Front row, Madonna Floresca, Jeny Munar, Josephine Estillore, Marites Hossain, Bella Castillo, Wilma Dellota, Glenda Sacayan, Aniceta Labang, Jacqeulin Castro, Janet Rasiang, and Janelle Lizama. Back row, Sorena Cabrera, Daveyann Iguel, Tricia Diaz.
By Candy Alexis D. Feliciano
HAVE you been at Herman’s Modern Bakery lately? The smell of freshly baked bread and pastries fills the air, but it’s the people behind the counter who truly make the place special.
Mary Ruth Alvarez, the baker, and Liam McKinnon, the cashier, are two of the faces that bring warmth, creativity, and joy to this beloved bakery. Stories like these go into every loaf of bread, every slice of cake, and every smile they create.
The baker with a creative touch
Mary Ruth Alvarez starts her day before the sun rises. As a baker at Herman’s Modern Bakery, her mornings are a whirlwind of mixing, measuring, and baking.
“I prepare a variety of baked cakes every day,” she shared. “I start early, making sure all the ingredients are ready, and then I work with the team to decorate cakes and arrange displays for the morning rush.”
Mary Ruth has been with Herman’s Modern Bakery for a year and five months now, but her baking journey began long before that. With a background in running an online bake shop, she brings a creative flair to her work. “I love experimenting with new recipes and flavors,” she said. “It keeps things exciting, and the customers seem to love it.”
Her creativity isn’t just about making beautiful cakes; it’s also about solving problems. Once, during a busy weekend, the bakery ran short of a key ingredient for their popular chocolate cake. Instead of panicking, Mary Ruth quickly improvised. “I came up with an alternative recipe using what we had,” she recalled. “It was a challenge, but we didn’t disappoint our customers. In fact, they loved the new version!”
What Mary Ruth loves most about her job is the sense of family at Herman’s Modern Bakery. “We all support each other,” she said. “And seeing the smiles on our customers’ faces when they enjoy our baked goods—that’s what makes it all worth it.”
The cashier who brings joy to every interaction
For Liam McKinnon, being a cashier at Herman’s Bakery is about more than just handling payments; it’s about creating a welcoming experience for every customer. “My main job is to assist customers, take their orders, and make sure they leave with a smile,” she explained. “But I also help keep the counter organized, stock products, and even assist with packaging.”
Liam has been with Herman’s Modern Bakery for three years now. In that time, she’s become a familiar face to regulars. “Every day brings something new,” she said. “I love interacting with customers, helping them choose from our wide variety of baked goods, and making sure their experience is special.”
One of Liam’s strengths is her ability to think on her feet. During a particularly busy morning, a customer was worried their large order wouldn’t be ready in time. “I quickly confirmed the details with the bakery team and made sure everything was prepared,” Liam recalled. “We even offered a small discount for the inconvenience. The customer was so grateful, and it felt great to turn a potential problem into a positive experience.”
For Liam, the best part of working at Herman’s Modern Bakery is the people. “The customers are so kind and appreciative,” she said. “And the team here is like a second family. We all support each other, and that makes the atmosphere lively and fun.”
What makes Herman’s Bakery special isn’t just the delicious pastries or the cozy atmosphere; it’s the people who work there. Mary Ruth and Liam are perfect examples of the dedication and passion that go into every aspect of the bakery.
“It’s fulfilling to see how happy our customers are,” Mary Ruth said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Liam echoed this. “The best part is knowing that we’re making someone’s day a little brighter,” she said. “Whether it’s a special order or just their morning coffee and pastry, we’re here to make it memorable.”
As Mary Ruth and Liam continue to pour their hearts into their work, they’re not just baking bread or serving coffee; they’re creating moments of joy for their community. Their stories remind us that behind every great bakery is a team of passionate individuals who care deeply about what they do.
The next time you visit Herman’s Modern Bakery, take a moment to appreciate the people behind the counter. They’re the ones who make the magic happen, one smile—and one pastry—at a time.
