BARCELONA, 24 January 2024  - Barcelona welcomes Forn de Manila, the first bakery in the city specializing in authentic Filipino bread and pastries. Opened earlier this year, this novel establishment has quickly garnered attention and patronage from both the Filipino community and local Spaniards, thanks to its prime location near the vibrant Port of Barcelona.

Offering a variety of Filipino favorites such as the cherished “Pinoy pandesal,” cassava cake, kalihim, kabayan, ensaimada, pan de coco, egg pie, and more, Forn de Manila has also piqued local interest with its “Spanish bread,” a unique take on a familiar name.

Behind this culinary venture are Ms. Narissa Moreno and Ms. Arleen San Pedro, experienced bakers and long-term Barcelona residents, alongside Rachel Anne Daquis, a former Philippine national women’s volleyball team player. Originally conceived as a production kitchen for local distributors, the founders pivoted to direct sales, aiming to introduce Filipino culinary delights to a wider audience.

Ms. Daquis, with a significant social media following, is enthusiastic about promoting Filipino culture through their bakery. “Our goal is to create a cultural exchange through our baked goods, offering a taste of the Philippines in Barcelona,” she explained.

Combining their years of baking expertise, Ms. Moreno and Ms. San Pedro ensure each product embodies the authenticity and quality of Filipino baking traditions. The bakery has quickly become a favorite spot for Filipinos seeking a taste of home, and it continues to intrigue Spanish locals eager to explore the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine.

Forn de Manila is more than a bakery; it's a cultural junction, allowing for conversations about the commonalities among Filipino, Catalan, Spanish gastronomy in the heart of Barcelona. It offers locals and visitors alike an opportunity to indulge in a unique gastronomic journey through traditional Filipino breads and pastries.

Further solidifying its impact, the Forn de Manila team has recently consulted with the Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona to discuss future collaborations aimed at promoting Philippine culture through culinary experiences in the city. 

For more information and updates, please visit the Consulate's official website or follow on Facebook, Instagram and X (@PHinBarcelona). END

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Forn de Manila team meeting with Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro

The Barcelona PCG Team listening to the Forn de Manila Team as they explain Filipino bread

Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay and Rachel Anne Daquis showing various types of Filipino bread showcased at Forn de Manila

Forn de Manila Team - Rachel Anne Daquis, Arleen San Pedro,  Narissa Moreno and Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay at the facade of Forn de Manila