Baked from humble beginnings: The Caramel bakeshop journey

By Ryan Mostar

DAET, Camarines Norte — What started as a modest kitchen experiment decades ago has blossomed into one of Bicol’s most cherished bakeries. In the early 1970s, Arlene A. Vergara crafted simple sugar cookies using just six eggs, a pinch of flour, and the few ingredients her family could spare. Selling them in small batches from their apartment, she could hardly have imagined that these tiny creations would become the seed of a business legacy spanning generations.

As demand grew steadily, the Vergara family opened their first proper shop in 1996—a three-story bakery in Daet that marked Caramel’s leap from home kitchen to established enterprise. Over the years, the bakery expanded its menu, welcomed more staff, and became a staple in the daily lives of students, office workers, and families, all drawn to its cakes, pastries, and hearty comfort fare.

Today, the business thrives under AAVFoods Inc., guided by Arlene’s daughters Sienna A. Vergara and Jetjet Vergara, who oversee daily operations and strategic growth. Their leadership blends the wisdom of experience with fresh energy, ensuring that the bakery’s quality and values endure while reaching new horizons.

Caramel Bakeshop is now embarking on its latest chapter with the opening of a new branch along Diversion Road in Naga City. Beyond expanding its presence, the new location reflects a commitment to bringing beloved breads, cakes, and meals closer to more Bicolanos, offering a welcoming space for families, students, and workers alike.

From its humble beginnings to becoming a community favorite, Caramel Bakeshop’s story is a testament to perseverance, ingenuity, and the enduring belief that remarkable things can grow from simple, honest effort.