During Lifestyle Asia‘s La Fiesta Manila anniversary, Baken transformed the event into a culinary celebration of intentional indulgence and Filipino flavor.
38 years of storytelling, a legacy reimagined, and a celebration of community, Lifestyle Asia‘s recent La Fiesta Manila anniversary was a testament to the brand’s enduring spirit and its bold refresh for a new generation of cultural and business tastemakers. Under the banner of “the Good Life,” the brand redefines luxury not as excess, but as intentional indulgence: a philosophy of deeply appreciating life’s offerings with purpose and quality. It was befitting then that guests were treated to a delicious fiesta feast courtesy of Baken, the world’s first all-bacon snack brand that showcases the power of a fresh perspective fueled by authenticity and excellence.
Founded by Rachel Carrasco, Baken brings home the real bacon: at the heart of their product line are the Real Bacon Crisps, premium-cut pork that’s baked and seasoned with precision to retain the meat’s moisture and flavor. Enjoyable as a standalone snack or ingeniously incorporated into Filipino-inspired dishes, Baken represents a celebration of success and the importance of quality indulgence. From our pass-around appetizers to our plated dinner, Baken’s Real Bacon Crisps and sweet-savory Bacon Jam (affectionately known as the “party layer slayer”) signaled to our Lifestyle Asia community that this was truly a special gathering.
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Flavors Of Fiesta: Baken Takes The Plaza
As guests arrived at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City, they saw how the Plaza Mayor transformed into a vibrant celebration of Filipino festivity: banderitas overhead, an energetic marching band, and the promise of an extraordinary evening. Of course, no fiesta is complete without delicious food and drinks, from Filipino-inspired cocktails to Baken appetizers.
Guests discovered a playful array of bites: Flambéed Eggplant Ensalata with Baken Crisps; Quesong Puti Croquettes with Bacon Jam; Barquillos Cylinder with Chive Mousse, Bacon Jam, and Baken Crisps; Tinapa Mousse elevated with Ilocos Garlic Confit and Bacon Jam Crostini; and inventive Baken Sliders dressed with tangy Atchara Relish. Each bite was its own fiesta of homegrown culinary creativity, setting the stage for the evening’s celebration.
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Bringing Home The Extraordinary
As the evening transitioned, guests were ushered into Casa Kilayko for the formal program. The understated yet sophisticated tablescape and thoughtful design reflected Lifestyle Asia‘s hallmark and set the stage for the evening’s narrative that celebrated both heritage and innovation. The meal opened with a refreshing Shrimp and Pako Salad with Red Egg, accentuated with savory Baken Crisps and drizzled with Honey Onion Vinaigrette.
READ ALSO: Award-winning Chefs Turn Baken Into Gastronomic Canvas
“At Lifestyle Asia, we’re reimagining what luxury and storytelling can be, with intention, creativity, and depth,” shared Chief of Editorial Content Kerry Tinga. “That’s why we love like-minded partnerships that align with our vision and even push and inspire us. Just like Baken, which transforms a classic ingredient into something extraordinary, together we can showcase how indulgence is about thoughtful, purposeful experiences that can spark joy.”
With Baken, Lifestyle Asia‘s La Fiesta Manila marries tradition and fun, not just bringing home the bacon, but the essence of intentional living.
Ready to try Baken yourself? Order online or find Baken in stores near you.
Photography by Kieran Punay, Kim Santos, Excel Panlaque, and Ed Simon of KLIQ, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baken is the world’s first all-bacon snack brand, founded by Rachel Carrasco. Its flagship product, the Real Bacon Crisps, is made from premium-cut pork that is baked and seasoned to retain moisture and flavor — enjoyable as a standalone snack or incorporated into dishes.
Bacon Jam is Baken’s sweet-savory condiment, affectionately nicknamed the “party layer slayer.” It was featured throughout the La Fiesta Manila menu as a topping and flavor layer across multiple Filipino-inspired appetizers and bites.
Baken-infused appetizers included Flambéed Eggplant Ensalata with Baken Crisps, Quesong Puti Croquettes with Bacon Jam, Barquillos Cylinder with Chive Mousse and Bacon Jam, Tinapa Mousse with Ilocos Garlic Confit and Bacon Jam Crostini, and Baken Sliders with Atchara Relish.
La Fiesta Manila was Lifestyle Asia’s anniversary celebration marking 38 years of the brand, held at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City. The evening celebrated the brand’s refresh under the theme of the “Good Life” — luxury reimagined as intentional indulgence.
Baken is available for online order at ph.shopbaken.com and can also be found in select stores nationwide.
