In 1938, Ferino Francisco started a business that is closely tied to the tradition of Filipinos during Christmas. He introduced his own recipe of bibingka.

Lolo Ferino’s bibingka was made of rice dough and basically his own concoction. During those days, he was known for selling different rice cakes. But when he tried selling bibingka during Simbang Gabi, people kept coming back to what would eventually turn out to be his specialty. Sonny Francisco, his grandson narrates, “Sinubukan niyang magluto sa claypots gamit ang uling. Nagustuhan yung product niya at naging word of mouth”.

For years, Lolo Ferino would sell bibingka along the streets until he put up a small stall in Tondo, Manila. He did not expect that the demand for bibingka would grow higher. “Noong naka-build up na siya ng customers doon naman siya naimbitahan pumwesto sa may Manila Hotel. Yun yung first break niya na magkaroon siya ng sariling malaking stall”.

Lolo Ferino spent his remaining years expanding the business. But when he died, his family was not able to sustain this business. Ferino’s Bibingka closed.

It was in 1981 when one of his sons, Alfred Francisco decided to revive their family legacy. He re-opened Ferino’s Bibingka. “Dalawa lang ang store namin noon. Pero ang tatay ko na accountant by profession, iniwan yung trabaho niya para ipagpatuloy ang family business namin”, Sonny, Alfred’s son tells.

Sonny was still a student then but he helped his father in the business. He says he was proud of his grandfather’s legacy and he did not want it to be forgotten. It came to a point that the entire family was helping out to sustain the business.

Their efforts eventually paid off as the business slowly grew. Today, Ferino’s Bibingka is seen in many malls and remains popular with customers.

Get to know more about the story of Ferino's Bibingka in this week's episode of My Puhunan airing Tuesday, November 22, 9:30 PM on DZMM Teleradyo and after Bandila on ABS-CBN.