Yellow Velvet Cupcakes for Tita Cory

Yeah, we're close... as any two people can get. But you know I'm only dreaming.

So why cupcakes for Tita Cory?

Flashback to 1986...

That's me. Pudgy ole me in the center. Would you believe me if I say one of my earliest memories was when my family and I were in one of Tita Cory's rally with me sitting on Pop's shoulders chanting "Cory! Cory! Cory!" after each long pause in her speech flashing the "Laban" sign. Back then, I didn't understand what it was all about or what she was fighting for. But it sure was fun to be surrounded by the positive energy, people seeking change and all things yellow.

Flashback to one year ago...

Then Senator Noynoy Aquino announced Tita Cory's passing away. It was a sad day for the Philippines, everyone mourned the death of the Lady in Yellow who epitomized freedom, democracy and courage.

When her motorcade passed by Ayala Avenue, along with my friends, we went down from our building to go to Ayala. After all, it was the last time we will pay respect to the Lady in Yellow. It was noon and blazing hot. Many brought umbrellas to somehow help beat the heat, we forgot ours. Traffic officers announced that the motorcade will arrive soon and we should all close our umbrellas to pay respect to Tita Cory. And I was glad everyone did. After all, what's a few minutes under the sun compared to the sacrifices she made for us.

As her motorcade passed along, Virna Lisa's "Magkaisa" blasted was from the speakers, I was nearly choked to tears. At that moment, I felt truly blessed to be a Filipino. I was glad I was there to say goodbye to her one last time.

So these are for her.

Thank you, Tita Cory. Please continue to watch over us.

Happy Cupcaking,

Aikko

Welcome to the Christian World, Baby Cedric!

These are for baby Cedric, my sister's godson.

Forgive me for being a lousy blogger, all pictures and no text (okay maybe a few sentences) but it's a busy busy busy weekend. Did I mention I'm busy?

But still, I made time to do the cupcakes for this Sunday's Christening. I hope Cedric enjoys it.Wait, he's only a baby, maybe his brother Patrick, his cousin Kyla and the rest if his family will enjoy it!

The cupcake toppers
Rainbow bright
clouds and stars... they go together right?
Sunny cupcake
Butterfly topper, albeit poorly shot.

Love,

Tita Aikko

Of Typhoons, Butterflies and a Frosting Challenged Baker

Manila got hit by a typhoon

There was no electricity for two days

I had to climb several flights of stairs in darkness

Highlights of my week... but I am not complaining. Despite the inconveniences I am thankful my family's complete, safe and happy.

Typhoons and butterflies aren't exactly related... can we play the six degrees of separation here? Probably not.

Anyway, Tita Vicky was in town for a visit so I decided to make cupcakes for her.

Chocolate is a flavor that seems to be liked by many so those are the ones I've baked. But to give it a twist, I made it Devil's Food style. To give the icing a little bite, I made cream cheese frosting.

You know when sometimes no matter how you style your hair, it won't just give you a break? I did not have a bad hair day last week but I did have a bad frosting day.... There were too many bubbles, the icing was too soft it literally wilts away as soon as I piped it in the cupcake, the colors just won't blend with the frosting... but I should stop complaining... it tasted great anyway... or so I'm told.

The toppers I made were butterflies... I need practice making the faces... my butterflies' faces look like they come from another planet.

Happy Cupcaking!
Aikko

Playing around with colors

I'm playing around with colors and ended up with this.

Tell me, does it scream happiness? :)

Happy cupcaking!

Aikko

Chocolate and Sour Cream... who knew?

Why chocolate and sour cream? Why Chocolate Sour Cream Cake with Chocolate Chips?

Why not?

And besides, the Magnolia Bakery Cookbook says so. Who am I to say no?

Verdict?

Thank heavens I tried it. It was absolutely amazing! It was sooo delicious I think I forgot my name... wait I'll grab a fork and get some more cake, maybe I'll remember then.

I want to have more, more and more!

In fact, can't get enought of it, I made it into mini cupcakes.

See? Aren't they adorable?

Happy cupcaking!

Aikko