Tweaked coco jam

We admire mothers who inspire and support the inclinations of their children. There are many who have turned their daughters (and sons) into successful entrepreneurs. One of them is Christy Alvarez, a dedicated Sta. Rosa-based housewife, whose elder of  two daughters, Caryll, is now into a productive venture making pickles and spreads, among them the Tweaked Coco Jam under the brand name Caryll’s Kitchen – products that are basically Filipino.

We discovered her pickled ampalaya (bittergourd) when our daughter Doreen brought home a bottle. It was subtly sour and sweet and had bits of carrots. A friend later said “it was good, pampagana (appetizing).”

For this season, Caryll concocted a variety of spreads, ingeniously blended with unusual ingredients producing unique tastes. Coco jam with ginger, the latter lending a pungent, peppery and somewhat sweet taste to the rich coco cream; coco jam with lemon, refreshing and lemongrass, giving it a bit of fragrance.

Likewise Caryll offers marmalade in three flavors – orange, pineapple and peach. For Christmas they are packaged in threes in a native basket made festive with a red ribbon. The pickles cost P150 a bottle, the coco jams are P180 a set and marmalade at P160 a set. Call 0918-9062506.

Our friends Alex and Rose Libongco are the nurturing  parents of Alessandra, whom we knew during her childhood. Years passed and we lost track of the girl, now Alessandra has grown and is pursuing a career as a watercolor and pattern designer. On the racks of supermarkets, stores and other selling areas, shoppers would not fail to notice the new packaging of Sanicare Products for bathrooms, kitchens, baby care and other personal needs. The company recently launched a new line celebrating Filipino artistry, depicted through the White Lilies box designed by Alessa. This showcases the creative synergy between a home-grown Filipino brand and a Filipino artist.

So parents, be sensitive to the talents of your children. You might be raising a generation of entrepreneurs and artists.

Happy Sunday to all!

Email me at [email protected]