Undeniably warm and soft

As soon as the sun peaks over the mountains, the kitchen is already in a busy mode. The aroma of cinnamon bread occupied the whole four corners of the room, while the clanging of kitchen utensils can be heard. It was another busy day for Pan de Valor bakeshop as the overwhelming queue of customers filled outside waiting to taste the warmth and softness of the variety of bread perfectly made for morning brewed coffee.

“Filipinos are really fond of bread and coffee. I just offered them a taste that would suit them. That, I guess, is the reason why my bakeshop clicked,” said Adam Baldimore, 50, Pan de Valor bakeshop owner.

Pan de Valor was established in 2015. The first branch was located in Poblacion, Tago, Surigao del Sur where Adam also resides. The bakeshop has a perfect spot and is accessible to tricycle drivers who are always early for work. “Bread and coffee are their way of starting the day,” said Adam.

When he decided to put up a bakeshop in which he never had a background in aside from his appreciation of bread and pastries, he knew he would be creating something new and different. Adam’s friends and family, however, discouraged him to pursue such business because, by profession, he is a nurse.

“I tried once but it did not work. I felt like baking is my long lost world and I have to be in it,” Adam said.

Not long after, another branch was put up in Aras-asan, Cagwait, followed by another in the town of Gamut also in Surigao del Sur. It was in 2017 when he joined Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), a social development organization that offers microloans to support the livelihood activities of the socio-economically challenged families. Adam is under the Small Business Loan (SBL) program of CARD, Inc. Currently, he has a loan of 100,000 pesos for additional capital to his growing business. CARD, Inc. was able to help him in his urgent needs as he dreamed bigger after all the challenges he went through.

“CARD, Inc. played a big part in what my business has become today. I may be new in the institution, but their trust and support to let my business and me grow at the same time are incomparable,” thanked Adam.

Aside from being a businessman, Adam is also a father to homeless children. He wanted to help them have a bright future. He was blessed with everything he does, and he knew that it is his time to give back.

Adam did not settle to have a family of his own but he found a home in children who are longing for a home.  Not known to some, Adam has a warm and soft side like bread in the morning. He possessed the characters of a good father and companion anyone would wish to have.