Really, I don't know what it is about freshly baked bread and any good bread for that matter, that's so comforting. But me and my family - and possibly several hundreds more of Malabon residents - we are just so thankful that there are two neighborhood bakeries that we grew up with and still get to enjoy today.
LA ILUSTRE HOUSE OF BREAD
Even before the more commercial Pullman loaf breads became available at the supermarkets, Malabon residents were already enjoying high-quality tasty bread from LA ILUSTRE bakery since it was opened in 1969 by Cecilia Noble-del Rosario.
Although their store was located in Barangay Hulo, some distance away from our house, their tasty bread was always readily available at the visita (the market at Barangay Concepcion). Soft, fluffy slices that, especially when newly baked, you could eat and enjoy even without putting any spread or filling. In 1974 LA ILUSTRE also came out with Nutribuns, which they supplied to the USAID for its feeding program. Aside from their tasty bread, LA ILUSTRE now sells other baked goodies.
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| It's obvious from this spread that the Beehive, a soft cupcake with luscious merengue topping, is a bestseller. It's one of my favorites, too. |
The old CONCEPCION BAKERY
CONCEPCION BAKERY was put up by the Gregorio family in the late 1940s, according to the staff who was minding the store when I dropped by. The store sign now says "R. B. Gregorio Bread House," but it is still being run by one of the sons of the original owner.
Located at the corner of General Luna and Bernardo Streets, CONCEPCION BAKERY was right within our block and so convenient whenever we were in the mood for freshly-baked pan de sal for breakfast or merienda. The bakery became popular for their pianono, a small sponge roll with yema filling. We also buy their camachile to go with pancit Malabon.
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| A fresh coat of paint, new name and signage, and glass and aluminum counters gives the bakery an updated look. But the store interior and the pianono and camachile on the shelves are an old familiar sight. |
la ilustre
LA ILUSTRE HOUSE OF BREAD
30 Naval Street
Barangay Hulo, Malabon City
Tel. No. 281.6540
R. B. GREGORIO BREAD HOUSE
(formerly CONCEPCION BAKERY)
General Luna corner Bernardo Street
Barangay Concepcion, Malabon City
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The pianono rolls are a thing of my youth. Having studied at Jose Rizal High School (which is now Elisa Esguerra High Schol, as the old EEHS is a vacant building for God knows how long now), we'd pass by this bakery to buy the rolls for merienda or as baon. Up to now, masarap pa rin ang rolls nila, super cheese-filled! But of course, the costs have changed sooo much! :)
ReplyDeleteYes, Concepcion Bakery's baked goodies are comfort food for many of us! I'm glad they're still around and I still get to enjoy their pianono. Thanks for sharing.
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