Dagondon, Zyra

BSIT 1R2
Vjandep Pastel of Camiguin
Camiguin is a small island off the coast on the northern side of Misamis
Oriental. Second only to Batanes as the smallest island in the Philippines,
Camiguin spans just 238 sq. km. At its longest, it is just 23 kilometers or basically
the whole stretch of EDSA. Often dubbed the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin
harbors seven volcanoes, including Mount Vulcan and Mount Hibok-hibok. Its
landscape has been continuously shaped and reshaped by volcanic activities,
giving this island paradise countless natural attractions. Aside from the hot and
cold springs and lush forest cover and the lanzones that Camiguin Island is noted
for, another unmistakable sign of the island is its sweet yema pastel– now in 11
other flavors–from the Vjandep bake shop in Catarman, Camiguin. Pastel is a
proudly Camiguin delicacy. It used to be available only in Camiguin in the 90’s
but as of today it is widely available in other parts of the country. The most
popular brand is Vjandep. Despite its size, Camiguin is a trove for foodies. Most
of the food is still hugely Filipino, but International influences are slowly creeping
in. Thanks in part to the expats who settled in the island, and the growing tourist
community with varying palates.
Pastel was originally a spanish term for cake. In english, it is called as a soft
dough coffee bun. At first glance, you will only see a boring pandesal, but what
lies inside the soft bread is a milky golden treasure of yema (custard) filling that's
dense and sticky. Yema is made with egg yolks, milk, and sugar which is a
perfect combination of the bread. The bread is soft and pillow-like, and upon
breaking it you expect a bit of disappointment, hoping there is no sight of un-filled
spaces. But the makers of VjAndep’s version seem to have perfected the filling to
bread ratio of this pastry. Though pastel originated from the early Spanish
settlers in the island in the 17th century and adopted by the natives–Vjandep
reformulated the dough and other ingredients to what it is now, then market-
tested it in October 1993.
For decades, pastel has been a traditional delicacy served during special
occasions, especially in the time of fiesta. It has been like that for many years,
until the Bollozo family cooked it up and started a business venture. Vjandep
Pastel Buns started in 1990, they began producing the tasty pastel with no
expectation of it becoming the sweet delicacy of the island. Vjandep is an
acronym of the owner's name Virgilio Jose and his wife, Eleanor Popera.
According to Eleanor Popera who was born and raised in Camiguin, it all started
with a typical storytelling with their kids before going to sleep. They asked their
three kids about their ambition in life and their answers was to become a doctor,
a pilot, and a scientist. By that, Eleanor keep on praying a lot because the salary
of his husband as an army soldier is not enough to sustain the education of their
children. In a year, her prayers was answered by a dream, she vividly saw how
her ancestors made pastel. On January 7, 1990, she asked her husband to use
his 120 pesos christmas bonus to start a business. The next day, they officially
started the business using initially the family's kitchen. They started to sell three
boxes at thirty five pesos per box, but it was not enough for their relatives and
neighbors. The initial production led to more orders and inspired Ellen to go on.
She was full of hopes and dreams. And her grand vision was fully supported by
her husband, Lt. Col. Virgilio Jose. The reason behind having a wide variety of
flavors for the pastel product is interesting. It’s because Eleanor had neighbors
who always sold her various fruits such as; ube, langka, macapuno, pineapple
and others which resulted to her making pastel of these flavors. Her aim was to
help her neighbor farmers earn but she got blessed instead because these new
flavors were a big hit in the market. The overwhelming customer acceptance
encouraged Ellen to move forward. It now comes in boxes of 12pcs and 6pcs
and is distributed all over the country. It has become a very popular pasalubong
when you come from Camiguin and Cagayan de Oro City. Through the financial
assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Tulong sa Tao Loan,
pastel production increased. The Spanish Assistance for Integrated Livelihood
(Sail) also came in and extended a P100,000 financial assistance. As production
expanded, Lt. Col. Jose decided to retire from military service to focus on the
family business. Today, it is not just Vjandep Pastel, but Vjandep Ventures
Incorporated. The family which makes the most popular pasalubong treat from
Northern Mindanao has launched it's new corporate identity – Vjandep Ventures,
Incorporated. As a new corporate identity, VVI now has taken into its fold three
family-owned brands: Gasa (a one-stop pasalubong shop), Ba'ay (a hostel and
bed & breakfast facility) and Samuel (a restaurant). All three brands are located
at the heart of Mambajao in Camiguin.
It is amazing how a family heirloom recipe and made with loving hands has
come so far to being Camiguin’s best-selling gifts. Vjandep takes pride for being
the number one pastel producer in Region 10. The story of the Bollozo family has
taught me that God answers our prayers, not instantly, but in His right time.
Without patience in life, every thing you do won't turn out well. When God
doesn't give you something, it doesnt mean that he doesnt want to answer your
prayers. Every time you pray, it is answered but you have to understand that God
time is not the same as yours. The Bollozo family showed the strength of a family
and how they helped each other to achieve their dreams in life. Our dreams are
not to be taken for granted. Dreams will lead us in the future. They are what give
us life, they help us succeed in life, and they let our minds roam and soar higher
in the human imagination. Dreams are our guide, all we need to do is follow.
References:
Dela Cruz, R. (2006, May 8). Pastel Unmistakably Camiguin Specialty. Retrieved
from www.philstar.com/business/business-as-usual/2006/05/08/335595/pastel-
unmistakably-camiguin-specialty/amp/.
Damo, I. (2014, December 10). A Heavenly Filling, the Best Buns Ever, a Best-
Selling Pasalubong. Retrieved from https://www.choosephilippines.com/amp/eat/
local-flavors/2240/pastel-buns-camiguins-best-seller-pasalubong.
Curay, K. (2018, February 13). Vjandep Ventures Inc. – The Birth of a
Corporation. Retrieved from http://theexplorerschannel.com/vjandep-ventures-
inc-the-birth-of-a-corporation.
Baluyos, T. (2010, April 8). The Tale of Vjandep Pastel. Retrieved from
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/187734