LESSONS FROM THE MASTER!

Mrs. Avelina Florendo, my cake professor! The only Filipina and asian inducted to the 'Hall of Fame List' by the International Cake Exploration Societe' (ICES) the highest accolade that can be earned by a cake decorator, voted in 2005 by members all over the world. To be in the league of great cake icons like Nicholas Lodge (world reknowed pastry chef), the Wiltons (of the famed Wilton Industries), Joseph Lambeth (English Master), Frances Kuyper (Cake Lady), is every cake decorator's dream. Her local students include Reggie Aspiras, Jill Sandique, Heny Sison, Goldilock's, Red Ribbon, Penk Ching, Chocolate Lovers, Peotraco to name a few. She is called the 'Philippine Cake Queen', 'Mother of all Philipine Cake Decorators', 'Grand Dame of Philippine Cake Decorating and the prime force to thousands of students all earning recognitions in Philippine cake design. My classes with her lasts from 8AM to as late as 8PM, under a one on one supervision.

And she says to me, 'Julio, I can truly say that you are an expert in 'Lambeth' in the closing days of our class. After having her as my mentor for months, I know I AM. She is precise, demanding and focused; I go to her classes physically and mentally prepared with all the hopes and inspirations of what I am going to be under her supervision. She is relentless in her pursuit to educate more herself and shares her newly acquired knowledge to her students. She unselfishly shares her secrets and shows me techniques she invented. She watches closely all that I do and zealously guides me; once I attain a level of dexterity, she then monitors my speed.

She partakes of her many meals, my favorite - 'bringhe,' a kapampangan rice dish she herself prepared in one of my so many free lunches with her during our breaks. In one of our late classes, she asked one student to give me a ride to MRT to ensure my safety knowing that I just take a walk to the station. She takes time to introduce me to her visitors and former students and proudly shows the cake I created. She tags me along in her interviews and insists that I join in picture takings with her.

Dear Ma'am Avelina,

Thank you for the wonderful time I spent at CCS Bakeshop! You have been a very inspiring teacher, a patient friend and loving parent! Whenever I work on my present projects, I always remember the ideals you shared me; in all my endeavours I remember your advice - I even pretend you are just beside me coaching and pushing me to do better! Thank you for all the goodness you showered me in and out of our classes! I know you want me to strive harder and do my best, and I will do so...and that will be my gift to you! I will never stop thanking you ma'am! God bless you always!


Yours sincerely,


Julio