People from all walks of life, celebrities and politicians included, all agree: No other hopia comes close to that of Eng Bee Tin’s.
Now considered legendary, Eng Bee Tin’s hopia, which now comes in different flavours, was actually born way back in 1912.
But it was not as we know it today.
According to Gerick Chua, fourth-generation owner of the well-loved brand, their hopia had its ups and downs.
“Nung una typical na hopia lang talaga siya pero eventually wala nang bumibili, humina. Ang sabi nga ang Eng Bee Tin hopia dati, pag binato mo, buo pa rin, kasi ang tigas!”
It was Gerick’s father Gerry who actually propelled its renaissance in the ‘80s.
But it wasn’t a walk in the park.
Gerick shared, “It actually took some time. Nabaon kami sa utang.”
Until his dad stumbled into a novel idea: Ube-flavored hopia.
“Nag-innovate ang dad ko,” Gerrick related. “Binago niya ang recipe. Naglabas siya ng iba’t-ibang flavours. Pinasarap niya. He highlighted value for money.”
It was a big hit.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Was it luck? Serendipity?
Said Gerrick, “I don’t think it was luck. It was hard work. My dad didn’t let hurdles bring him down. Nagsipag siya, nagtiyaga at buo ang loob niya, and, I think, more than anything, these helped make our business into what it is now.”
These days, Eng Bee Tin, which actually means “Forever beautiful, precious,” is all about paying it forward.
Apart from Txtfire Philippines, a firefighter volunteer group the company organized from way back, Gerick is also spearheading the annual Bakery Fair as president of the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association Inc. (FCBAI) .
“It’s our simple effort to give back to the bakery community,” he said. “With the Bakery Fair, we get to help those just starting out in the business. We wanted this event to be an avenue where they can be showcased. We have contests, seminars, everything they would need to innovate and spread the word about their business.”
Considered the biggest of its kind here, it is expected to bring together thousands of baking enthusiasts, pastry experts, operators, and entrepreneurs.
Bakery Fair 2023 happens at the World Trade Center from March 2-4.
Register here: https://www.bakeryfair.ph
