Summary
Highlights
Hopia, meaning 'good pastry' in Hokkien, is a ubiquitous Filipino snack with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Although its origins are Chinese, Filipinos have adapted the recipe, making it uniquely their own. Today, it's popular nationwide, especially in Taguig, where Tipas Hopia is a flagship product.
Tipas Hopia is renowned for its flaky crust and not-too-sweet filling. The video showcases the intricate process, from mixing soft and hard flour for the crust, to forming the crust into a bowl, incorporating the filling, and using a rolling pin to create the signature flakiness. This careful preparation ensures the consistent quality that customers love.
Belen Flores, or "Inang," is the 94-year-old matriarch of D'Original Tipas Bakery. Orphaned at eight during the Japanese occupation, Inang started selling various goods to survive. She eventually learned about baking from her uncle and started Alice Bakery, which later became Tipas Bakery, named after her barangay, for easier recognition. The bakery initially produced traditional Filipino breads.
A regular customer from Cavite inspired Inang to make hopia. Despite her initial lack of knowledge, she hired a master baker, Mr. Ben, to teach them. Inang's commitment ensured Mr. Ben didn't leave his current job but brought his sibling to work at Tipas. This collaboration led to the creation of various hopia flavors, including monggo, ube, baboy, pastillas, and yema, significantly boosting the business. Inang credits hopia for easing her struggles and providing a livelihood.
The Flores family emphasizes hard work and self-reliance. Children were taught the value of earning money from a young age, helping in the bakery as part of their playtime. The family's journey is described as going from "rags to a normal life," built on diligence and perseverance. Inang instilled in her children the importance of working hard for success and being proud of their achievements, making these values core to Tipas' identity.
Inang believes her success is partly due to luck, which she humorously attributes to her hands. However, she stresses that luck must be coupled with diligence and a good character. She and her family value a simple life, avoiding extravagance. Inang was even nominated for the national "Ulirang Ina" (Exemplary Mother) award but humbly declined the recognition. Her compassion for others, stemming from her own experiences with poverty, is evident in her care for employees and her generosity.
The younger generations are motivated to continue Inang's legacy out of love and respect for their parents' hard work. Their ambition is to expand Tipas Hopia's reach globally, especially to countries with large Filipino populations, as a tribute to Inang. They are committed to preserving the family name and ensuring the business flourishes for future generations, never taking it for granted, and always remembering its humble beginnings and the hardships overcome.