Many years ago, I would go to San Lorenzo Village in Makati just to get a box of delectable sylvannas. Today, its owners have sprinkled stalls across several malls and its product line has expanded into cakes and other equally delightful pastries.

Indeed, great things start with humble beginnings, and some of the best kept secrets begin at home.



Such is the story of Regina Rodriguez Cruz, who has begun stirring her magic in her own kitchen since she was nine. With the wave of a wooden spoon and 19 years later, she conjured Belly Treats.

When she kicked off her sweet enterprise at a Tiendesitas bazaar early this year, she felt a sense of fulfillment, seeing all her sold-out creations that earlier covered the table make their way to customers’ satisfied bellies.

She knew she started something good.



One item I took home with that whiff of nutmeg flair is the Carrot Cake available in a loaf (P285), 9”round (P975) and cupcakes by the dozen (P40/piece).

With its dense and moist quality, one must not help himself with greedy slices as every bite is as rich as it looks. Best of all, her cream cheese icing is just right in its tempting texture without being over the top.



The name “Belly Treats” in itself is quite paradoxical. Each bite of Regina’s palatable pastries is a treat for one’s guilty pleasures. But really, quite the torment for anyone who wants their way with a weighing scale or a measuring tape.

Another treat for all ages that makes the drive to Ortigas worth the effort are Regina’s own line of Plain Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies (P150/dozen; P285/2 dozens). There is no doubt that Regina selects choice ingredients -- a buttery fragrance hits the senses as each cookie makes its way out of its sealed bag.



Some of the best-loved finds are the ones people hunt for in villages and subdivisions. This makes the trip a good alibi to indulge in some feel-good concoctions -- Double Chocolate Brownies and Walnut Brownies (P150/box of 12; P285/box of 25).



The rich chocolate flavor mixed with the right amount calorific goodness is a delight both for the child and the child-at-heart. For the non-chocoholics who wish to equally partake of such delights, Belly Treats’ Lemon Cake (P130/loaf; cupcakes by the dozen P25/pc) gives off that intense flavor as well as a distinct kick of citrus.



Given the ongoing global issues hovering over households these days, it is time to smarten up and stretch available resources to make merry these traditional celebrations, and start to spread the holiday cheer around us. When many tasty concoctions are usually just found in bazaars or commercially produced in the malls, one need not bother with the usual consumption of unnecessary fuel, scouring for parking and spending for entrance and parking fees to get one’s hands on Belly Treats.

This is one kitchen baby that its chef conceived early this year and makes available at her residence at Valle Verde 6 to anyone with a sweet tooth, all-year round.

The city air fluctuates to cooler temperatures (albeit erratically with the rains) and mall decors are floating above us. These are just early reminders that Christmas is definitely less than a hundred days away. It truly brings a sense of comfort because Belly Treats whisks you back to a good time and warm thoughts of home.

For more information, visit http://bellytreats.multiply.com or e-mail Belly Treats at bellytreats@gmail.com. For orders, you may reach Regina Rodriguez Cruz at (0922)899-7943. Please order 2 to 3 days in advance; pick-up point is in Valle Verde 6.