Pastel in a box

Pronounced with a silent “j,” Vjandep’s Pastel is a staple among travelers toting up boxes at airports, bus stations or on ferries especially if they’re coming from the south of the country. It is what otap is to Cebu, piyaya is to Iloilo and ube jam is to Baguio. Vjandep’s Pastel is the quintessential pasalubong from Mindanao’s gateway Cagayan de Oro and the surrounding provinces.

Vjandep’s Pastel takes inspiration from the “pastel,” a native of Camiguin. The original recipe dates back to the Bollozo family until it became a familiar treat during fiestas and special occasions. 

Pastel from Heaven

Virgilio Jose and Eleanor Popera, from whose names spawned the brand Vjandep, weren’t keen on starting an enterprise. Virgilio was a military man and Ella was a housewife happily tending to their three children. Eventually, Ella decided to make her time useful by pursuing a hobby while she waits for her husband to come home from military stint. In her prayers, she asked for something worthwhile and profitable. Then it came to her in three dreams—the vision of pastel, the way she remembered her aunts made it when she was young, and on one occasion, her grandparents making bread. She believed it was the answer she was waiting for.  

Ella and Virgilio’s delicious caramel-filled buns found a new and rightful home in a box aptly named Vjandep’s Pastel. It has also taken on more exciting flavors. The crowd favorite classic custard is just one of 12. There’s also the special custard — which is twice as rich and creamy — cheese, mango, ube, pineapple, strawberry, langka, guava, macapuno, and even durian. 

 “We really started small because we never thought Vjandep’s Pastel would become a full-fledged business. I simply asked God for something I can do with my time until my husband is home for a break,” explained Ella. 

Ella attributes Vjandep’s sweet success to passion, dedication and quality ingredients. She makes sure they use only the best ingredients particularly in the way they make their fabulous filling. For her, only Alaska evaporated milk and Alaska sweetened condensed milk fit the bill.

Vjandep’s Pastel has four branches in Cagayan de Oro and is being distributed nationwide through SM, Shopwise and other supermarkets. It can also be found in malls, airports, bus terminals, and seaports in CDO.