MANILA, Philippines — Who would have imagined that a shared interest among foodies would lead to the creation of the most delectable cheesecake in town?
Flashback to the '90s when three members of the PAGCOR Chorale and certified foodies came together: Melvyn Isidro, Marlon Patling and Shirly Luna. One would often catch these three trying out various food havens within and around the metro. It was during one of these food escapades when they realized that the desserts they love to enjoy were a little heavy on the pocket. Melvyn, recalling how he loved the cakes and pastries his mom used to make for him when he was younger, thought that releasing his mother’s baked goodies for public consumption would be a viable business. In an instant, the three hopped on their most palatable adventure to-date. Cheesecake Melliza was born and as they say, the rest is history.
The foodie-turned-businessmen aptly named their venture after their dessert guru (and Melvyn’s mom), Melliza Villa Ignacio-Isidro, whose recipes and style in baking the three adopted. All-time home-made favorites such as the Classic Cheesecake, Blueberry Cheesecake and Oreo Cheesecake were, of course, not missed in the menu of the then start-up venture. Cheesecake Melizza had its share of birth pains the proprietors started marketing their product within their peers, co-workers and members of the chorale. After a year of peer-to-peer marketing the demand soared.
Soon, in 2001, the three friends realized that it was time to open their first store along Kamagong Street in San Antonio Village Makati. With nothing but the freshest and choicest ingredients, the brand began resounding in many households in Makati that additional Cheesecake Melliza kiosks had to be opened to respond to the heightened demand for its tasty and affordable treats. Next to open were mall branches in various hang-outs such as the Food Choices at the Glorietta 4 in 2003, the Mall of Asia in 2006 and Robinson’s Place Manila in 2007.
Along with the branch expansion was the expansion of Cheesecake Melliza’s dessert menu. Added to the list of now party favorites are Mango Cheesecake Walnut, Devil’s Food Cheesecake and Tiramisu Cheesecake. Aside from its delectable cheesecake menu, Cheesecake Melliza has also added to its menu to-die-for cakes and pastries such as the Chocolate Mousse Pavlova, Wet Dreams ChocolateCake and Red Velvet Cake. Cheesecake Melliza even has sugar-free choices for the health conscious! With prices starting at Php 89.00 a slice, it’s a definite home-run for anyone’s sweet tooth (and pocket!).
Many have asked, “When will the singing trio ever bring Cheesecake Melliza north of the metro?” Well, the wait is over…gone are the days of driving to and from Makati, Manila or Pasay, route searching to avoid traffic jam for a slice of heaven in that burnt-orange box.
Just last May 1, the upper ground floor of SM City North Edsa’s main building opened Cheesecake Melliza to its numerous patrons from the QC and its neighboring cities. Visit Cheesecake Melliza and give your sweet tooth a tasty treat! (JMRSabater)
source: mb.com,ph