The Cake Architect is In

Chef Myla Lapuz Mabute and Rubi Lapuz-Loteyro, a creative duo behind breathtaking bespoke cakes, from grand wedding masterpieces to whimsical cartoonthemed delights. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

” Don't chase money; if you love your work, success will follow — when you focus on money, you'll be stressed, but when you enjoy what you do, opportunities will come naturally, without compromising quality.”

THERE will be a point in our life when we'll question what we truly want, whether it's a stable job or something we genuinely enjoy.

The Manila Times caught up with Chef Myla Lapuz-Mabute, a specialist in crafting bespoke cakes and exquisite pastries.

Myla Lapuz-Mabute Owner Miyara Patisserie

Lapuz-Mabute shared her journey, starting as an IT specialist before realizing she wanted a change, prompting her to pursue a new path in baking.

She attributed her career shift to the 2008 recession, which heavily impacted the IT industry and her own job stability, prompting her to make a change in 2009 in Miyara.

“I want to find sustainable work that aligns with my passion for baking, a hobby I've enjoyed since childhood that I'd now like to turn into a career,” Lapuz-Mabute told The Manila Times.

“After learning the basics of baking in 2008-2009, I began with a small home-based venture and eventually grew it into a small shop.”

“As demand grew and our customer base expanded, I moved Miyara Patisserie to a larger location on Burgos Street, leaving behind our humble beginnings on Zamora Street,” she added.

The name “Miyara” comes from the Japanese equivalent of Myla.

“I used 'Miyara,' the Japanese version of 'Myla,' to honor my half-Japanese roots from my father.”

“My favorite color is pink, which is why you'll notice that almost everything is pink.”

Her sister, Rubi Lapuz-Loteyro, was also instrumental in the success of their shop.

“When the volume of custom orders became overwhelming, I partnered with my sister, an artist based in Manila.”

“She joined our business, and together we made it work.”

“I've taken charge of designing large cakes and wedding cakes, while she specializes in creating cartoon-themed and birthday cakes.”

Lapuz-Mabute is often hailed as “Region 8's (Eastern Visayas) Cake Architect,” thanks to her stunning creations that steal the show at weddings, birthdays and other special occasions.

“I never thought I'd be good at it, not being an architect by profession.”

“But having grown up in my father's engineering office, I was surrounded by architectural tools and learned from his friends.”

“It all became intuitive, and I felt right at home with the tools — almost like playing with toys.”

Despite her Computer Science background, she doesn't rely on high-end computer programs or apps for designing cakes.

“I just use simple tools like Microsoft Word, but I actually create my designs by hand.”

“It's all about simple lines, proportions and making sure the top design matches the bottom, and I save the specific details for when the cake is ready.”

“It's like visualizing a chess game, like in 'The Queen's Gambit' where Anya Taylor-Joy's character visualizes moves on the ceiling. I imagine the designs, ingredients and colors playing out in my mind.”

Each project brings a fresh wave of excitement for Lapuz-Mabute.

“Small cakes take one to two days to finish, and they're priced at around P1,500 on average,” she explained

“For giant cakes, it takes at least a month, covering preparation, design and baking, with prices ranging from P40,000 to P100,000,” she added.

“Our prices are more budget-friendly compared to Manila's, and I was surprised to find a market for large cakes here in Tacloban and the province.”

She shared an experience of baking a giant cake for an event on Kalanggaman Island, Palompon, Leyte (about 80 kilometers from Tacloban downtown), where 15 hotel and restaurant management interns, and 10 staff members assisted her.

“Assembling the cake here and transporting it isn't an option — it might get ruined.”

“Instead, we bring everything to the venue and work on-site.”

“For the Kalanggaman Island event, we pulled an all-nighter, bringing a month's worth of planning to life. I love that we could rise to the challenge.”

With a 100-percent focus on her bakeshop, Lapuz-Mabute is actively involved in every aspect, including hands-on staff training.

“Training staff can be challenging as it requires patience and investment, especially when dealing with potentially unloyal or headstrong individuals,” Lapuz-Mabute said.

Expansion and branching out are possibilities she's willing to consider.

“I'd like to expand regionally, including Cebu, but I'm struggling with how to maintain quality control over long distances,” she explained.

“Training is a major concern — I don't want to compromise my standards,” she added.

Her advice to fellow entrepreneurs echoes what many successful business people say: enjoy your work and continually hone your craft.

“Don't chase money; if you love your work, success will follow — when you focus on money, you'll be stressed, but when you enjoy what you do, opportunities will come naturally, without compromising quality,” Lapuz-Mabute concluded.

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Quick Questions

What is your greatest fear?

Death and to lose control over the most important thing I have in my life.

What really makes you angry?

Disrespect.

What motivates you to work hard?

My family, business and my name.

What makes you laugh the most?

Funny Jokes and experiences! But nothing beats reminiscing old funny memories!

What would you do if you won the lotto?

Staying quiet about it — 50-percent save and invest, 25-percent pay bills, 25-percent share, and 25-percent travel and indulge but not overspend! Wow!

If you could share a meal with any individual, living or dead, who would he or she be?

Always with my husband, sharing meals with Chef Keiko Nagae, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk! OMG!

What was the last book you read?

“My Vegan Cookbook”

Which celebrity would you like to meet

for a cup of coffee?

Myrna Tam-Natividad.

What's the most daring thing you've ever done?

Literally bringing “my kitchen” offshore!

What is one thing you will never do again?

Unhealthy lifestyle.