Foreword of “Best Desserts”
As if overnight, the Philippines has become a desserts nation, and most probably is not unique, in that sense, in the world.
Sweets are being churned out, in very innovative and enticing ways, not only by restaurants, hotels or other commercial establishments, but also by individual homes. These are mostly housewives or stay-at-home women who whipped up these yummy desserts for their families, then started giving them as gifts to friends, until the demand grew and orders began pouring in from everywhere.
I remember that more than a decade ago, we would go to Forbes Park, Makati, to pick up our orders of strawberry shortcake from the home of Mrs. Yulo. Baby Yulo was among the early favorites for home-baked specialties. Her strawberry shortcake, as far as we’re concerned, is unmatched to this day—pricey, yes, but it’s obvious her household doesn’t scrimp on ingredients.
Today, there are countless others like her. In 2008, noting how Inquirer Lifestyle readers and friends would always inquire about what sweet goodies to buy and where, we thought of asking our food writer Vangie Baga-Reyes to make the Best Desserts list.
Not only was our 2008 Best Desserts List well-read; it also became a most visible merchandise signage for these independent bakers. The List has been posted in many public places, from malls where some of these bakers joined fairs, to independent stores.
We knew right there and then that we had stumbled on an idea that our readers and the public would continue to look for.
We have been doing and updating our Best Desserts List since then—for readers and consumers who love to order desserts.
This book published by Philippine Daily Inquirer is taking it a step further. The List has close to a hundred of dessert makers with a steady following through the years. It’s been updated. Now consumers can keep the compilation for quick, easy reference when they want to call up for dessert specialties.
And one more thing—these desserts bring out the ingenuity of the Filipino. It’s amazing what ingredients and innovative methods they come up with to produce a unique offering of love for their loved ones.
These desserts are a testament to the Filipino’s creativity and gracious hospitality.
“Best Desserts: Inquirer Lifestyle Most-Read Ultimate List” by Vangie Baga-Reyes is available in National Book Store, Powerbooks, Fully Booked and Bufini.