All hail the mighty pandesal

ARTISANAL, 80-year-old Ka­muning Bakery once again spearheaded the celebra­tion of World Pandesal Day last Oct. 16 giv­ing away more than 70,000 pandesal to residents of Que­zon City.

Big names in show business and politics graced the occasion, a brain­child of Kamuning Bak­ery owner, realty entrepreneur and writer Wilson Lee Flores.

Among them Senator Cynthia Vil­lar, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Regal Films founder Mother Lily Y. Monteverde.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte also sent his congratulatory message, which read in part:

“As you honor our history and heritage by showcasing the re­markable skills of Filipino bakers, I encourage you to create more job opportunities for our people. I also call on you to engage in corporate social responsibility and pursue ini­tiatives that will improve the lives of your workers and our localities… I wish you a success­ful and joyous event.”

For­mer Senate President Manny B. Villar, who also writes a regular col­umn in Tempo, on his part, shared, “The pandesal has a very special place in my life. When I was young I would help my Nanay Curing in selling shrimp and fish in Divisoria. And I would wake up early in the morning, take a quick breakfast of nilagang kape and pandesal before walking to the market. The smell of coffee and hot pandesal triggers fond memories of my childhood. And I am certain that pandesal has become part of the Fil­ipino life too. I wish you a successful celebration of World Pandesal Day. And I sincerely pray for God’s help as you revive an important pillar of our culture and history.”

GMA Network, Inc. Chairman and CEOAtty. Felipe L. Gozon, said in his message: “I first stepped into the doors of Kamuning Bakery Café a long time ago upon the invita­tion of my friend, Wilson Lee Flores. The smell of freshly baked pan de sal and brewed coffee evoke warm memories of home. The bakery and I share something special. This year, we both turn 80 years old! Congratula­tions Wilson and team for shining the spotlight on our country’s humble yet popular bread and for celebrating by sharing your blessings with others.”

Flores said he was inspired to start “World Pandesal Day” due to the Bible story of the boy who shared 5 loaves of breads and 2 fishes, which Jesus Christ multiplied to feed over 5,000 men plus many women and children.

He added, “World Pandesal Day is a civic and cultural project that hopes to honor the humble yet great Filipino bread pandesal, it is Kamuning Bak­ery Cafe’s thanksgiving for continuous public patronage since 1939 despite the rise of many giant bread facto­ries and modern bakery chains, also despite a destructive 2018 fire which heavily damaged our beloved bakery.”

As part of the month-long celebra­tion, Kamuning Bakery Café also or­ganised free medical, dental and opti­cal missions in its premises last Oct. 6.

The next one will be on Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.