Chocolate Lover Inc. to close for good after 36 years

Iconic Cubao baking supply store Chocolate Lover Inc. will be closing its doors for good next month.

In a video message on Facebook, Annie Carmona Lim, owner of Chocolate Lover, bid a sad farewell to her customers, suppliers, and baking students.

"Gusto ko lang po ipaalam sa inyo na magsasarado na po kami sa Dec. 27, 2025," she said. 

Until then, Lim assured her customers that her store would continue selling items, especially the fast-moving ones, including "mga chocolates, buttercream, walnuts. Meron pa rin po kami," Lim said.

"Hindi namin pababayaan 'yung mga customers namin na kung kailan nila kailangan ngayong Pasko, bibitawan namin. Hindi po. 'Yung dedication ng Chocolate Lover sa mga nagbu-business, ganu'n pa rin ho 'yung support namin," she added. 

For 36 years, the store has been a fixture on the corner of P. Tuazon Blvd. and C. Benitez St. It is especially memorable because it sits inside a "castle" that even comes with a turret. 

Inside, Chocolate Lover has shelves of baking supplies, as well as a big space for baking classes. 

Lim explained that she would be closing the store because her children, who are based abroad, are not inclined to continue the business. 

"Gusto ko lang hong ipaalam na...ayaw na rin po kasing manahin ng mga anak ko. Okay na po kami sa ibang bansa. eh ako naman po ay mag-aalaga na lang ng apo. Kasi matanda na rin ako; hirao na 'kong mag-biyahe-biyahe," Lim said. 

"Tatlong taon ko na hong iniiyakan ito. Baby ko kasi ito. Pero kailangan ko nang magsabi ng goodbye," she added tearfully. 

Lim said the castle is now up for sale. In the meantime, her family is planning to rent out the space after the store closes. 

Loyal customers of the store expressed their sadness on Chocolate Lover's Facebook page. 

"From Oton Iloilo, pumunta ako diyan just to buy some of my needs for baking. Sad to know you're going to close. Anyway, Thank you Chocolate Lover for inspiring me and become a part of my business. 36 long years is not bad. Goodbye is not forever. God Bless," wrote a customer. 

A baking student wrote, "Regret to hear you are closing... Isa po ako sa student mo- way back 1997. Thank you Ma'am Annie... Marami ka po natulungan & we will never forget you!"

"Maraming salamat!! When I started baking at the age of 33 and needed a temporary source of income during the pandemic, Chocolate Lovers has been pivotal in this. So maraming maraming salamat sa affordable at kalidad na ingredients!! You've made a big difference to me and I'm sure sa iba pang bakers," wrote another Facebook user. 

Lim encouraged her followers to regularly check Chocolate Lover's Facebook page for possible updates.