Gigi Gaerlan of The Custaroonery presents her cupcakes in her just opened cafe Gigi's Coffee and Cupcakes in Eastwood. Photo courtesy of Gigi Gaerlan.
Gigi Gaerlan’s The Custaroonery is a classic tale of how mishaps can turn into beautiful gifts and opportunities. Christmas of 2008, Gigi just wanted to bake something different to give away for family and friends.
They both thought a baking disaster was in the making when her helper placed all the wrong ingredients in a baking recipe. Instead, it produced a custard-like pastry with the top looking like a macaroon. Nonetheless, Gigi shared it with her cousin, which to their surprise gained praises. Gigi had to ask her helper to recall what the latter did.
Custaroons come in original and cheese flavors. Photo by Elyse Go, InterAksyon.com.
Gigi soon developed and adjusted the recipe in what has now become her famous custaroons—creamy, light to the taste, not so sweet, and sticky but so lip-smacking good. Gigi got a space at the parking lot of St. Pio Chapel Compound in Quezon City where she set up The Custaroonery. Word quickly spread. The small shop has been getting its share of parishioners and devotees of Padre Pio alike. People would drop by after Mass to buy her delightful custaroons.
Within the community, The Custaroonery became a sort of best-kept secret.
The Custaroonery signage of the store inside Padre Pio Chapel's parking area. Photo by Elyse Go, InterAksyon.com.
Sophisticated. Quality. Affordable. These are Gigi’s stamp of excellence in every custaroon she makes, fueled by love and passion. For Gigi, the craft that she does may be bone-tiring but definitely heart-happy. “It’s not work at all” and if it’s from Gigi, you’re satisfied and happy. Gigi will not settle for anything less than just the best—from ingredients to presentation, packaging and customer service. Gigi will give your so much more than what you ask for. On the onset, her product may look expensive, but many will be surprised at the price for the quantity and richness of experience you get.
A box of six is Php180; box of 12 is Php300, and box of 24 is Php550. Bite-size custaroons come in as a box of 15 at Php180; box of 30 at Php280, box of 60 Php500, and box of 120 is Php900.
Charming boxes to go with the delicious custaroons and cupcakes. Photo by Elyse Go, InterAksyon.com.
Gigi’s custaroons will last you 3-4 days in cool room temperature, 3-4 weeks at least when refrigerated and as long as 6 months when frozen. For the length of time, the custaroons could last, by the time it’s been four weeks or six month, eating is would be like priceless already for exactly the same quality and good as new.
“Nothing comes close” as Gigi laughingly shares. But one would agree. You may taste macaroons or even custaroon-like products sold outside, buy may forget where it’s bought. As her tagline goes, It is deliciously unique and uniquely delicious.
As TV5′s Danton Remoto would say about Gigi’s cupcakes, the taste is not cloying , it is sweet but one will not get tired of it. Ingredient in Every bite, as Interkasyon’s social media editor Robert Basilio, exclaimed, “There’s a coffee bean!”
From her small little nook at the parking lot of Padre Pio and surprised by the overwhelming reception of her goodies, before Eastwood City in Quezon City, Gigi has now taken bolder steps by creating a coffee and cupcakes store by the entrance of Eastwood City.
Though inside the compound, Gigi’s shop is still isolated from the center allowing people to enjoy a quiet conversation over coffee. Passersby are lured to step in after seeing its charming outdoor garden theme through the café’s glass windows.
Green and bright garden-themed nteriors of Gigi's Coffee and Cupcakes. Photo courtesy of Gigi Gaerlan.
• The Custaroonery Manila is at the parking lot of St. Pio Chapel Compound, 188 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Bagumbayan, Quezon City (entrance is in between Honda and Petron/ right beside Eastwood City). Gigi’s Coffee and Cupcakes is at Felina Corporate Plaza Lobby, Eastwood City. Orders may also be made through 0918-8282929.Check her website at http://www.custaroons.com/Gigis_Custaroons/Goodies.html
