• From Manila go to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to board a flight to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, Tacloban. From Tacloban, take Maharlika Hwy/Pan-Philippine Hwy/Route 1/AH26 to reach Catbalogan City. From Catbalogan City Hall, head southeast on San Roque Street toward Maharlika Hwy/Pan-Philippine Hwy/Rizal Ave Ext/Route 1/AH26. Turn left onto Maharlika Hwy/Pan-Philippine Hwy/Rizal Ave Ext/Route 1/AH26. Then, turn left onto 7th St.

• Social Practices, Rituals, Festivals, Knowledge and Practices related to the universe and nature

• Catbalofan City, Samar

• Suppliers
• Retailers
• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

Large eggs - PHP 300.00/tray
Lard - PHP 70.00/500 grams
White sugar - PHP 100.00/kilogram

• Facade of the Catbalogan Public Market by Primark

• Suppliers
• Retailers
• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

Large eggs - PHP 300.00/tray
Lard - PHP 70.00/500 grams
White sugar - PHP 100.00/kilogram

The traditional recipe for torta calls for duck eggs; however, a decline in duck farming has made these eggs increasingly scarce. In response to this challenge, Ms. Radomes has adapted to using chicken eggs as an alternative. Although substituting chicken eggs may address cost and availability issues, it risks altering the torta's texture, flavor, and cultural authenticity, potentially impacting the quality that defines this regional specialty.

Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

• Physical Store of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

• Suppliers
• Farmers
• Retailers
• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

Large eggs - PHP 300.00/tray
Lard - PHP 70.00/500 grams
White sugar - PHP 100.00/kilogram

• Oven
• Fluted brioche mold/torta llanera
• Measuring cup
• Wooden spoon
• Bowls
• Tupperware containers
• Plastic packaging

• 313, Patag, Brgy. 12, Catbalogan City, Samar

• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

Traditional tools and techniques, such as wood-fired ovens pugon and mixing the batter with bare hands, are considered as an authentic way of torta production. These practices contribute not only to the distinct flavor and texture of the product but also to its cultural significance, embodying a connection to its heritage. But due to modern practicality and larger production volume the owner adopted the use of gas stoves for baking and wooden spoons for mixing the batter.

Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

• Preheat the oven for five minutes at 300C.
• In the mixing bowl of the electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with a hand mixer, just enough to blend.
• Combine the following ingredients: evaporated milk, sugar, margarine, and lard. Stir continuously before adding the next ingredient.
• Sift the flour into the mixture to avoid lumps. Whisk until flour is blended.
• Mix in the baking powder.
• Place the mixing bowl in the electric mixer and beat until the batter reaches a silky finish.
• Arrange the pre-cut Japanese paper in the torta llanera.
• Fill the one-cup measuring scoop and pour the batter into llaneras, ¾ full to allow room for rising.
• Place everything in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and glaze the tops with beaten egg white, followed by a dusting of white sugar. Return the torta to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Remove and serve warm.

• The owner’s Personal Property or Homes

• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies

Large eggs - PHP 300.00/tray
Lard - PHP 70.00/500 grams
White sugar - PHP 100.00/kilogram

• The owner said that she sells her torta for up to five days at a time. She stores her unsold Torta in a glass case kept at room temperature.
• The torta can last longer for customers who order it since they store it in the refrigerator.
• The owner uses a limited production strategy, typically making only one batch at a time, which yields 18 pieces of torta. This approach is followed, especially when there are no special events that would increase demand.

• The owner’s Personal House or Homes

• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies
• Customers

A single serving of Torta costs PHP 100.00. (As of 2024)

• Food Store in Catbalogan City, Samar - The owner primarily sells her torta at a stall in front of her house. Additionally, she supplies other “pasalubong” gift shops in Catbalogan City with her products. She uses Facebook to share her available menu, but orders are for pick-up only, as she does not offer delivery services.

• 313, Patag, Brgy. 12, Catbalogan City, Samar

• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies
• Customers

A single serving of Torta costs PHP 100.00. (As of 2024)

• Direct Sales/Take-out
• A la Carte Service

• 313, Patag, Brgy. 12, Catbalogan City, Samar

• Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies
• Customers

A single serving of Torta costs PHP 100.00. (As of 2024)

The stall lacks a visible menu listing of the available products and their prices, which can present certain challenges for customers. Without clear signage, new customers may feel uncertain about what is offered or hesitate to ask about prices, potentially impacting their buying decision. Regular customers may know the products and prices, but for first-time visitors or tourists, the absence of a posted menu can make purchasing less accessible and straightforward.

There is a limited space for dining in. Only a few chairs are available for customers to snack on torta, which may limit the number of customers who can eat torta on-site.

Mila H. Radomes, the baker/owner of Sam and Ava Cakes and Cookies