MANILA, Philippines — It only began as a way to challenge himself at the height of the pandemic, but actor Marvin Agustin's Cochinillo and baked goods online business now has its brick-and-mortar stall — and more are coming.
Last July, the actor opened Secret Kitchen at the Food Hall of Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It had its soft opening last May.
Secret Kitchen is the physical store that offers his take on the famous Spanish roasted suckling pig. It offers Cochinillo, which can be ordered whole a day prior, as well as Cochi Plates, a generous plate that is composed of slices of Cochinillo with its crispy skin; choice of salad, rice, noodles or combination of either of the three; and soup made from simmering the Cochinillo bones for hours. It is drizzled with Toum, a tangy, flavorful Lebanese sauce made from crushed garlic and egg whites.
The business also offers his baked goods and pastries.
From pandemic hobby to booming business
Like many who were into baking at the onset of the pandemic, Marvin went to his kitchen and started whipping up baked goods, like banana cake and carrot cake, which he fondly calls Kerot Cake, while in quarantine.
Fans took notice and orders started pouring in. The actor then decided to buy a bigger oven. When he finally bought it, he has a new problem. While his baking time had been cut to a day from the previous non-stop two-day baking with his sister, he has now more downtime and was thinking of new ways to maximize his expensive oven in the garage.
"Gusto mong i-maximize (oven), doon nanganak 'yung Cochinillo. Anong magagawa natin sa oven? Eh, may cravings kami noon ng roast pork. I like creating dry rubs sa mga steaks so inapply ko dito. Naka-chamba! Ayun. Cochinillo was born," the actor shared to Philstar.com.
He also sought the help of his favorite supplier of suckling pig who taught him how to butterfly the meat.
Cochi was born on his social media where he initially offered the Cochinillo. Then followed his baked goods under his Mr. Vin Munchies brand. He has now added several cakes that include Mango Cashew Sansrival, Chocolate Caramel Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Ube Cheesecake, with the ube sourced from the famous Good Sheperd brand. It also offers melts-in-your-mouth Toasted Almond Sansrival Cake and Ice Cream and Cheese Cheddar Ensaymada.