It has been 25 years since a brave and innovative entrepreneur opened a bakery-café selling European-styled breads and pastries alongside local favorites like pan de sal and ensaymada in a mall in Quezon City. Efforts of The French Baker founder and CEO Johnlu Koa more than paid off as the family-oriented business has since expanded into a casual dine-in that offers a complete menu, thanks to the love and support of his lovely wife Alou, his patient mother Cristina and the rest of the Koa family. To thank customers who have embraced and supported the patisserie over the years, Johnlu Koa launched the “Visit Paris in Summer 2015” raffle promo. On March 20, 2015, the grand raffle draw date, a family of four will win a grand trip of a lifetime—a chance to see and feel the beauty and charm of Paris that captivated the young Koa on his first trip to the City of Lights. Tableaus of fashion, art, music, food and entertainment were also displayed at the launch held at the SM Mega Fashion Hall for the enjoyment of the guests that included public servants, dignitaries, the Koa family’s friends, and representatives from The French Baker’s partner foundations. The night before, Johnlu also received the award for the Outstanding Category of the Asia-Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA), one of the very first Filipino entrepreneurs in the history of APEA to be given the coveted award. The French Baker now has 52 branches all over the country and has expanded to include its “Salon de The.” Congratulations on your milestones, Johnlu!