Cupcakes by Gremlins: Heavenly Goodness that Willl Surely Keep You Coming Back for More!

Never estimate the ability of a man to make great-tasting cupcakes when in Manila. At 7am everyday, after bringing his kids to school, 30-year-old Ogilvy Cruz bakes cupcakes in time to open shop at 11am. Having only opened early this year, Cupcakes by Gremlins – the business he established with his wife and two sons – has already gained some popularity by word-of-mouth. Currently, their Facebook page enjoys over a thousand likes, and the number just keeps on growing.

OGILVY CRUZ: the man behind the oh-so-delicious cupcakes

At the 2nd floor of the building on 54 Maginhawa Street is where this tiny cupcake store humbly resides; it takes a sharp eye to see it. To arrive at the cupcake shop, one must enter from the right side of the building and walk up the stairs. At the end of the white-walled hallway, upon opening the brown door on the right, one is welcomed by the sweet warm aroma of cupcakes. It almost feels like coming home after a stressful day in school or at work.

Carrot Cupcakes (P45 apiece)

Delightful blueberry cheese cupcakes! (P55 apiece)

Add a little oomph to your cupcakes with these quirky cupcake picks!

Created using all-natural ingredients (i.e. brown sugar, fresh fruits) and ZERO additives, these honest-to-goodness cupcakes are definitely a must-try in Manila. Their flavors include Oreo Cheesecake, Red Velvet, Carrot, Banana and Oatmeal, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Brownie and Strawberries (Other flavors are offered occasionally or as requested). With ingredients always perfectly combined, each cupcake takes your taste buds to an adventure.

The cupcakes stand by their own flavor. Crushed Oreos and real blueberries are added to their velvety smooth cheesecake cupcakes. The taste of bananas and oatmeal dominate the cupcake they were named after. The same is true for the rest of the cupcakes. Moreover, the icing on their cupcake is not just an extra part of the cupcake; it is an indispensable part of the whole shebang.

One example is my personal favorite, the brownie and strawberry flavored cupcake. Just as how a heavenly piece of brownie should be, the cupcake base is moist and chewy. Meanwhile, the icing loyally carries the taste of strawberries. Together, they dance gracefully inside your mouth, making you relish every bite of it.

Another product that is often sought-after by customers is their beautifully packaged and undeniably delicious Cupcakes in a Jar. These are perfect for on-the-go individuals and for those who don’t want to take a risk of ruining a cupcake while in transit. It also comes with a spoon, so this yummy cupcake can be eaten anytime, anywhere.

The renowned Cupcakes in a Jar (P100 each): now you can indulge in this yummy treat anywhere you go!

Obviously enjoying the strawberry yogurt-flavored Cupcakes in a Jar. YUMMY!!

We’re all-smiles, thanks to these flavorful treats 🙂

So why is it called Cupcakes by Gremlins? Before any new flavor is introduced to the market, they must pass the test of two critiques: 12-year-old Andrei and 5-year-old Markus, both sons of Ogilvy who are endearingly referred to by their parents as “gremlins.”

All in all, Cupcakes by Gremlins gives you the cupcake experience you will surely keep coming back to when in Manila. Baked fresh daily and made with ingredients of good quality, to miss out on these heavenly cupcakes will be such a shame.

The owner and his very supportive friends. Chances are, you’ll catch them hanging out at the cupcake store, munching on Ogilvy’s unique creations.