"Strike while the iron is hot."
Some celebrities, while still in show business, have pursued endeavors such as baking during their free time.
They have become so good at it that their hobby has turned into a lucrative business.
The latest star to join showbiz's list of baker/entrepreneurs was Nikki Valdez.
Her Classic Butter Cake became the centerpiece of the dessert station at Paula Peralejo-Fernandez's baby shower.
Meet Miss Buttercream.
Thanks to her sweet tooth, the Kapamilya actress decided to take short courses under Chef Jackie Ang Po, an alumna of the California Culinary Academy.
In her reply to the email sent by PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) Managing Editor Karen Pagsolingan on September 23, Nikki wrote, "I have always wanted to be a pastry chef because of my love for different pastries like cakes, cookies, brownies, etc.
"It was two years ago when I had the chance to finally take short and fast-paced Wilton Cake Decorating courses at Gourdo's and Living Well under Chef Jackie Ang Po."
Her initial plan was to take one class, but she ended up taking the four courses.
She continued, "More than baking, it was the decorating I was really curious about.
"It was only this year again that I started really getting into it and finally started my cake business."
Nikki specializes in buttercream cakes, stating that "their taste is simple and delicious."
How much time does she spend baking and decorating a cake?
She replied, "It depends on how intricate the client could be when it comes to the design of their cakes.
"But for the simple ones, I usually do one cake for a maximum of two hours."
By the way she only has two cake flavors: classic butter and red velvet cocoa.
For inquiries, email miss.buttercream125@gmail.com.
Price depends on the size and design. The seven-inch round costs P755,
while the eight-inch round (her bestseller) costs P855.
Some cakes may cost from P2,000 to P3,000,
inclusive of delivery fee, depending on the design.
Choco Liquor Cakes by Maricar
Maricar Reyes fell in love with baking in November 2014, after she and husband Richard Poon got so inspired by a home baker's chocolate cake.
It was the crooner who suggested adding a hint of liquor to her recipe.
Maricar told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a previous interview, "Sabi kasi ni Richard, if you have a good quality chocolate and a good wine, a red wine, nakaka-enhance ng flavor ng tsokolate yung wine."
It took a matter of months before the couple found the perfect flour to achieve the consistency they wanted and got the perfect mix of liquor.
It was around same time last year when Maricar's cake began earning rave reviews from fellow stars such as Kris Aquino.
For inquiries, send a text message to 0917-864-8282, Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Price starts at P300 depending on the size.
The chocolate cake now has a mocha version.
Baked Bites by ABC
A book on baking given by an ex-boyfriend/chef started it all.
That was in 2008, the year ABC, the initials of Anna Bettina Carlos, learned how to bake a whole wheat bread honey walnut loaf from scratch.
In 2011, she sold her first box of cookies, and decided to turn her hobby into a business.
Her bestseller Nutella Rocks, which costs 500 pesos per dozen, was a "happy accident."
In a previous interview with PEP, she related, "Christmas 2011. I wanted to bake a cookie that’s like a Ferrero [chocolate] but with the chewiness of Mrs. Fields [cookies], kasi yun ang favorite ko nung bata ako.
“Gawa ako ng cookies... nung third [attempt], iniiyakan ko na. Di ko talaga siya makuha.
"Pinahiran ko ng Nutella. Sarap! This is it!
"So yun ang happy accident ko. I always say that. This is a mistake that brought about my biggest blessing."
To order, send your name, address, contact number, and orders in one message to 0917-861-2483 (BITE).
Triplets mix of Nutella Rocks, Oreo Cheesecake, and Dark Fudge brownies costs P550.
Her milking bombs, P450 per dozen, for nursing moms is a celebrity favorite.
Lollicake Factory by LJ Moreno-Alapag
LJ came across cake pops at the Sweet and Saucy Shop in Long Beach, California, USA, where she and cager Jimmy Alapag got married in 2010.
She told PEP in a previous interview, "I first tried it at the bake shop that made our wedding cake. I got curious kung paano niya nagawang bilog. Pero nagustuhan ko."
Upon her return to Manila, she craved and looked for them but didn't find any bakeshop with cake pops.
That was her cue to introduce "Lollicakes" through social media.
And after taking short courses under Chef Heny Sison, it branched out to a pastry business.
She opened her first shop The Lollicake Factory, at Westdale Residences, 103 West Drive Capitol, Kapitolyo, Pasig City.
For inquiries, send a text message or call 0999-7774-443.
Each cake pop costs P35 and can go as high as P75.
The smallest size of this cake costs P1,250.
