Based in Manila, Philippines, Dessert Comes First is a chronicle of the food-obsessed food writer, Lori Baltazar. This website is all about desserts, restaurants, coffee, and the pleasures of homebaking. Read more about me All Dolled Up for the Holidays
Fri, December16th of 2005
6:00 pm
Their boxes look like they’re from some high-end store. Resplendent in shades of purple, green, pink, aqua and orange, the “ooh!” factor intensifies when I open the box to see that each and every cake square is individually packaged.
The business is called Tangerine Tree, a family enterprise that started in December 1990 by Muriel Sy, and her sisters, Marina and Melda. Muriel’s daughter, Erica Mae Sy, is the one who contacted me regarding their family business. As to where they got the almost lyrical moniker, Erica explains, “My dad, who is a great Beatle fan, thought of the name, ‘Tangerine Tree’ which was a part of the song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.’ We like the name because it is something different and symbolizes growth, and that’s what Tangerine Tree has always aimed for each and every year.”
Merry Mix P1,000 – assortment of 36 squares and a 2-lb. fruitcake
Tangerine Tree’s initial offerings were Christmas stand-bys: fruitcakes and food for the gods. After three years, their product line expanded to include the now-reliable food for the gods; Choco Chum, their version of brownies; Fruits and Nuts, a mix of apricots, raisins and walnuts; and Butter Royale, their take on butter rum cake. All these are included in a selection called Merry Mix.
Fruitcake – 2 lbs. P500
Yes, those are the only things Tangerine Tree sells. “Since we put high value in preserving product quality, we decided to focus on just a few main products,” Erica avers.
top to bottom: butter royale, food for the gods, fruits & nuts,
choco chum
And what of those spectacular boxes? Erica’s mom, Muriel, designed them with a theme of green and orange, with the shade changing from year to year. The present boxes were professionally designed and make use of more colors. In addition, the family is very proud to use ‘sealable foil wrappers.’ As Erica puts it, “We’re the pioneer in using this type of packaging for our products.”
Other Products:
Food for the Gods
12 pcs per box P240
24 pcs per box P400
36 pcs per box P520
48 pcs per box P640
Four Festivals (Combination of Food for the Gods, Fruits and Nuts,
Choco Chum & Butter Royale)
12 pcs per box P260
24 pcs per box P420
36 pcs per box P540
48 pcs per box P660
Tangerine Tree
43 10th St.
Magdalena Rolling Hills,
New Manila, QC
722-0634 / 724-3533
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What is Food for the Gods, Lori? I’ve never heard of it before.
[Reply]
Comment by Nic — December 16, 2005 @ 9:41 pm
Does it taste good? They remind me of Japanese dessert gift boxes.
[Reply]
Comment by Anonymous — December 17, 2005 @ 6:19 am
I really think the packaging is so attactive and I just love the colors, they’re so alive. I do like the idea of the individually wrapped pieces but then I’m a bit concerned about the material used and the way people discard their trash.
[Reply]
Comment by Daphne — December 17, 2005 @ 3:10 pm
I agree with Daphne, this is all very pretty but I’m not too hot on individual packaging, and even if I could get my hands on these products I probably wouldn’t because of the packaging.
[Reply]
Comment by jojo — December 18, 2005 @ 3:58 am
Does the fact that you didn’t say anything about the taste mean something?
The individually wrapped pieces look like Japanese or Chinese hopia/bean cakes.
Good use of color.
[Reply]
Comment by Mila Tan — December 19, 2005 @ 9:32 am
after reading your blog..i was drooling for some tangerine tree goodies! i’ve tried them before..but this christmas treat sorta slipped my head with all of the new goodies around…
just as i was about to run to new manila..an uncle of mine stopped by our office and guess what he brought—one of those beautiful stripped rectangular box —ahhhh….happiness =)
please keep on posting beautiful and delicious things and places…good food makes life really good
[Reply]
Comment by Jennifer Tan — December 19, 2005 @ 4:15 pm
OOOHHHH!!! I love desserts and am a home baker myself. I’m only beginning to formally sell my sweet stuff early next year. (May I be as blessed as the ones you’ve featured.)
It’s quite a coincidence to come across this blog, because I am Filipino and a foodie too! Your site is a great educational and entertaining read! More power!
[Reply]
Comment by Abster — December 20, 2005 @ 12:12 am
I am surprised you didnt mention anything about how yummy these goodies taste like. My family and I look forward to this every Christmas.. Great food, great packaging.. truly a must try!
[Reply]
Comment by Jon Aquino — December 21, 2005 @ 8:27 pm
i like the the packaging because it is so colorful and inviting. some people will say it is too tacky. whatever works for the business makes money fro as long as the product itself proves to be worthy and good.
[Reply]
Comment by Danney — December 25, 2005 @ 10:24 am
i think prices are just reasonable.
[Reply]
Comment by Anonymous — December 26, 2005 @ 3:35 pm
absolutely divine those chocolate cakes and blocks…mmmm…
[Reply]
Comment by Zenobia — December 29, 2005 @ 9:00 pm
Yumm.. Sarap!!! Tangerine Tree’s Food for the Gods is back again this Christmas. Hope I get to eat lots and lots again…
[Reply]
Comment by wil — December 5, 2006 @ 11:07 pm
I have been faith to eat Tangerine Tree (Food for the Gods) every christmas… it make me feeling go to heaven.. Yummy! I will never forget it. TANGERINE TREE, Hope to continue good work in business. More Power
[Reply]
Comment by Doris Yee — January 4, 2008 @ 5:24 pm
is Erica Mae Sy from Unilever Philippines?
[Reply]
Comment by Lorenzo — May 16, 2009 @ 3:28 pm