LOL for everyone

MANILA, Philippines - LOL. Laugh out loud. Something that everyone needs every so often. But for actress-turned-entrepreneur LJ Moreno-Alapag, there is another LOL that everybody needs to experience  LOLlicakes.

Before LJ tied the knot with PBA star cager Jimmy Alapag, she tasted something unique, extraordinary and truly delicious  a red velvet cake lollipop. The couple were then meeting with their wedding planner in Long Beach, California at the bakeshop where they ordered their wedding cake. LJ was hooked at first bite.

A month after their intimate beach wedding in the US, LJ was back in Manila, craving for the red velvet cake pop and becoming frustrated as she found out that no local bakeshops, not even online cupcake makers, sold cake lollipops.

“I was really craving for a cake pop so I did some research and tried to make one on my own. Then it turned into an enjoyable hobby. I baked them for myself and for family and friends,” LJ says.

LJ’s cake pops also tickled the taste buds of her family and friends, and soon they were also asking for more, spreading the word that her lollicakes were heavenly. Because of the positive response, she decided to turn it into a business venture now known as The Lollicake Factory.

Naturally, LJ first mastered making her favorite, the red velvet cake pop. It has become The Lollicake Factory’s signature offering. Another bestseller is the green tea lollicake, which was recommended by a Japanese food business to match its menu. LJ likes the green tea cakepop because it’s the healthiest of all the flavors.

LJ beams, “Each lollicake from the The Lollicake Factory is created using only the finest ingredients, carefully handcrafted and made fresh daily. We have the basic sprinkle and swirl designs, made after some of today’s most popular cartoon characters.”

The former preschool teacher loves making cake pops for children. Her heart floats with joy when customers call her saying how happy they are and their kids with their orders. “Even if I don’t teach kids now, it’s good to know that I am still connected with them,” she shares. “It is also nice when customers come to the store from faraway just to have some of our goodies.”

Barely a year old, The Lollicake Factory is now recognized for its high quality taste and signature designs. It thrives on providing an exciting, fun and great tasting moist cake experience that both kids and adults can enjoy.

The very hands-on entrepreneur admits she has a problem with delegating. “If I could do everything myself, I would,” she shares.

It was when she was planning her US wedding that LJ discovered lollicakes

She feels blessed to have honest and trustworthy workers but still makes sure she’s around to supervise the operations. Her biggest challenge in the business is managing her time because she tends to overdo things.

“It’s very important to have balance and I think that’s one of the things I have to work on,” the lovely actress says with a smile.

LJ is looking into making sculptured cakes soon, pretty much like in the show Cake Boss, which she watches religiously.

She also plans to slowly add more breakfast and lunch meals to the menu. Someday, she wants the shop turned into a breakfast café where people will go not only for the lollicakes but also for breakfast and lunch selections.

“Jimmy and I always go to this café in California which started out with serving only desserts and coffee. Now, they serve really good meals and the store is much bigger than when they first opened. It’s one of those places where you just feel at home eating really yummy food. I want The Lollicake Factory to be that kind of place,” LJ shares her dream. And with her passion for her new craft, her dream is within reach.