Close Menu

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Why This Simple Mindset Is the Real Secret to Getting Hired

    May 30, 2025

    She Believes in Data, Tech, and Metrics—But Says HR’s Real Power Is Culture

    May 30, 2025

    Her Approach to HR Isn’t About Rules—It’s About Rewriting the Employee Experience

    May 29, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn
    Financial AdviserFinancial Adviser
    • Home
    • Success
      • Leadership & Growth
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Business Strategy
      • Inspiring Stories
    • Money
      • Investing
      • Personal Finance
      • Wealth Building
      • Financial Planning
    • Work
      • Career Development
      • Workplace Culture
      • Productivity & Efficiency
      • Management & Performance
    • Life
      • Relationships & Family
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mindfulness & Balance
      • Personal Growth
    • Inspiration
      • Vision & Purpose
      • Overcoming Adversity
      • Motivational Stories
      • Mindset & Motivation
    Financial AdviserFinancial Adviser
    Home»Success»Entrepreneurship»From Wet Market Snacks to Gift-Ready Desserts: How This Couple Rebranded Filipino Kakanin
    Entrepreneurship

    From Wet Market Snacks to Gift-Ready Desserts: How This Couple Rebranded Filipino Kakanin

    FinancialAdviser.phApril 15, 20252 Mins Read
    Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link

    Cassava cakes and kakanin have long been a staple of Filipino street food—often sold from karitons or wet market stalls, wrapped in plastic and brown bags. But for husband-and-wife duo Karlo Cruz and Elisa Siducon, there was an opportunity to do something different. “Ang cassava… kung mapapansin mo, nasa labas lang ng bahay ‘yan, nasa kariton,” Karlo said. “Ang ginawa namin, ‘yung traditional Filipino meal, ginandahan namin ‘yung packaging para pwedeng pang-regalo.”

    With that insight, they transformed these humble delicacies into gift-ready desserts under their homegrown brand, Don Benito’s Cassava and Pichi Pichi. From their first store on Mindanao Avenue—where they lived above the shop and shared one CR with staff—the couple worked tirelessly to refine the product presentation while keeping the authentic taste intact.

    They believed that Filipino favorites like cassava cake and pichi pichi deserved to be served not just on the street, but on dinner tables, in gift baskets, and at celebrations. Their strategy was simple but impactful: retain the traditional flavor, elevate the packaging. “Ginawa lang namin mas malinis, mas maayos,” Karlo explained. “Para hindi mo na kailangang bumili sa tabing kalsada.”

    Today, Don Benito’s desserts are known not just for their comforting taste, but also for their neat, branded boxes that make them perfect pasalubong or holiday gifts. With a growing number of branches across Metro Manila and nearby cities, the couple continues to bridge tradition and modernity—offering Filipinos a taste of home that feels premium and proudly local.

    More than a food business, Don Benito’s is a case study in how to rebrand cultural staples with respect, style, and heart. By reimagining the everyday kakanin, Karlo and Elisa didn’t just build a business—they elevated a tradition.

    This story is based on an interview originally conducted for Esquire by Henry Ong. Some quotes in this article may not have been published previously.

    Loading

    Related

    Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link
    Previous ArticleThis Financial Planner Had No One to Teach Her About Money—Now She’s Doing It for Others
    Next Article He Was an Insurance Executive by Day—And a Siopao Trader by Night

    Related Posts

    Entrepreneurship

    He Sold Prepaid Cards Out of His Backpack—Now He Runs a Multi-Million Peso Food Franchise

    May 28, 2025
    Entrepreneurship

    No One Was Serving Burgers and Burritos Together—So He Built Army Navy From Scratch

    May 27, 2025
    Entrepreneurship

    Why This Food Entrepreneur Swore Off Mall Locations—and Found Success Outside the Box

    May 27, 2025
    Add A Comment

    Comments are closed.

    Demo
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn

    Subscribe to Updates

      Get the latest updates from Financial Adviser about financial literacy and business acumen. Subscribe to our mailing list!

      By checking this, you agree to our Data Privacy Consent/Agreement and accept our use of such cookies.
      I agree to the Terms and Conditions

      Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn RSS

      Home

      Sucess

      • Leadership & Growth
      • Entrepreneurship
      • Business Strategy
      • Inspiring Stories

      Money

      • Investing
      • Personal Finance
      • Wealth Building
      • Financial Planning

      Work

      • Career Development
      • Workplace Culture
      • Productivity & Efficiency
      • Leadership & Management

      Life

      • Relationships & Family
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mindfullness & Balance
      • Personal Growth

      Inspiration

      • Vision & Purpose
      • Overcoming Adversity
      • Motivational Stories
      • Mindset & Motivation

      Contact Us

      Subscribe to Updates

        Get the latest updates from Financial Adviser about financial literacy and business acumen. Subscribe to our mailing list!

        By checking this, you agree to our Data Privacy Consent/Agreement and accept our use of such cookies.
        I agree to the Terms and Conditions

        Copyright © 2025 Financial Adviser. All rights reserved.

        • Privacy Policy

        Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

        FINANCIALADVISER.PH USES COOKIES TO ENSURE YOU GET THE BEST EXPERIENCE WHILE BROWSING THE SITE.

        By continued use, you agree to our Data Privacy Consent/Agreement and accept our use of such cookies. For further information, click the link Data Privacy Consent/Agreement.