Maria Katrina Paras

Mon Reve Paris My Dream of Flavors BF Homes

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<p><strong>BF Homes</strong> has become a foodie destination in recent years, with options to indulge in a warming hot pot dinner, a comforting smashed burger and fries combo, taste-bud-exciting Mexican fare, good old Korean BBQ or K-street food, and classic Chinese or Filipino feasts. In more recent years, the Southie neighborhood has also become home to some of the most popular cafes on social media—matcha cafes, coffee joints, and dessert havens. It&#x27;s also home to a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, Kumba! </p><p>But did you know that amidst these foodie favorites, a French-inspired bake shop exists? Meet <strong>My Dream of Flavors</strong>, or &quot;<strong>Mon Rêve Paris</strong>&quot;, a quaint bake shop that specializes in pastries like macarons, eclairs, cookies, cakes, and croissants?</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779776197253Mon Reve Paris.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Mon Rêve Paris, BF Homes</span></span></span></div><p>Educated in France, My Dream of Flavors&#x27; <strong>Chef Chesca Abena</strong> created the bakery out of her inherent love for sweets. &quot;It all started with my obsession with sweets! As a kid, I was the ultimate &#x27;sweet tooth&#x27;! I could finish a whole cake all on my own&quot;, Chef Chesca quips. In the City of Light, Chef Chesca was educated and got firsthand work experience as a pastry chef, leading to her authentic French skills in baking.              </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779777071966Chef Chesca Abena.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Chef Chesca Abena</span></span></span></div><p>&quot;Fast forward through years of international training, and I developed a dream of creating my own shop that offered Filipinos something different: a &#x27;guilt-free&#x27; way to enjoy world-class pastries. I wanted to create healthy, fusion-inspired desserts that didn&#x27;t compromise on taste. This dream became Mon Rêve Paris. <strong>It literally means &#x27;My Dream,&#x27; and it is my way of bringing the authentic flavors of Paris to the streets of Manila.&quot;                                      </strong>                  </p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>Metro.Style: What sets My Dream of Flavors apart from other neighborhood bake shops?                        </strong></div><p><strong>Chef Chesca Abena: </strong>W<strong></strong>hat truly sets us apart is our commitment to authentic, <strong>from-scratch craftsmanship</strong>. Unlike many shops, we do not use pre-mixes or shortcuts. Everything we serve is homemade, allowing us to meticulously control the quality of every ingredient that enters our kitchen.                        </p><p>Coming from a background in <strong>Michelin-starred production and French instruction</strong>, I prioritize a <strong>&quot;less is more&quot; philosophy</strong> <strong>regarding sweetness</strong>.<strong> We’ve perfected recipes that reduce sugar without compromising the rich, indulgent texture of a world-class dessert. </strong>This ensures our pastries are not only delicious but also a more mindful choice for our customers.</p><p>We combine these high-quality ingredients with the technical discipline of French tradition to create something familiar yet uniquely sophisticated. Above all, we treat our customers like family—every pastry is prepared with the same sincerity and care that I put into my own dream, making every visit a warm and memorable experience.    </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779777519307Chef Chesca Abena 2.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">&quot;What truly sets us apart is our commitment to authentic, from-scratch craftsmanship.&quot;</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>MS: What are your top three products—the ones you are truly proud of and confident no one can beat?</strong></div><div><strong>CCA:</strong> <strong>At Mon Rêve Paris, we pride ourselves on being more than just a bakery; we are a destination for culinary discovery. These three categories represent the absolute peak of our craftsmanship:                                                        </strong></div><ul style="list-style-type:circle"><li><strong>Our Signature Fusion Éclairs </strong>This is where my French training meets my Filipino heart. I am incredibly proud of how we’ve reimagined the classic choux pastry to resonate with local flavors. Our best-sellers, like the Calamansi Éclair and Puto Bumbong Éclair, provide a taste that Filipinos love in a sophisticated, world-class format. We also offer global favorites like Matcha and Tiramisu, all crafted with a &quot;less-sugar&quot; philosophy that allows the true quality of our ingredients to shine.</li><li><strong>Bespoke Artisanal Macarons </strong>What sets our macarons apart is the level of personalization we pour into every shell. Moving beyond traditional flavors, we offer a truly bespoke experience through intricate designs—from hand-painted details and custom printing to creating adorable cartoon characters. Despite the creative artistry, we never compromise on the technical foundation: they feature the perfect &quot;feet,&quot; a delicate crunch, and a chewy center, all while maintaining a balanced, reduced-sweetness profile.</li><li><strong>Authentic European Specialty Cookies </strong>As a pastry chef trained in Europe, I am honored to introduce Filipinos to authentic hidden gems that you rarely find in local cafés. I am particularly proud of our Brutti ma Buoni—traditional Italian hazelnut cookies that literally mean &quot;Ugly but Good&quot;—as well as our buttery French Financiers and classic Diamond Vanilla Sablés. I believe no other shop in the city offers this specific curated collection of European cookies, and I am proud to share these timeless, from-scratch traditions with our community.                                                        </li></ul><div>    </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779778032628Mon Reve Paris 2.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">My Dream of Flavors&#x27; creations</span></span></span></div><div><strong>MS: What values does My Dream of Flavors uphold when serving clients?                        </strong></div><div><strong>CCA: At Mon Rêve Paris, we believe that a &quot;Dream of Flavors&quot; can only be realized through a foundation of uncompromising values:</strong></div><p><strong>Excellence and Technical Integrity</strong> As a chef, my first commitment is to the craft. We uphold the highest standards of French culinary discipline, ensuring that every product is made from scratch with technical precision and the finest ingredients. For us, &quot;quality&quot; isn&#x27;t just a word—it is a promise of consistency and freshness in every bite.</p><p><strong>Honesty and Mindfulness </strong>We value the trust our clients place in us. This is why we are honest about what goes into our pastries. Our &quot;less-sugar&quot; philosophy is a core value; we strive to provide a healthier, guilt-free indulgence without ever compromising on the rich, authentic taste of world-class desserts.</p><p><strong>Sincerity in Connection</strong> Baking is deeply personal. Whether we are hand-painting a macaron for a birthday or preparing a box of Brutti ma Buoni for a gift, we know we are becoming part of someone’s special memory. We treat every customer like family, serving with the warmth, respect, and gratitude that define our community.</p><p><strong>Visionary Innovation</strong> We value the bridge between traditions. While we respect classic European techniques, we are always dreaming of new ways to fuse them with local culture—creating a unique, memorable experience that brings the heart of Paris to Metro Manila.                                                        </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779778349349My Dream of Flavors Eclairs.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">Puto Bumbong Eclair</span></span></span></div><div><strong>MS: How do you incorporate your personal touch into each of your products?</strong></div><p><strong>CCA: </strong>At Mon Rêve Paris, my personal touch is woven into every step of the process. I see myself not just as a business owner, but as a lead artisan who is deeply involved in the &quot;soul&quot; of every pastry we create.                        </p><p><strong>Handcrafted Artistry and Detail</strong> I believe that the &quot;hand of the maker&quot; is what truly makes a product memorable. This is why I personally oversee the most intricate details—whether it’s the hand-painted designs on our macarons, the delicate piping on our éclairs, or ensuring the perfect moist texture of our signature cakes. These are the small, precise touches that machines cannot replicate, and they are what turn a simple dessert into a piece of edible art.</p><p><strong>European Discipline with a Filipino Heart</strong> My personal touch is also a reflection of my unique journey. I bring the rigorous standards and technical discipline of my training in France and Monte Carlo into the kitchen every day. However, I infuse those traditions with the warmth and storytelling of my Filipino roots. When a customer opens a box from Mon Rêve, I want them to feel the years of dedication, the early mornings, and the genuine love I have for the craft of patisserie. It is my way of sharing my &quot;dream&quot; with them, one bite at a time.          </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779778924229Chef Chesca Abena 3.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">At Mon Rêve Paris, my personal touch is woven into every step of the process. I see myself not just as a business owner, but as a lead artisan who is deeply involved in the &quot;soul&quot; of every pastry we create.</span></span></span>                                              </div><div><strong>MS: What can we look forward to for My Dream of Flavors in the coming months?</strong></div><p><strong>CCA: </strong>The coming months are an incredibly exciting time for Mon Rêve Paris as we continue to expand our &quot;Dream of Flavors.&quot; Here is what our community can look forward to:</p><p><strong>Seasonal Collections and New Global Fusions </strong>We are currently in the laboratory developing new seasonal specialties that continue to bridge European technique with local inspiration. You can expect even more innovative éclair flavors and limited-edition macaron collections that celebrate both Filipino festivities and classic French seasons. My goal is to always give our customers something new and exciting to discover.</p><p><strong>Expanding the &quot;Guilt-Free&quot; Experience </strong>We are doubling down on our commitment to mindful indulgence. I am working on expanding our range of &quot;less-sugar&quot; and health-conscious desserts, ensuring that more people can enjoy world-class patisserie without compromise. We want to prove that healthy can—and should—be delicious.</p><p>Enhanced Customer Connection Beyond the menu, we are focused on growing our presence in the Metro. We are exploring more convenient ways for our customers to experience our products and looking for new opportunities to share our story through workshops and events.</p><div><br id="isPasted"/><br/><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:600px;display:block" width="600"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1779779413912Mon Reve Paris BF Homes products.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" width="600"/><span class="fr-inner">&quot;Enhanced Customer Connection Beyond the menu, we are focused on growing our presence in the Metro.&quot;</span></span></span>&quot;I would simply like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported Mon Rêve Paris from the very beginning&quot;, Chef Chesca shares. &quot;To my family, my friends, and the community who have helped us be seen—your recommendations and kind messages mean the world to me. I often tell people that I am not a &quot;businesswoman&quot; in the traditional sense; I am, first and foremost, a mother who simply had a dream&quot;, she goes on to say. &quot;I wanted to create something better—something high-quality and sincere—to share with my own family and with our community. This journey has never been easy, and there is still so much for me to discover. I am more excited than ever to keep learning and growing as a chef. I am truly grateful to this community for giving me the opportunity to achieve my &#x27;Dream of Flavors/ through Mon Rêve Paris. Thank you for allowing my passion to be a part of your celebrations and your homes&quot;, she ends.</div><p><em>Mon Rêve Paris is located at 340 Aguirre Avenue, corner El Grande Avenue, BF Homes, Parañaque. Follow them on Instagram at </em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mydreamofflavors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>@mydreamofflavors</em></a>.<em></em></p>

<p>Tucked inside a quaint bakery in the South is a pastry shop that will give you a taste of authentic French desserts</p>

Tucked inside a quaint bakery in the South is a pastry shop that will give you a taste of authentic French desserts

This Parisian-Inspired Bake Shop in BF Homes Sells The Most Delicious Macarons and Eclairs

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This Parisian-Inspired Bake Shop in BF Homes Sells The Most Delicious Macarons and Eclairs

Kate Paras-Santiago

Published May 26, 2026 03:00 PM PHT

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Updated May 26, 2026 03:18 PM PHT

Read More:

Food

Mon Reve Paris

My Dream of Flavors

Chef Chesca Abena

BF Homes Cafes

BF Homes Restaurants

BF Homes Bakeshops

BF Homes Desserts

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