Once upon a time, Sonja Ocampo decided to chase her dream and open Manila’s first ever cupcake store - which she called Cupcakes By Sonja – on Sept. 8, 2006, at Serendra in BGC. Just like that, the Philippine cupcake craze began. 

Inspired by establishments she would visit in New York City, CBS brings the complete experience to our shores: the coziness and familiarity of the quaint corner bakeshop; the wide eyed nostalgia of spending time in grandma’s kitchen, full of touches from a bygone era; honest baking from scratch, using the best quality ingredients sans preservatives; and a genuine willingness to share, allowing people to watch the whole process in their open kitchen.

Sonja’s creative mind naturally took flight as she dreamt up the whimsical flavors that made her vision a reality and introduced us to cupcakes as we know it today – from classics like Manila’s first Red Velvet cupcake, to sophisticated fare like her hybrid cupcakes, transforming pies and even crème brulee into her signature treat. CBS’ shelves are always laden with over 20 different cupcake varieties – which are sure to please even the most discerning of tastes. After your first bite, you just know that Manila’s sweet cravings will never be the same again.

And now, with the introduction of Sonja’s other creations like custom cakes for all occasions and even a travelling dessert buffet with the most exciting of confections, CBS is ready to embrace the future.

With several shops under her belt, her creations are indeed the inspiration for a whole generation of dessert aficionados. The heart of her business – the cupcakes themselves – are born out of a desire to please her myriad of fans: they are the reason why new ideas are born in her kitchen all the time .. so that Cupcakes By Sonja will grow right alongside them.

So here’s looking to what’s ahead: the new creations made with love and passion by our cupcake friend Sonja, the shops that will nurture everyone’s inner child, and that atmosphere that inspires and creates good memories. Memories that can only be had at Cupcakes By Sonja.

Happy eating!