Conti’s marks 29th year with new offerings, worker tribute

MANILA, Philippines — Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant is marking its 29th anniversary by recognizing its long-serving employees and introducing two new cake creations.

The company recently held a reunion at its Westgate branch, bringing together employees who had been with the business since its early days, when it started as a home-based operation in a garage kitchen in Parañaque.

Founded by sisters Cecille Conti-Marañon, Carole Conti-Sumulong and Angela Conti-Martinez, Conti’s has grown from a small family-run business into a nationwide bakeshop and restaurant chain.

The sisters said one of their most rewarding experiences has been seeing customers embrace the food they originally prepared for family and friends at home.

Carole recalled the Christmas season when demand for their products began drawing customers from outside their neighborhood, prompting long queues in the subdivision.

“We had goosebumps. The traffic in a private subdivision, the fact that people were really coming back to order, it felt so good to make other people happy with the food that we serve,” she said.

The founders also credited their employees for helping build the business, with some members of the team having stayed with the company since it first opened.

Cecille said the sisters personally trained their employees, many of whom have grown alongside the business.

“Some of our employees have been with us from way back when we opened at home. We really trained them. Cooking is labor-intensive, but you know, it’s just so fulfilling to see your employees uplift their lives,” she said.

Angie described the employees as “God-sent,” while Carole credited their humility and hard work for helping shape the company.

The anniversary celebration also highlighted Conti’s workplace culture, which the sisters said was built around mutual support, respect and treating employees as an extension of their family.

Alongside the anniversary activities, Conti’s introduced two new handcrafted cake offerings: the Mocha Latte Cake and Frozen Brazo.