make ‘n Mold Candy Wafers, please log on to Bakeessence Inc. website, www.bakeessentials.com or email sales@bakeessentials.com

Special thanks to Leira Pagaspas.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

Max’s Corner Bakery Launches Max’s Cake Sample Box for Pasalubong

Max's Corner Bakery Cake sample

Our beloved Max’s Corner Bakery introduces yet another innovative way of bringing home Filipino favorite pasalubong with its Max’s Corner Bakery Cake Box sampler box. A small box filled with our Max’s Corner Bakery staple favorite goodie cakes such as Banana Cake, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake, and Quezo Cake. There are eight pieces of cakes found on each Max’s Cake sample box (2 pieces for each cake), which is perfect pasalubong to our loved ones. What’s more? It already comes in an easy-to-carry small box, ready to give away as present for special occasions. Add in some dedication card and you’re ready to go. Or better yet, bring home a box or two to share with your family and friends.

We love the sinfully delicious Chocolate Cake, one can’t go wrong with their Banana Cake sample, and those who prefer fewer calories will surely love the Carrot Cake while those with discriminating palate will definitely appreciate the cheesy goodness of the Quezo Cake.

The best part of all is that you are able to save Php11 from a box of Max’s Corner Bakery Cake sampler. The entire cake sampler costs Php150 if bought individually, but if purchasing the Max’s Corner Bakery Cake Sampler box; it will only cost you Php139 per box.

Hurry! Get your own Max’s Corner Bakery Cake Sampler now at Max’s Corner Bakery or at Max’s Restaurant near you before they run out.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

BAKED: SWEET GOODIES MADE WITH SISTERLY LOVE



Delectable cupcakes from Baked.


BAKED, an up-and-coming online store that sells a selection of delectable treats was born out of necessity and hobby; to become a family bonding activity among sisters and most importantly become an outlet where their passion to eat something healthy, with occasional sweet indulgences of course.

Using natural and fresh ingredients, Baked's culinary team composed of three sisters together with their Mom started the business whipping up mouthwatering baked goodies from their very own kitchen. From cakes, pies, muffins, breads to their best selling cupcakes--everything that they offer are a must-try, with varieties such as Red Velvet, Blackout Chocolate, Coconut Snowball, Dirty Harry, Cookies and Cream--are among the list of many others.

Aside from being pretty to look at, these delicious desserts and pastries make for a sweet way to cap off every meal or a family feast. Chocolate is probably the ultimate dessert, and there's no better place to get your cocoa fix than Baked's.



Sisters behind Baked: Ericka, Richelle and Maricor.


Inspired by the siblings passion in the kitchen, Baked opened last year as a cupcake supplier to a coffee and tea shop. Thanks to their clients' positive feedback, they now sell their heavenly baked goodies online where clients have an option for either pickup or delivery.

Desserts are made using only the finest ingredients and are  guaranteed to be preservative-free, to boot. Security Blanket gets a good case of sugar rush in trying out Baked famous cupcakes. Here's my verdict:
Dirty Harry--Filled with dessicated coconut, Dirty Harry may deceive your eyes for it looks so plain and simple but you'll be in for a surprise upon first bite. It had a perfect balance of choco cream frosting with the natural sweetness of coconut bits--all these exploding textures and flavors in its every bite.

Want to try something new? If your usual chocolate, vanilla and mocha cupcakes doesn't tickle your fancy, Baked's Citrus Burst offers the perfect balance of sweet fresh oranges and butterless fresh cream frosting that's rich and smooth--giving you something new to enjoy. It had that fresh citrusy and tangy zest that'll excite and clean your palate.

Blackout Chocolate in Purple Frosting--The color itself is enough to make me salivate. I love purple. What with rainbow bits sprinkled on top, I know this cupcake looks so enticing. And you can never go wrong because it's filled with buttercream frosting and moisted chocolates on the inside. Finally an indulgent dessert for most chocolate fans. Bringing home a little piece of confectionary heaven with its soft creme ganache type of texture plus it tastes so heavenly. La Dolce Vita in a cupcake! Give in to this sweet temptation. Just thanks God for this gift from heaven.

Baked's cupcakes are flavorful but light. It will make ordinary cupcakes fold in shame. Enjoy the comfort that  Baked cupcakes can bring. Bite into delectable chunks and delight in its creamy goodness with layers of frosting on a soft and moist chiffon cupcake. It's guaranteed to make your day, no matter what! Their rich cupcakes are extremely addictive and impossible to resist, especially for chocolate fans.

You can't help but adore this gooey-lip smacking peanut butter brittle treat that leaves traces of chocolatey mess on your fingers. Coarsely crushed brittles make every chocolate and peanut butter lover smile with this yummy cupcake. No child can resist the crunchyness of its topping and the vibrant colors of the classic candy toppings. The sprinkling of brittle nuts provides an interesting  touch and flavor. You'll love the contrast between sweet and salty.

Baked has been an online buzz for both teens and adults alike. Baked is managed by three sisters namely Richelle, Maricor and Ericka with some help from their Mom. The youngest, Ericka is the brain behind the dainty online business. "It was really her idea. It was her brainchild, even the names of each products," says Maricor, the equally bright middle sister.  Ericka is  actually the one manning behind the kitchen and budding marketer for developing relevant marketing strategies while Maricor have contributed to the progress of Baked in relation to selling and deliveries.

In a span of twelve months, they were able to generate thousands of likes on their Facebook fan page, with consistently growing interaction with their customers. "We're very happy and grateful that people find time to actually post in our Facebook wall," says Maricor of the warm reception from their growing community of food lovers.

With cupcvake stores sprouting like mushrooms, it must be difficult to swim with the current but Baked considers it a challenge. "We're not just cupcakes. We're a bakery and confectionary.We have cupcakes, breads, pies, cookies, pastries and made-to-order cakes as well," claims Maricor.

The three sisters did not study culinary though, but sharing a passion for cooking and baking led them to this business. "Baked was able to make our mark online and the products are based on the ones that we like and the ones we actually bake and eat at home," reveals Maricor.

Baked's business is indeed a reflection of their lifestyle because it's almost an extension of their home. Quality, passion + sisterly love can easily synonimize the tasting as one takes a bite of their classic cupcakes.

For more information and orders, visit http://www.bakedphilippines.wix.com/baked
or LIKE them on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BakedPhilippines.

Special thanks to Baked sisters Ericka and Maricor.

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are my own.

Mouth-watering Specialty Cakes at Kusina ni Luisa

One of Luisa's Specialty cake

Life is a piece of cake. The saying is literally and figuratively taken by Luisa Sigua. She discovered her knack for baking quite accidentally. “Everything began with passion. It began with my passion for eating,” she shares.  She’s not afraid to try different cuisines. But no matter what she put in her mouth, it has always been the sweet sensation that she craves for.

Luisa launched her dream in her kitchen at home. Armed with the right gadgets and ingredients, she still did not get a perfect cookie or cake on her first try. But Luisa isn’t someone who easily gives up. In fact, she had taken it as a big challenge. Through trial and error, she soon realized that it’s easier to buy a cake than to make one. And because she couldn’t simply let go of making her perfect cake—so she took up baking lessons. Nowadays, Luisa can now afford to smile now that she knew how to make her perfect cake and so much more. She went on to study a course in culinary arts.

What does it take to make cakes? Baking the cake base is easy, this fact I’ve come to learn after I had taken my baking class at La Salle. Decorating it with intricate designs, doing the topping, and icing is another story. Most cake customers wondered why beautifully trimmed cakes cost that much. If you aren’t a cake baker, you might know very little about that.

You need to develop creativity and refining techniques to produce not only delicious cakes but visually lovely pieces as well. We can call cake decoration an art, for each piece that goes on top of each baked product is a result of one’s creativity. The size, shape, positioning of each piece of décor and colors used must all be aesthetically pleasing.

Upon personally seeing Luisa’s cakes, I could not contain my enthusiasm and wanted to know how she did her attractive cakes. I can’t help but marvel at how beautiful pink rose petals evolved from a tube of fondant icing in the adept hands of Luisa. Credit is due to the chef. A lady less passionate about flavors and designs would not have achieved such merit for her work. Like any other chef of her stature (Most Outstanding Baking Student and a gold medalist), she capitalizes on quality ingredients, recognition of their importance and knowledge of how to best use them.

Everybody loves to eat cakes. If you know one who doesn’t, then you must let her try cakes made by Kusina ni Luisa. She absolutely have one of the best cakes in town! You’ll be amazed how a non-cake eater will easily turn into a cake lover after tasting one of Luisa’s delectable cakes that leave one craving for more.   

Among her best sellers are luscious black forest cakes, boat tarts and food for the gods, to-die-for Braso de Mercedes, Fudgie brownies.

For orders and other inquiries, please call or text Luisa at 09305587452 or  09228765081.