How doctor-actress Maricar Reyes found sweet success and joy in baking
“Surgery looked fun,” multi-hyphenate Maricar Reyes said matter-of-factly when I asked if she had a dream specialization. Some people may not know but the actress, author, entrepreneur, and content creator is also a licensed medical doctor.
Maricar got her Biology degree from Ateneo de Manila University and took up Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas. It was in 2008 when she passed the medical licensure exam.
“After getting my medical license, I worked in a private clinic for a few months before I got the call from Mr. M,” Maricar said alluding to star maker Johnny Manahan who was then the head of ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, Star Magic.
Maricar, who started out as a television and print model, has since ventured into various roles as an actress.
Changing paths has crossed Maricar’s mind halfway through medical school. She said, “I started modeling in college. But it was only around my second year in med school did I consider a different career.”
Maricar admitted to wanting a business of her own early on but decided to earn her medical degree in honor of her parents. She fulfilled a dream she declared in second grade.
“When Mr. M gave me an opportunity in showbiz, I entered with a clear conscience and with the support of my parents,” Maricar explained. Her friends were also there during the transition period. “They were supportive, although some wished I lived a quieter and safer life outside of the spotlight.”
What seemed like a major plot twist in her life story had a subplot when Maricar later ventured into baking.
“In 2014, Richard and I thought it was time to start a business together,” she recalled. Maricar got married to crooner Richard Poon just a year before their cake business Maricar’s Chocolate Cakes was born.
She shared, “It was a toss up between what Richard was familiar with because of his dad’s restaurant – a Chinese beef noodle shop – or what I wanted, chocolate cake. Our other business partner chose the cake business, too, so Richard conceded.”
Maricar revealed having a sweet tooth and that she has been baking since high school.
“Nothing fancy, though,” she explained. “But Richard and I started experimenting with recipes and it took us eight months to come up with one we could be truly proud of.”
True enough, the couple’s initial concoction that came in their signature gold tin can was already remarkable. It was rich, moist, and had the right amount of sweetness.
“We knew we had to come up with something distinct because there are so many other chocolate cake businesses out there,” the proud business owner openly shared.
Maricar also paid tribute to her husband’s big role in giving unique flavors to their products.
“He comes up with out-of-the-box ingredients that give our cake that special something,” she added.
What Maricar was describing perfectly matched the magic that was in their first well-received item on the menu years ago – the choco-liquor cake that had a subtle hint of alcohol. Today, their product line has expanded to premium cake chunks in jars and chocolate spread.
For her personal favorite, Maricar swears by the classic dark chocolate cake. “I’m a chocolate person,” she said. The passionate baker went on to share what she enjoys most about baking, “It’s the smell when the cake is in the oven.” Her favorite part is when she tests a small portion of each batch to ensure that the quality meets their set standards.
On her way to success, I could not help but wonder if Maricar found anything useful from her medical background.
“It was easier to understand the science of baking,” she said. “My medical knowledge also helped keep my team safe and healthy during the pandemic.”
From a small home baking project, the business is now available in key cities all over the country. Given the current crisis, orders are made online in the meantime.
Asked what she would advise others who are contemplating on making a career shift, Maricar laughingly responded, “Please go to Relationship Matters PH Youtube channel and watch the video, The Middle of 3 Circles.” In the vlog, she and Richard thoroughly explained how one should find the middle ground among passion, potential, and profit.
To me, the desire to create a positive impact on others is what is truly inspiring about Maricar Reyes and her “sweet success.”