Batangas Cult Favorite Ijo Bakery Finally Opens First Metro Manila Branch in Alabang
Metro Manila foodies no longer need to brave the traffic down south to score the country’s most coveted croissants. Famous Batangas export Ijo Bakery officially opened its doors in Alabang on June 5. The brand previously catered to city clients through highly limited delivery slots.
From Lipa City to the Heart of the Metro
Michelin-trained pastry chef Joaquin Katigbak started the brand during the pandemic as a solo online venture. He baked everything in his hometown of Lipa, Batangas, offering exclusive weekly pre-orders. Devoted fans regularly made the long drive just to grab his signature laminated viennoiserie.
Katigbak quickly grew the brand and opened a brick-and-mortar store in Lipa. He then expanded his local pastry empire to Batangas City and Santa Rosa, Laguna. Now, the bakery permanently calls the Molito Lifestyle Center in Muntinlupa City its first Metro Manila home.
What to Expect During Trial Operations
The Molito branch currently runs on trial operations. You can drop by daily until 6 p.m. to grab your pastry fix before they sell out.
Diners can look forward to perfectly flaky textures and pristine honeycomb cross-sections. Top menu items include:
- Classic buttery plain croissants
- Decadent chocolate-filled pastries
- Unique local flavor creations
More South Sweets on the Horizon
Loyal fans hope this Alabang opening signals a bigger Metro Manila expansion for Katigbak’s other popular concepts. Southies want his sister brands, Uniqo Bakery and Oona Cookies, to set up shop in the city soon.
For now, you can follow Ijo Bakery on Instagram for real-time updates on their daily drops and official grand opening details.
What croissant flavor do you want to try first at the new Ijo Bakery Alabang branch? Let us know your top pastry picks in the comments below!
Do you have a story to share? Email us at hi@overheremanila.com or join us at our Instagram page at @OverHereManila.
You Might Also Like:
