Skip the roses, bring out the cake
There’s a saying I once saw on TikTok that stuck with me: “A special date for men is just an average ladies’ night,” and honestly, same. Occasions like Valentine’s Day follow the same playbook: a bouquet of flowers, a candlelit dinner, a gift, a kiss, a hug, and photos to commemorate the event—and end scene.
Marketed and endlessly capitalized on, holidays like these turn romance into spectacle, complete with exorbitantly priced flowers, as if love needs a special date to be celebrated. But who says that Valentine’s Day is only for couples? For single people, or even ladies who just want to celebrate and uplift their girl friends, Galentine’s Day exists—and it’s basically a love letter to friendships, complete with flowers, good food, and yes, even cake.
Because single or not, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Love yourself (and your friends), am I right?
Max’s Corner Bakery: Skip the flowers, get a bouquet cake
Flowers are nice. Cake is nice. But together? Even better. For a limited time, Max’s Corner Bakery introduces the Bouquet Vanilla Cream Cake: a soft vanilla chiffon layered with light strawberry cream and cream cheese frosting, topped with tulip-shaped buttercream blossoms.
A visual stunner made for sharing, it comes with your choice of pink or red tulips in 5-inch and 8-inch sizes.
Pre-order online via https://order.maxscornerbakery.ph/ or https://delivery.maxschicken.com/. Pre-orders require a five- to seven-day lead time. Walk-in same-day purchases are also available in-store while supplies last
Pâtisserie Le Choux-colat: A strawberry dream in mirror glaze
Strawberries and cream—a lovely combination that is timely for this month of love and friendships. And the Finesse Strawberry Cake, a delightful take by Patisserie Le Choux-colat’s chef Ely Salar, is a visual stunner as it is elegant.
Think layers of strawberry mousse, soft genoise, strawberry compote, smooth Finesse cream cheese, and cashew dacquoise. All this in a mirror cake—a Patisserie Le Choux-colat signature—complete with a flower and heart topper, proudly made with Philippine chocolate.
Message @patisserielechouxcolat on Instagram or fill out their order form to place your order. Pre-orders need a minimum of one to two days’ lead time. Pick-up points are at Podium Mall, Mandaluyong, or BF Homes, Parañaque City
Sugarbee: A sweet way to say “I love you”
Nothing says “I love you” quite like a sweet offering, and if you’re craving decadent chocolate, Sugarbee’s bestselling chocolate cake has you covered. Soft, moist, and richly chocolatey, the Love XOXO Cake is a two-layered, six-inch, heart-shaped twist on their classic chocolate cake, which you can easily customize with a short dedication.
It even comes with your choice of salted caramel frosting (a personal favorite) or baby pink-tinted vanilla frosting, finished off with heart-shaped sprinkles—and the best part? A touch of salt, which cuts through the richness and really brings out the cake’s decadence.
Order online via sugarbee.com.ph or through GrabFood. You may also visit their branches at White Plains, Glorietta Mall, SM Megamall, BGC Stopover, Uptown BGC, and South Supermarket
Sainte Anne Cakes: Banana + tiramisu = bliss
Tiramisu has been popular as of late, and what better way to get in on that bandwagon than by indulging in Sainte Anne Cakes’ newest limited-time offering: the Bananamisu Bliss?
Creamy, light, and finished off with fresh bananas for that added bite, this cake brings together the bittersweet notes of coffee, the softness of chiffon cake, and complementary notes of cream and cheese. Whether enjoyed with friends over coffee or as a nightcap after a good meal, this playful take on a classic is a must-try.
Pre-order and secure yours by messaging @sainteannecakesmanila on Instagram. Pick-up locations are in New Manila, Quezon City, and Ayala Alabang
Cravings: Sweet moments shared with a heart-shaped cake
Hearts are everywhere this month, sometimes to the point of being overrated, but this heart-shaped cake from Cravings may change your mind.
A twist on its bestselling chocolate caramel cake, this version is not only heart-shaped—it even comes with fresh strawberries to complement the decadent richness of its chocolate base, caramel icing, and oozing chocolate ganache.
Place your orders through Cravings branches located in Maginhawa QC, Alabang in Filinvest City, Santolan in San Juan, and Cravings Signatures along White Plains Avenue. Browse the full menu at cravingskitchenph.com
Goldilocks: Small cakes, big intentions
Large cakes, at least for small groups, are a big commitment. But small cakes take the pressure off, inviting everyone to try a little bit of everything. Knowing this, Goldilocks launched petite cakes this February—miniature iterations of their signature cakes that come with heart-shaped candies, perfect for gift-giving or sharing with friends.
Choose from the Luscious Petite Mocha for coffee lovers; the Luscious Petite Caramel for those with a sweet tooth; and the Luscious Petite Choco for friends who want a touch of indulgence.
Available for pick-up in your nearest Goldilocks branch, or via delivery through GrabFood, Foodpanda, or goldilocksdelivery.ph
Oye and Olive: Stick together over something sweet
Good friends should stick together, and what better way to commemorate Galentine’s Day than with something sticky and sweet? Something like… sticky toffee pudding, perhaps?
South-based online purveyor Oye and Olive serves up this classic in true English fashion: a moist, dome-shaped sponge cake base dotted with dates, paired with a decadent toffee sauce for that indulgent, caramelly sweetness. Best paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for creaminess, of course.
Message @oyeandolive on Instagram to place your order. Pick-up points are at Ayala Westgrove Heights and Santa Rosa, Laguna
