BIBINGKA is considered as one of the most-loved festive kakanin by Kapampangans. Craved especially during the Christmas season, it is a comfort food that can be enjoyed during breakfast, brunch or snacks.
The fresh aroma with a hint of fragrant burnt banana leaves with the cool breeze of December just makes one look for a serving this season. With harmony of flavors just like the choir singing Christmas carols, the mixture of subtly sweet galapong (rice flour), buttery, savory salted eggs, cream cheese and the richness of freshly grated coconut, bibingka is perfect.
During the late 70’s in Angeles City, a favorite brand of bibingka was the version of husband and wife Nelson and Evangelina Manankil. They were the owners of Nelson’s Balloons and Party Needs located in Plaridel Street, right at the city's downtown.
Coping with the demands, the Manankil couple then supplied breads and cakes to their customers.
“Yun nga dahil party needs, yung mga tao naghanap din ng mga cakes, so I started studying, how to make cakes? Pero nung sa cakes, ang ino-offer nilang lesson, syempre basic baking. Hindi lang puro cakes, meron mga breads,” Evangeline Manankil says.
So, venture the Manankils in food.
Among their best sellers were buko pie, empanada, ensaimada with an “i” (from the root word “saim” or pork lard).
And, of course, the bibingka. And it was not just an ordinary one as people lined up for Nelson’s bibingka.
“It’s a constant favorite in our store,” she recalls.
Evangelina is the daughter of Bernardino and Virginia “Apung Iniang” Flores, owner of the most popular eatery in Angeles City – the “Iniang’s Place”. Apung Iniang’s pancit luglug and halo halo were frequented during those days.
But with the tragic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, Nelson’s was not spared as it affected their business. Angeles's favorite bibingka disappeared from the food scene.
But Manankil continued to prepare bibingka on special occasions for family and friends to enjoy.
Inspired by favorable comments from frequent tasters, the family decided to revive Nelson’s best-loved products.
After more than two decades, Nelson's is back in business, offering three of their best products -- bibingka, puto bumbong and tsokolateng batirol.
Nelson’s bibingka is so loved by customers because it is made of complete ingredients according to Manankil. And why not? After all, the secret recipe was preserved and well kept for the past 20 years.
“Complete yung ingredients, hindi ko binabawasan, at saka ako, hindi ko pinapalitan yung brand. Kung ano yung brand na natikman nila ng butter, yun ako, Brand conscious ako, maski sa mga damit. Brand conscious ako. Kung anong klaseng butter yun, kung anong klaseng queso de bola yun, yun at yun, maski pa nagmahal siya,” she says.
Her eyes light up, revealing why her bibingka is special: “I stick to my recipe, mahal na mahal ko ang recipe kong yan, hindi ako nag iimprovise na gagawa ka ng iba.”
“Mahal ko ang mga products ko kaya dito sabi ko, ang unang una, customer satisfaction,” she adds.
Another favorite from Nelson’s is the purple-hued puto bumbong. It is made of heirloom rice harvested from the mountain ranges of Cordillera.
“We soak the heirloom rice with pandan leaves for six hours and we have our own rice grinder, that mean’s at any given time of the day we can serve freshly made puto bumbong,” she says.
“Yung heirloom rice, na-source ng anak ko sa isang agri trade fair, it solved all my problem. Nakuha ko yung lasang gusto ko, yung kunat na gusto ko, yung chewy siya pero malambot ang pagka chewy...yan (puto bumbong) malambot and stays soft,” the owner of Nelson’s Bibingka shares.
Family and friends abroad can have a taste of home because Nelson’s also offers vacuum packaging, prolonging the shelf life of their favorite products.
“Ngayon pong nagbalik na ang Nelson’s Balloons and Party Needs nasabi ninyo na nami miss ninyo, nandito po kami sa Stall H, sa Quad at the Nepo Center. You can place your orders 2 hours before, to avoid yung naghihintay pa kayo at 09499927508, pero kung bulk orders, give us one day and we also do vacuum packaging for our balikbayans two (2) days in advance din,” says Evangelina Manankil.
“Baka kayo na lang ang di nakatikim,” she chuckles with excitement.
Nelson’s bibingka and puto bumbong will remain favorites because the quality was well kept throughout the years.
You bet, from the baby boomers of the 70s to millennials today, this serving stayed yummy and savory.
That's bibingka. The one and only Nelson's bibingka.