The Sweet Life by Ange

Stunning and delectable baking creations by young entrepreneur Angelique “Ange” de la Cruz who had recently turned 20, has seen her business, The Sweet Life by Ange, rise since she began at the tender age of 16. “Food, art and fashion are things that I have always loved, so fusing them in The Sweet Life is a great creative venture that I am passionate about,” she shared.

Her encouragement came from her mother, Susan who used to co-own a baking business. “A kitchen goddess in her own right, my mom has been the best teacher right from the start. She always ensured that we had a huge assortment of supplies, ingredients and materials to keep it going,” she added.

Looking back, Ange recalled how much she loved to bake and how the kitchen has always been her playground. “I found interest in baking perhaps around the age of 4 and attempting to sell my desserts at that age is something my relatives would still recall up to this day,” she said. Growing up, Ange would use her spare time browsing through recipe books, studying dessert blogs and making a laboratory out of her kitchen. “I would make Danish pastries, a huge array of breads, tall layered cakes, pies and even gingerbread mansions (not houses!) This list goes on and on! I was obsessed. I once remember going to a weekend farmer’s market and I told my mom that I wanted to have a stall of my own where I could sell some of my specialties,” Ange recalled.

It was in Ange’s junior year in high school when her friend asked her to create a version of a dessert she loved. So Ange did! “Before I knew it, word about it spread like wildfire, orders started pouring in! This dessert is called the Sweet Surrender, my accidental version and best-seller – a Brazo de Mercedes ice cream concoction,” she said. Only 16 years old at that time, the support Ange had received from both family and friends had encouraged her to carry on with what could be a great opportunity, and she wasn’t wrong. “I never actually fathomed my vision of a little dessert stall coming true so soon but thanks to the amazing support system I am blessed with, that I was able to do it,” Ange said.

All lovingly hand-baked, The Sweet Life by Ange specializes in desserts such as the famed Sweet Surrender and an assortment of Couture Cupcakes (inspired by fashion icons such as Coco Chanel and Marie Antoinette), as well as Couture Cookies, which are a must-try. “You can choose to have them customized for parties and other events. Many of our customers are crazy about the ‘it bag’ and stiletto cookies. We’ve also got some Twilight designs for hardcore fans. I’m a huge Lady Gaga devotee, so we customized our cookies for her during her last visit to Manila and friends from Magic 89.9 were able to give them to her,” she shared.

As fashion inspires Ange a lot, she considers her favorite fashion icon to be Marie Antoinette. “Along with her glamorous court life, it has served inspiration for the look, lifestyle and the overall feel of The Sweet Life. I also get inspiration from movies, pop culture, Hollywood, music and etc. I’m always drawn to stylish, glamorous eras and lifestyles, so I try to translate that into a unique, luxurious experience for our customers. I want them to feel as if each product is a special piece of edible art,” she enthused.

In addition to some very luscious couture, Ange recommends to try the Cabo Coconut Macaroons and cheesecake cookies. "Both are extremely addictive! For the chocoholics, we've got the L'Amour Chocolate Hearts, a blend of milk, dark and bittersweet chocolates formed into little hearts that are guaranteed to melt in your mouth," Ange said.

Remaining focused, Ange reveals that she would love to expand her business in the future, "I would love a flagship store in LA (where Ange is currently a Fashion Design major at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles) and to collaborate with big names in fashion, art, events and food. Nothing is set in stone yet, but we like to joke that we're definitely out to make the world sweeter…one cupcake at a time." As sweets and treats are one crucial part of many events, Ange is sure to be beaming with even more exciting creations! After all, enjoyment plus hard work all come down to a piece of cake!

For orders, you may contact The Sweet Life by Ange on 0917-823-8198 or (02) 815-0188 located at 75 Amorsolo Street, San Lorenzo Village, Makati City or at Rockwell's Bakers Dozen at The Power Plant, Rockwell Centre, Makati City. You may also check www.thesweetlifebyange.com, thesweetlife.multiply.com, twitter.com/thesweetlifebyange and Ange's personal blog for updates, ladycupcake.typepad.com or email [email protected] for further inquiries. (Note: All Enjoy cardholders along with those participating in their Globe Platinum program will receive a special gift from The Sweet Life by Ange. Present your Enjoy Card and coupon upon ordering.)