You’re the 1, Goldilocks!

By edelweiz on 10th June, 2009

I love breads. I eat bread in the morning and as a snack. Sometimes I’d eat bread during lunch and dinner. That’s how comfortable I am with bread. My bread source? I don’t bake so I just get my supply from neighborhood bakeries and commercial bakeshops. Among them, Goldilocks tops my list. You’ll see why as you read further.

I believe my “Goldilocks connection” started when I was still inside my mother’s womb. I remember my mom telling me she crazily craved for Goldilocks mamon (aside from balut and turrones de casuy) when she was pregnant with me. Yes, those fluffy, little sponge cakes that your lola used to replicate at home but to no avail. The year was 1983 and Goldilocks already had several branches in the Philippines. We lived in the province during that time and not all stores there had a steady supply of Goldilocks products. It was my dad who would get Goldilocks mamon all the way from Metro Manila through my aunt who had a small grocery store and had Goldilocks products in her shelves. His hard work paid off when I saw the light of day as a bouncing baby girl.

This strange affinity for Goldilocks would continue during childhood when my parents would buy Goldilocks cakes on my birthdays. I wish I had pictures to show as proof but they were long gone since we moved to a few places due to the nature of my dad’s work before. I remember my parents would organize a small party for me and my playmates and we would partake on some pancit or spaghetti, hotdogs and marshmallows-on-stick and of course, the popular Goldilocks cake. At school during my kindergarten and elementary days, Goldilocks would be my constant baon whenever I would be sent to academic competitions. I even thought back then that my winnings were courtesy of the Goldilocks ensaymadas I consumed. I was weird like that.

The church where I spent most of my youth was also a venue where Goldilocks products were shared. Whenever there would be a prayer meeting within our church circle or a vacation church school (we called it VCS for short) held every summer, Goldilocks bread products were a common merienda. During this time, I got introduced to other Goldilocks products such as the sweet cinnamon roll, the filling marble slice, the chocolatey brownies and the rich ube loaf which I all ate with youthful delight.

Just like my family who lived in the province while I stayed alone in Manila to finish my studies, I missed Goldilocks during my college years. It was not because there were no Goldilocks stores at where I resided, but because my taste buds explored other breads from different brands. It was only during the latter part of college (just before I graduated) that I got to taste Goldilocks breads again. I came back to Goldilocks like a prodigal daughter and it welcomed me like a true family. From then on, I renewed my fascination for it because the other brands just weren’t able to satisfy my cravings for breads that taste like heaven to kids and kids-at-heart like me. Eventually, I would get hooked on Goldilocks crackers (sour cream flavor) and Goldilocks polvoron (cookies and cream flavor). It’s sad that the former (which was made from toasted white bread in bite-size pieces and came in three yummy flavors of cheese, sour cream and barbecue) got phased out already in Goldilocks’ list of offerings.

Now that I’m already a professional, Goldilocks continues to make its presence felt in my life. Office meetings and outings are never complete without Goldilocks breads and pastries. When an officemate gives birthday treat to the rest of us, there would always be a Goldilocks cake roll. Seminars organized by the office would either have homemade sandwiches or Goldilocks snack breads. Occasions and celebrations, may they be organized by myself or by my friends, usually have Goldilocks as highlight. It seems the joy, fun and laughter are best shared with a taste (or slice) of it.

goldilocks celebrations, goldilocks events

christening of my friend Daydee’s first child, i was one of the Ninangs!
Work aside, Goldilocks products are also my pasalubong of choice when visiting my friends whom I only get to see once or twice a year. I remember they have this “bitbit” pack that contains an assortment of Goldilocks snack breads that satisfy even those with discriminating taste. It is always a welcome treat that my friends and I eat with gusto while catching up on each other’s life.

reunion with my bestfriend Mitch in Bacoor, Cavite, just in time for the town fiesta
I guess that goes to show how Goldilocks has been a part of my life all these years. As long as I enjoy eating bread and as long as Goldilocks makes delicious breads, my special bond with Goldilocks will continue. If I’d have a daughter in the future, I might name her Goldilocks, too, if only to pass on the “Goldilocks connection.” And yes, she’ll grow up loving, thoughtful and sweet, just like Goldilocks.

Over the years, Goldilocks has won the hearts of Pinoys, myself included. It must be due to the fact that they continue to improve their products to elevate them to international standards. Their serious efforts to expand overseas, which were successful, attest to their competitive spirit and continuous pursuit of excellence in the industry dominated by big brands. We have to give it to Goldilocks for serving as a role model to other local companies and endearing themselves to Filipinos worldwide in the process.

You’re the 1, Goldilocks, because you never fail to establish connection with people from different walks of life. And your baked products, for me, are the freshest and yummiest in town. It may be shallow to others but just the mere thought of you puts a smile on my face and makes me feel the warmth of home, the memories of my fun and carefree childhood. To be honest, I’ve never felt anything like this with other bakeshops.

Photos, Logos and Graphics Credits:
Edwin Techo and Danison Mabalay
http://www.goldilocks.com.ph
http://parenting.leehansen.com
http://www.fotosearch.com

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