End of an Era: Chocolate Lover Cubao to Close Dec 27, 2025
If you grew up in Quezon City or ever dabbled in baking before it was trendy, you know the landmark. It’s that whimsical, slightly out-of-place castle along P. Tuazon in Cubao. For 36 years, Chocolate Lover Inc. hasn’t just been a store; it’s been a rite of passage for aspiring pastry chefs and a wonderland for kids with a sweet tooth.
Sadly, the drawbridge is finally coming up. In an emotional announcement that has sent waves through the local baking community, the owners confirmed that the “Chocolate Castle” will officially close its doors on December 27, 2025.
Here is the story behind the closure and what you need to know before they serve their last customer.
The Announcement That Broke the Internet
On November 18, owner Annie Carmona-Lim posted a video that many of us dread seeing from our favorite heritage spots. After three decades of operation, she announced her retirement.
The decision wasn’t made overnight. Carmona-Lim revealed she had been struggling with the choice for three years. The reality is one that many family-owned businesses in the Philippines face: succession. With her children settled abroad and building lives of their own, there was no one left to take the reins.
“I’m tired. I want to spend time with my grandchildren,” she admitted. It’s a bittersweet but well-earned retirement for a woman who built a baking empire from scratch.
Why This Hits Different for Manileños
To understand the sadness online, you have to understand what Chocolate Lover meant to the city.
1. The “Castle” Experience
Long before Instagram spots existed, this building was turning heads. The fairy-tale façade was a brilliant marketing move that made a baking supply store feel like a destination. It wasn’t just about buying flour; it was about entering a castle.
2. The Original “SME” Incubator
Before Lazada and Shopee, and before baking aisles in malls were well-stocked, Chocolate Lover was the source.
- Availability: They had ingredients you couldn’t find anywhere else—specific cocoa powders, rare molds, and professional-grade packaging.
- Affordability: For a home baker trying to launch a business on a tight budget, their prices were a lifeline.
If you ask any successful pastry chef or home baker in Manila today, there is a high chance they bought their first whisk or bag of chocolate chips here. It was the unofficial headquarters of Manila’s baking boom.
Important Details for Your Final Visit
The shop is still open, but the clock is ticking. If you want to pay a nostalgic visit or stock up for your holiday baking, here are the details you need to know.
- Last Day of Operation: December 27, 2025.
- Current Status: Fully operational. They are stocking up on fast-moving items like chocolates, buttercream, and walnuts to ensure customers have what they need for the Christmas rush.
- Location: P. Tuazon Blvd. corner C. Benitez St., Cubao, Quezon City.
Pro-Tip for the Holidays: Expect lines to be longer than usual. Between the Christmas rush and sentimental customers wanting one last look, the store will be packed. Go on a weekday morning if you can.
What Happens to the Castle?
The physical structure—the castle itself—is up for sale. Carmona-Lim mentioned that they are currently looking for a buyer. However, until a buyer is found, she is open to renting out the space.
It’s a strange thought: seeing that castle become something else. A bank? A logistics hub? Or maybe, just maybe, another dreamer will take it over and keep the magic alive.
A Final Bow
December 2025 marks the end of a chapter for Cubao. While it is heartbreaking to see it go, the legacy of Chocolate Lover Inc. lives on in the thousands of small businesses it helped launch.
If you have a memory of the store—whether it was buying ingredients for your mom’s birthday cake or just marveling at the castle from the window of a jeepney—now is the time to drop by and say goodbye.
Disclaimer: The information regarding the closure date (December 27, 2025) and reasons cited are based on the official announcement by owner Annie Carmona-Lim as of November 2025. Business operations during the final weeks may change, so we recommend checking their official Facebook page before visiting.
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