Being a mum means wearing a dozen hats, all at once — girlboss at work, a doctor, a teacher, a chef, and a best friend. In the whirlwind of your daily responsibilities, here's a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and remember to take care of yourself too. If you’re on the lookout for a cosy space to recharge and reflect, check out the Philippines’ homegrown Mary Grace Cafe and Bakery. Read on for inspiring advice on juggling family life while running an F&B empire from the mother who started it all. Plus, learn more about the special dessert you should get as you celebrate your day.
A special afternoon with Mary Grace Dimacali
Mums carrying their own floral creations with founder Mary Grace.
On 5 May, mums who inspire communities with their content and embody grace, authenticity, and strength gathered at the beautiful Mary Grace Arcovia branch. They came together for Celebrate Every Mom’s Goodness, an event that honours every part of a mum’s journey and celebrates not just what she does, but who she is — her stories, her passions, and beyond. The attendees included Rochelle Abella, Ina Arabia-Garcia, Marga Banaga, Maoui David, Yua Dominguez, Denielle Gilbuena, Grizelle Gratela, Ira Oyco-Millare, Trish Villanueva, and Kyla Zuñiga-Salas.
Watch the video below to learn more about their experiences as mums and the lessons they hope their children will always remember.
Lessons on balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship
At the heart of the event was Mary Grace Dimacali herself — the founder of the beloved café and bakery chain — who shared stories of her life as a hands-on entrepreneur and mother. Speaking of the care and intention she pours into her cafés, she revealed, “Where you communicate by words, I communicate with this place, and with the food on your table.”
Founder Mary Grace Dimacali.
Beyond being a successful entrepreneur, she reminded mums of what matters. “Success in business is nothing if you have not succeeded in rearing your children and making sure that you’ve helped them achieve their best potential,” she shared.
She recounted her own days of juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship. Despite the demands of running the business, she shared that as her kids were growing up, she did her best to be present and involved in their lives, especially when they needed her at home or at school.
And it bore fruit for Mary Grace, as she said that she was not alone in her business endeavours. She mentioned that all her kids helped in bringing the café and bakery chain to where it is today.
To the younger generation of mums, she gave a gentle and reassuring piece of advice: “We mums want to excel in everything we do. But sometimes the stress of wanting to excel can drain your energy. I’d like to tell young mums to stay calm. Grace under pressure. Whatever it is, stay gracious and graceful.”
Expressions of a mum’s creativity and care
Floral arrangement workshop and Story Wall.
After the session, the mums enjoyed a mini floral arrangement workshop led by Love to Craft and writing on the Story Wall where they left messages of encouragement. Some of the kids who came with their mums also pinned their short and sweet notes too.
A taste of love: the limited-edition Mary Grace Tres Leches Cake
The Mary Grace Tres Leches Cake. (Photo from: marygracecafe.com)
The event gave a small glimpse into the many layers of being a mum and how detailed, strong, and sweet she can be. Just like her, the Mary Grace Tres Leches Cake tells a story through its layers. This vanilla sponge cake is soaked in Earl Grey tea-infused milk, while the brand’s homemade caramel filling is a creative interpretation of a mother’s love.
As you celebrate your strength, beauty, and grace, share a slice of this sweet treat with your girlfriends, your family, or simply savour one on your own. The limited-edition cake — which comes with one bottle of Tres Leches milk sauce — is now available in-store and online. It starts at PHP2,427 and is available until 31 May 2025 only.
Ready for a warm and comforting place to take a break? Check out the list of Mary Grace store locations here.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
