In 2019, during the height of the restriction caused by the pandemic, Chef Ryan Dimapilis, President of Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, keeps himself busy by thinking of ways to keep his business afloat as well as his employees employed. “I’m a firm believer that we, Pinoys, are very resilient and at the same time supportive and loyal in many ways. This was strongly proven during the pandemic when many businesses turn online to sell their products. Most of our clients at first were mostly family and friends, which branched out and reached many more people who find our products worth a try,” he shared.
A Eureka Moment!
Along with his partners and staff, Balai Palmera concocted their version of Calabarzon’s beloved Buko Pie, which has led to a new triumph for the company. Gathering supplies from local suppliers from Laguna and Quezon, Balai Palmera uses all-fresh and no-preservative Buko Pie that instantly gained patrons in Silang and nearby municipalities in Cavite. As soon as restrictions were eased out and news spread out, Balai Palmera’s kitchen became so busy with hundreds of orders of this Buko Pie day after day.
“As much as we want to concentrate on this success, as a businessman, I know that there other smaller businesses that need help to bounce back from the pandemic. So, as soon as we were able to reopen some of our other businesses, we started reaching out to local manufacturers to promote and even sell their products in our Pasalubong Centers,” he added.
From one Pasalubong Center, Balai Palmera recently expanded its footprint by opening one more Pasalubong Center in Silang providing more choices and convenience to its customers. This extensive and expasive center carries other local brands that made their way to the palette of domestic and international guests of the region.
One-Stop Pinoy Favorite Shop
Balai Palmera takes pride in its merchandise for only being 100% Pinoy-made but also being DTI-approved.
“This goes to show that how dedicated we are in making our customers’ visit to our Pasalubong Centers an experience they would love to do again and again. By having DTI-approved products in shops, we are bringing the best of the region within their arms reach,” Dimapilis happily shared.
Aside from Buko Pie, Balai Palmera guests can also enjoy locally produced Pedro’s Kangkong Chips, J. Fernandez’s Chichapop, Nikimat’s Tahong Chips, Binan’s Okoy, Pastillas De Leche, Banana Chips, Mushroom Cracklings, Calamansito, Basimatsi, Coco Jam, Jacobina, Biscocho, Piaya Ube, and R&l Chicharon.
From healthy snacks to filling and heartwarming pastries and bread, one can also find comfort and enjoyment in Balai Palmera’s version of Chocolate Almond Babka, Raisin Bread as well as Ensyamada which use local ingredients from local manufacturers.
“While we continue to pray for the day to come where we are all safe and free to move around again, we will keep working with various industry leaders to create a collaborative effort that transcends Pinoy pride,” he concluded.
Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center have two branches, first at Tagaytay-Sta. Road Brgy. Pasong Langka, Silang, Cavite, and second at Aguinaldo Highway, Bypass Road, San Vicente 2, Silang, Cavite.
