Tributes poured in after the owner of a popular baking supplies store in Cubao announced its closure following almost four decades of operations.
Chocolate Lovers Inc. owner Annie Carmona-Lim said the store, known for its iconic castle-like structure, will permanently close after Christmas.
She said that their last day of operations will be on December 27.
The entrepreneur attributed the closure to her children’s lack of interest in continuing the business, adding that all of them are already living overseas.
She also said that she is already old and finds it difficult to travel around.
“Ang dahilan po kasi ay ayaw na rin po kasing manahin ng mga anak ko. Okay na po kami sa ibang bansa. Ako naman po ay mag-aalaga na lang po ng apo, kasi matanda na rin po ako. Hirap na rin po ako magbiyahe-biyahe,” Annie said in a video message announcement.
The owner also said they are putting the castle-like structure up for sale, but plan to rent it out in the meantime since no one has expressed interest in buying it so far.
“Tatlong taon ko nang iniiyakan ‘to, baby ko kasi ‘to, pero kailangan ko na mag-sabi ng goodbye. Maraming salamat,” Annie said.
Many Filipinos expressed gratitude to the baking supplies store following Annie’s announcement.
“Part of my journey in baking. Chocolate Lover for complete selection of my baking needs. Good luck po. I can feel your pain and gratitude at the same time,” a Facebook user wrote.
“Thank you, Chef Annie and Chocolate Lovers in Cubao… You have been a part of my baking success and I will treasure the memories of going there to shop for ingredients and packaging… Forever iconic, your Chocolate Castle building and all the goodies inside… hugs!” another commented.
“I am crying with you, chef, I was your customer since 1996 up to this day. Thank you so much for sharing Chocolate Lovers with us! God bless you and your family always,” a different Pinoy said.
“OMG!!!! So sad po. Your shop has been a part of my journey as a baker. Hu, hu. On the brighter side po, it’s time for you to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor with your love ones po. God bless,” another commented.
“The OG [original] baking supplies store! From Chef Heny’s studio after class, will go straight to the Chocolate Lover’s Castle. You got everything I needed for baking and packaging. You were a good part of my baking journey. Thank you po!” a different online user said.
“Been an [avid] customer since high school… selling chocolates then transitioned to cupcakes, fondant cakes and dessert bars… you have been a great part of our baking journey… thank you so much, Chocolate Lover Inc.,” another Pinoy wrote.
“Thank you for being part of my baking journey. 2000 po, dumayo ako diyan from Laguna to buy baking ingredients and packaging. Enjoy po with your family. God bless you po, advance Merry Christmas,” another sAID.
Chocolate Lover Inc. has been a fixture at the corner of P. Tuazon Boulevard and C. Benitez St. for 36 years, offering a wide range of baking supplies and even baking classes to the public.
Annie said that she decided to build the store with a castle-like facade because her own story blossomed like a fairy tale.
She started Chocolate Lover Inc. in 1989 with a capital of P6,000 after recovering from cancer. — with reports from Philstar.com/Kristofer Purnell
