A new pastry shop is drawing attention for its signature croissants, sourdough loaves, and mulberry-infused creations. Kuwa Bakery, a local artisan bakery in Marikina, has quietly opened its doors earlier this year and has since attracted a steady following of customers from its locale and beyond.
Originally a pandemic-born online store, Kuwa Bakery was founded by pastry chef Cho Marcelino together with husband-and-wife partners SJ and Dixy Tudla. The team first operated as a pop-up stall before establishing their brick-and-mortar shop in May 2025. The name “Kuwa” originates from the Japanese word for mulberry, inspired by the Tudlas’ farm in Rizal, which produces the fruit and jam, largely influencing the pastries they use for everyday breadmaking.
Kuwa Bakery is currently on soft opening and welcomes customers Tuesdays to Sundays, from 3 pm to 9 pm. “We do want to be considered a neighborhood store, not just in vibe, but in terms of prices and bread selections,” Marcelino said in an interview with Spot.PH. He added that Kuwa aims to provide “daily bread” products which are affordable, and plain loaves intended for everyday meals. Popular items in their shop include croissants, dessert breads, and sourdough loaves, which often sell out early in the day.
Chef Cho’s pastry knowledge, reflected in his decade of experience teaching culinary arts at Global Academy, informs the precision and creativity behind the bakery’s offerings, even though he is admittedly new to this craft. The transition from a home-based setup to a commercial shop has not been without challenges, from securing stable supply lines to adjusting utility services.
Still, the team views these as part of growth. “Back when we were a pop-up shop, we had to beg for suppliers. Now, answering emails from aspiring partners is taking up a chunk of our time,” Marcelino shared.
Kuwa Bakery continues to expand its offerings and is preparing to introduce coffee pairings and a dine-in space in the near future.
To check on the pastry selection and updates from Kuwa Bakery, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.