Pandesuelo and long forgotten pinoy breads at Kamuning Bakery

I celebrate my Independence Day together with selected bloggers, being a patriotic foodie at the famous Kamuning Bakery Cafe, where all the politicians /celebrities from yesteryears and today has dined in including the late Pres. Cory Aquino. It was nostalgic as well, as I had to taste my favorite filipino pastries like the pandesuelo (its a freshly pugon baked pandesal, which is sweet and filling and best served hot)   and ogled at the bakery racks for their pandecocos, panderosas, meringues and other Kamuning Bakery's delicacies.  The best part was when the  owner, Wilson Lee Flores, toured us at his bakery and showed us the 76th year old giant "pugon" oven, where all the traditional breads, cookies and cakes "preservatives free" are baked.

With fellow bloggers at the big "pugon" site

The Kamuning Bakery Cafe offers the best filipino-inspired pastas that I have tasted,  I liked their chicken sisig pasta, tawilis pasta, and the longganisa pasta. They also served the best selling Kamuning Chicken Basket with pandesuelos which is juicy, delicious and tasty the way I liked my chicken, home fried and its best to partner with garlic rice.  Inside the restaurant /cafe is the  imported Italian coffee maker machine which they used for making the best  Benguet province Arabica coffee beans brewed into latte or cappuccino or other drinks and native chocolate tablea drinks.

Despite the rise of bakery chains, groceries with gas or electric ovens and industrial bakeries or multinational giants, 76-year-old Kamuning Bakery still continues to serve loyal clientele and its niche market with its artisanal, high-quality and pugon-style baked products.

chicken sisig pasta

tawilis pasta

longganisa pasta

coffee maker

On its 76th year and seeking to still be relevant in the 21st century, Quezon City’s first bakery the revived Kamuning Bakery has restored its old café to serve all-day breakfast meals of diverse pasta choices, rice meals or sandwiches with Third Wave or artisanal coffee, tea, juices, chocolate tablea.

Tuna clubhouse sandwich

The artisanal and pugon-style bakery still opens daily at 5 a.m., while its restored and now air-conditioned Kamuning Bakery Café is open from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight daily in the same address since 1939: No. 43 Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, Kamuning, Quezon City (near Caltex of Kamuning Road).

It has also revived a lot of its old traditional breads, cookies and cakes, plus adding modern cakes of all kinds baked in its antique pugon or wood-fired brick oven, such as birthday or wedding cakes, and many others. The No. 1 bestseller is still the pugon-baked Pan de Suelo breads. Since 1939, a lot of showbiz and political celebrities, writers, musicians, artists and people from all walks of life patronize Kamuning Bakery.

Kamuning Chicken Basket

Pandesuelos with Ice Cream

To differentiate it from many foreign cafes and bakeries coming to the Philippines from the West and Asia, Kamuning Bakery’s new owner and writer Wilson Lee Flores introduced Filipino-inspired innovations like chicken sisig pasta, tawilis pasta, longganisa pasta, Kamuning iced tea, Kamuning chicken basket (traditional fried chicken),

Strawberry Cake 

Hot Chocolate

Jonel Uy and Wilson Lee Flores

Short history

Kamuning Bakery opened in late 1939 as the first bakery in the newly-established Quezon City upon the invitation of President Manuel L. Quezon’s friend and adviser the newspaper tycoon Don Alejandro Roces. It opened in what is now called Barangay Kamuning, the city’s oldest community and once planted with flowering kamuning trees. Kamuning Bakery founders were Atty. Leticia “Letty” Bonifacio Javier (whose parents Miguel and Jovita operated pre-war Manila’s renown Los Baños Bakery in Singalong) and her husband Marcelo Javier Sr.

Letty’s father, husband and a brother-in-law were military officers who became World War II heroes, they died fighting the Japanese military invaders. Letty raised three small kids on her own by running the bakery with integrity, good service and excellent breads.  She passed away two decades ago and the bakery still operated despite the rise of many modern and bigger competitors.

Revival and innovations

Realty entrepreneur, 3-time Palanca award-winning writer & 12-time CMMA award-winning columnist, foodie and history enthusiast Wilson Lee Flores first read about Kamuning Bakery from newspaper columns of his Ateneo college paper Guidon’s moderator the late top food critic Dr. Doreen G. Fernandez. He also read about it in other publications, including the Palayok coffeetable book of Dr. Doreen Fernandez. He loves the traditional pugon-baked, no-preservatives and no-additives breads of Kamuning Bakery.

Wilson Lee Flores wanted to save Kamuning Bakery from obsolescence, so he invested in and revived the bakery in December 2013. He spent 2014 rehabilitating the bakery, and Quezon City honored the revived Kamuning Bakery on October 12, 2014 with its highest “Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal Award” at the Araneta Coliseum.

He asked an old tenant to cut short their lease contract of the bakery’s former old café which was then a dental clinic already, so he restored and reopened it as Kamuning Bakery Cafe  on March 20, 2015.

At another space the old owners used to lease out to a printing shop, Wilson Lee Flores also asked that the lease contract be cut short, so he’s planning another casual restaurant to soon open there beside Kamuning Bakery as a pugon chicken & pugon pizza resto utilizing the rehabilitated second pugon oven. All pugon chicken customers shall get free pugon-baked pandesal breads.


Kamuning Bakery makes artisanal breads, cookies and cakes based on recipes and practices passed on from generation to generation. Built in late 1939, the same wood-fired brick oven (more known as “pugon”) continues to bake traditional bestsellers, two of which are the pan de sal and pan de suelo (a registered trademark of the bakery).

Kamuning Bakery Cafe is more than just a bakery. It is a cherished and well-preserved tradition. It is history made alive with quality products and sincere friendly service.


Contact details
Kamuning Bakery Cafe
No. 43 Judge Jimenez Street corner K-1st Street, near Kamuning Road, Quezon City, Metro Manila, The Philippines
Telephone numbers: 7945045, 9292216
Office Tels: 4112311, 3326066, 4151692, 4126685   Telefax: 4126685

“Like” Kamuning Bakery or Wilson Lee Flores on Facebook, follow Kamuning Bakery and Wilson Lee Flores on Instagram & Twitter for updates, thanks!

Powermac Center unveils the latest lifestyle accesories at PH Fashion Week

Power Mac Center partners for the first time with The Philippine Fashion Week last June 12, at the SM Aura in staging digital tech vibe collaborated with six fashion-forward lifestyle accessories brands making their way to the local runways—Beats by Dr. Dre, Happy Plugs, Casemate, Moshi, Gosh!, and Knomo London. With top designers, Mixy Dy, Lyle Ibanez, Sidney Perez Sio, Jian Lasala, Boyet Dysangco, Anthony Nocom and Audie Ae.

As the Official Technology Retail Partner of the country’s grandest fashion extravaganza, Power Mac Center takes inspiration in bringing together technology and style to glam up the experience of Manila’s fashion glitterati for three days filled with fashion, lifestyle and beauty.

Power Mac Center’s debut on the Philippine Fashion Week runways turns the spotlight on mobile accessories, showcasing global lifestyle brands that serve up mobile accessories as fashion statement pieces and must-haves in the digital era.

“This has been one of the most exciting ventures for Power Mac Center, and we are delighted to work together with Philippine Fashion Week. Our synergy is a reflection of fashion and technology crossing paths to bring about stylish mobile accessories that deliver a visual feast of style, color and texture,” said Power Mac Center Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

“in joining Philippine Fashion Week, Power Mac Center sets a footprint in the fashion circuits as well as push the boundaries for creativeness and versatility in the digital lifestyle realm,” added Mr. Alvarez.

Becoming sleek additions to the Philippine Fashion Week are Power Mac Center brand ambassadors and their mobile accessories brands: Jeron Teng for Beats by Dr. Dre; Gretchen Ho for Happy Plugs; Daniel Matsunaga for Moshi; Mari Jasmine for Case- Mate; Rovilson Fernandez for Goshl; and Vanessa Matsunaga for Knomo London.

*photo credits:  PH Fashion Week

Get ready to dance and sing with the new cast of Hi-5 Philippines!

Hi-5 Philippines takes over other edutainment programs with an all-Filipino cast

The one tv show that I love to watch with my grandson Finn is Hi-5, the award-winning Australian children's edutainment program from a cable channel. It is entertaining, educational and fun. He learns how to dance and sing with the Hi-5 cast.  The educational fun tv show for kids focus on music and movement that attracts children's attention. Hi-5 caters to a wide range of young children which tap their cognitive abilities and learning styles.

The good news is TV5 launches Hi-5 Philippines, a local version of the award-winning Australian children’s edutainment program last June 11 at TV5 studio.  The Hi-5 Philippines features an all-Filipino cast, a first for the series of franchise in Asia. The Hi-5 members are  Gerard Pagunsan, Aira Binas, Rissey Reyes, Alex Reyes, and Fred Lo, sets to bring a Hi-5 House Party in every household with their talent and interaction with kids in both English and Filipino.

A more exciting and fun-filled learning experience awaits kids and their parents as TV5  will start airing on weekdays at 8:30 a.m. starting June 15.

 The dynamic new quintet all boast of extensive backgrounds in performing arts and will now channel that energy to engage kids in music, imaginative play, social interaction, and developmental growth in a fun way.

“With Hi-5 Philippines, we are very excited to bring the world-class edutainment experience closer to more Filipino kids. This is our way of not only showcasing world-class Filipino talent, but more importantly, helping shape our country’s future generations,” said Noel Lorenzana, TV5 president and CEO.

“We are proud to partner with Hi-5 World in introducing to millions of Filipino kids a local version of this highly interactive edutainment show. We are up to the challenge of producing the show that is at par with global standards,” said Jane Basas, Media 5 Corporation president.

Launched in Australia in 1999, Hi-5 rapidly grew in popularity over the years. It has won three Logie Awards for Most Outstanding Children's Program, five ARIA Awards for Best Children's Album and five Australian DVD and Video Industry Awards, among other achievements. It was then that Hi-5 started expanding its reach by franchising the show across North America, Europe, Australasia, Latin America, and Asia.

However, this is the first time that the Hi-5 franchise assembled an entirely new cast for the localization of the show in Asia. The Filipino version of the musical group is currently one of the only two casts for Hi-5, the other one being the Australian cast.

Watch how the Hi-5 gang of Gerard, Aira, Rissy, Alex and Fred makes learning exciting and fun for kids through songs and dancing. Don’t miss Hi-5 Philippines, airing weekdays at 8:30 a.m. starting June 15, only on TV5.

Get ready to dance and sing along the new cast of Hi-5 Philippines Gerard, Aira, Rissy, Alex and Fred. TV5 proudly introduces the all-Filipino cast for the local version of the popular Australian kids’ program, which is a first for the series franchise. Hi-5 Philippines will air weekdays at 8:30 a.m. starting June 15, on the Happy Network TV5.

Take the best Malaysia selfie with #mybffxoxo and win a trip for 2 to Malaysia!

Have you been to Malaysia? If yes, Im sure you have visited the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur or explore the Batu Caves. If you are reading this and still in Malaysia, take a selfie together with the bff, partner and or bestfriend and find out at the end of the post. Or you can check your previous Malaysia selfies with the #bff and post right away.  You can be creative with your obligatory selfies, tweak and post and dont forget to put the hashtag #mybffxoxo

Now, is the best time to visit Malaysia and explore the other "must see" destinations such as Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Aqua KLCC, Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, Mulu Caves and Mount Kinabalu to name a few.

The MyFest 2015 and Be Friends Forever campaign was launched on June 8 at Fairmont Hotel with Honorable Dato' Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia along with the rest of the Malaysia Delegation comprised of State Tourism Boards, Product Owners, Hoteliers, Tour Operators and media guests.

In his speech, His Excellency shared, “For MyFest 2015, we aim to have 29.4 million tourist arrivals and RM89 billion in tourist receipts, leading up to our ultimate goal of 36 million tourists and RM168 billion in tourist receipts by 2020. This is part of the government’s National Blue Ocean Strategy to create value innovation through public-private partnership collaboration. To that end, I would like to invite all of you to work with each other and develop new tourism products and packages that will highlight our culture, and promote it as a tourist attraction to the rest of the world.”

The MyFest 2015 theme which focus on "Endless Celebrations", the year-long calendar is packed with festivities of every genre; such as cultural festivals, shopping extravanganzas, international acclaimed events, eco-tourism events, arts, music showcases, food promotion and other themed events.

The "Be Friends Forever campaign" complements the year-long "Endless Celebrations".  Its as easy as take your best selfie shot with the bff, post those in social network and  have a chance to win a trip for two together with your bff.

The campaign encourages travellers who have been to Malaysia to post their favorite vacation photos on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #mybffxoxo, which also qualifies them to win special monthly prizes from Tourism Malaysia, as well as the grand prize for the promotion – a three days/two nights stay in Malaysia accompanied by his or her best friend (or family member). It sure is fun travelling with friends this time in Malaysia.

“We have always believed that traveling builds more than just character and life experiences. In an eventful place such as Malaysia, you can also build lasting memories, memories that you will cherish forever especially if built with close friends and family.  In this endless celebrations theme lies a call for people to take these celebration with them long after they have returned home,” shares Dato’ Mirza

 He adds, “This special campaign inspired by the Filipinos’ love affair with selfies and picture taking, focuses on not just keeping but on sharing these lasting memories captured digitally and immortalized on social media. In as much as I would love to think that all of us here are all BFF’s, I want to let all Filipinos who have at least once travelled to Malaysia know that we consider all of them and the future generations of countless Filipinos who will take time out to visit my beloved Malaysia, as our best friends forever and my hugs and kisses go out to all of them."


With so many things lined up as well as more events and attractions being held and being put in place in this charming country, Malaysia is happy to inform Filipinos of what they can expect from their trip.

Essilor Ambassador Piolo Pascual joins inauguration of Sight Center in MCU

Essilor, the world leader for corrective lenses, recently launched its very first Sight Center in the Philippines at Manila Central University, College of Optometry in Caloocan last June 9.  The inauguration was attended by Essilor Ambassador Mr. Piolo Pascual and joined by his son Inigo Pascual and guests from media.

Essilor, launches Sight Center in the country to provide optometry students access to the most advanced and updated technology in optical studies and vision solutions. The sight center features fully equipped vision screening rooms complete with clinical refraction equipment, and access to Essilor Academy’s advanced tools and practical trainings in optometry practice.

The first Essilor Sight Center offers optometry students a venue where they can perform hands-on eyesight examinations and diagnoses in an ideal clinic set-up used by actual optometrists.

“We are happy to open our very first Essilor Sight Center in the country, with Manila Central University as our initial partner. Through this project, we hope to support optometry students in their field of specialization by giving them the opportunity to study within an ideal clinic setting, using state-of-the-art technologies and equipment in optometry,” said Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor general manager.

The Manila Central University-College of Optometry is one of the top optometry schools in the country. It is, in fact, the only optometry school in the Philippines recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Development. It has been granted Level III Accreditation status by the PACUCOA, in 2011. The college currently has more than 200 optometry students enrolled who will have the privilege of using the very first Essilor Sight Center in the Philippines.
 
“We are truly honored to be chosen as the initial beneficiary of the very first Essilor Sight Center in the Philippines. Through this partnership project, we can provide a better avenue for our students to learn and master their skills in optometry using Essilor Sight Center’s advanced state-of-the-art technology,” said Dr. Aristotle Malabanan, MCU President.

According to Dr Christine Rodriguez, dean of MCU’s College of Optometry, the opening of the Essilor Sight Center is a boost to the reputation of the College as one of the best in the country. “We hope that, with the enhanced facilities and better technology that the College now offers, more students will be inspired and motivated to pursue and specialize in Optometry, “she added.

Amway launches eSpring Water Treatment System certified to meet NSF/ANSI Drinking Water Standards

Amway Scientist and Water Expert, Rob Missman

Amway launches eSpring Water Treatment System last June 10 at Intercontinental, Manila with Guest Speaker Amway Scientist and Water Expert, Rob Missman.  eSpring Water Treatment system recently celebrate  its 15th year of bringing fresh clean water to the table. The eSpring Water Purifier system is certified to reduce more contaminants of any other unit that combines UV Light and Carbon filtration. Its even safe for making milk formula for babies, and there is no need to buy bottled/purified water. You can save a lot if you are into drinking/buying bottled water everyday. The eSpring unit treats up to 5,000 liters/1,320 gallons of water between filter changes, which meets an average family's daily needs for a year.

The eSpring Water Treatment System is now the world’s number-one selling brand of home water treatment systems, based on a Verify Markets study of 2012 global sales. The study includes water treatment systems sold through retail channels as well as through direct selling. You can only avail of eSpring through Amway direct selling.

No person can survive for more than a few days without water. This is because the human body is composed of anywhere between 60% to 80% water, depending on age or gender. Our whole immune system depends on water, as it helps us fight off illnesses, helps us digest our food and get rid of waste. It is therefore of vital importance that the water we drink be as a clean and germ free as possible.

A World Health Organization (WHO) study conducted in 2012 found that about 2.2 million people worldwide die of diseases from contaminated water annually.  WHO found that specifically in Southeast Asia and Africa, yearly deaths from contaminated water account for up to 8.5% of all deaths in those regions annually.  For all our modern technology, water-borne infections remain a constant and very real threat to our health.

Industrialized countries with good water infrastructure can have issues where household tap water may become contaminated by a variety of chemicals and microorganisms. In the Philippines, there is an increasing demand for purified and bottled water, because of the impurities present in the water currently being supplied from the tap.

“eSpring™ Water Treatment System  is the culmination of 20 years of research and development”, says Amway scientist and water expert, Rob Missman.  “The eSpring™ Water Treatment System eliminates 99.9% of all water borne contaminants, while retaining nearly 100% of whatever minerals are present in the water”. 

eSpring™ Water Treatment System utilizes a patented inductive electronic coupling technology to power an internal Ultraviolet (UV) Light, this means that the unit is not plugged directly into a power source, thus virtually eliminating the risk of electrocution. The UV light works in tandem with a patented carbon blocker cartridge that is monitored electronically.  This ensures that you always know when your cartridge needs replacing.  This in turn guarantees that your water is always safe to drink.

“As part of Amway’s commitment to promoting good health, we understand the need for sustainable, clean water. We are addressing that need through eSpring.  With eSpring, Amway would like to bring back the good old days of drinking tap water that is clean and potable”. Says Amway Country Manager Leni Olmedo. 

The eSpring Water Treatment System is the number one selling home water treatment system in the world.  It is exclusively distributed by Amway, the global leader in direct selling.

Watch out for the Season 3 of the dark and haunting "Hannibal"

The dark and haunting series “Hannibal” returns for a third season, revealing the fates of characters hanging in the balance, and the continuing psychological cat and mouse games they face.

After the shocking events of the season two finale, Hannibal (Mads Mikkelsen) is on the run in Europe—accompanied by his psychiatrist Bedelia Du Maurier (Gillian Anderson)—sporting a new identity, but servicing the same insatiable appetite. As the lives of Will (Hugh Dancy), Jack (Laurence Fishburne), and Alana (Caroline Dhavernas) converge toward Hannibal again, each with their own motivations to catch him once and for all, their deadly dance turns in startling and unexpected ways.

Hannibal S3 premieres on June 9 and airing every Tuesdays thereafter at 9.45pm, first and exclusively on AXN

AXN is seen on SKYcable Channel 49, Cignal Digital TV Channel 49, Cable Link Channel 38 and Destiny Cable 61.

Style Origins takes center stage at Trinoma Activity Center

CATCH THIS SEASON’S INSPIRING TRENDS AT TRINOMA’S STYLE ORIGIN

Style Origins takes center stage as Ayala Malls, the country's leading lifestyle and shopping destination presents fashion innovations and inspired designs. Put the spotlight on selected fashion brands, designers and global icons, highlighting their craftsmanship and passion last June 6 at Trinoma Activity Center.

Style Origin—with the support of its partners The Philippine STAR; TIGER 22 media corporation and its exclusive radio station partners, Magic 89.9, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, 99.5 Play FM and 103.5 K-Lite; and Star World—brings to the forefront exciting fashion forecasts and retail lifestyle must-haves through grand runway shows aimed to invigorate your fashion senses as well as inspire your growing seasonal wardrobe.

Following its successful launch at Greenbelt last May 8, Ayala Malls’ Style Origin unfurls the most enchanting runway for the lifestyle destination’s legendary list of international brands and local design stalwarts in ten premier Ayala Malls. The campaign made its way to TriNoma on June 6-7 with three fashion shows, all under the direction of Ariel Lozada. 

Last June 6 at 4pm,  Style Origins presents Mensweek showcasing the collections and designs from Sassa Jimenez, Herbert Custodio, James Reyes and M Barretto back to back with with foreign and local brands in the High Street Fashion Show.

 Special appearances by brand ambassadors and personalities from the Quezon City revitalized the final show on June 7 at 5pm, featuring hip and trendy pieces from homegrown labels. With beautifully curated collections , inspiring runway shows, and a wider reach, Ayala Malls' Style Origin becomes the destination where style is not only discovered, but proudly celebrated.

Visit www.facebook.com/TriNomaAyalaMalls for more photos and brands.

Philam Life elects Axel Bromley as new CEO

Philam Life today announced the election of J.Axel Bromley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2015, subject to regulatory approvals.

Mr. Bromley brings rich global experience to the role, after spending over 20 years of working in Eastern Europe, South and Central America, the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent. He also has more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry, previously as General Manager/Country Manager in Nepal, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Ukraine.

Prior to the election, Mr. Bromley was Director of Strategic Initiatives at AIA Group, Philam Life’s parent company, which is the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group with presence in 18 markets in Asia-Pacific.

AIA considers the Philippines as a high priority market, taking into consideration the country’s booming economy and continued investor confidence. High expectations is alsoplaced on its local subsidiary, Philam Life, to take advantage of the huge potential of the booming market and continue its strong financial performance.

Based on its 2014 year-end audited financial statements, Philam Life’s total assets stood at P226.8 billion and net worth at P85.2 billion.  Total revenues was P35.2 billion, including gross premiums of P18.6 billion and investment income of P12.5 billion.

The company’s strong performance can be attributed to the shift to Unit Linked Products (ULP) which are insurance products tied to investments. These investment-linked products have since been in-demand given the market upswing. With a GDP growth of 6.1% in 2014, the Philippines remains among the top performing economies in Asia.

Philam Life’s banc assurance arm, BPI-Philam also posted strong results in 2014 with total assets of P63.5 billion, net worth of P7.9 billion, and gross premiums of P14.5 billion.

"Philam Life remains committed to become the leading provider in insurance and wealth management solutions. Our vision is to be the undisputed industry leader, in terms of scale, quality and profitability. With the support of our parent company, AIA Group, we are confident to continue providing our customers with a diverse range of products and solutions to address their real life needs,” said Mr. Bromley.

Philam Life newly-elected CEO J. Axel Bromley made a courtesy visit to Insurance Comm.Atty Emmanuel Dooc

Insurance Commissioner Atty. Emmanuel Dooc (center) shakes the hand of newly-elected Philam Life CEO J. Axel Bromley (right) who made a courtesy call together with former Philam Life CEO Estelito Madrid, Jr. (left).


Mr. Bromley brings rich global experience to the role, after spending over 20 years of working in Eastern Europe, South and Central America, the Middle East and the Indian Sub-Continent. He also has more than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry, previously as General Manager/Country Manager in Nepal, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Ukraine.


Prior to the election, Mr. Bromley was Director of Strategic Initiatives at AIA Group, Philam Life’s parent company, which is the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group with presence in 18 markets in Asia-Pacific.