Sisters Penk Ching and Shen Chen Ratilla, both renowned pastry chefs, were behind one of the sweetest (both figuratively and literally) events of the year, as they launched their second coffee table book, Beyond Sugar. 

The sisters run Pastry Bin and, without exaggeration, it would be difficult to name a top-tier wedding, birthday party, or celebration over the last three decades in which Pastry Bin was not responsible for the take-your-breath-away cake.

There was a first book some 13 years ago. It was super special, as it also included the paintings of Penk, from pen and ink to watercolors and sketches. 

Just to show you how the sisters embrace life in all its diversity, it’s a little known fact that Penk and Shen are partners in a franchised preschool here in the Philippines. Headquartered in Singapore, the local MindChamps International Preschool franchise  is a business the sisters ventured into to pay tribute to their parents and grandparents, who were teacher and educators. Yes, the first MindChamps had a gourmet kitchen where the chilren would learn to bake.

I call the launch of their second book one of sweetest events of late, as the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines showed up in full force to support their "Queen of Cakes" and her sister, who are both considered true cake artists. The warmth and love of the pastry chefs for the two were so palpable, and Penk was so touched with the outpouring of feelings and emotions. 

Beyond Sugar is a gem of a book from two culinary treasures!