End of an era: Cubao’s Chocolate Lover to close after 36 years

It’s the end of an era for Chocolate Lover Inc. in Cubao, a beloved bakery and baking supplies store famed for its castle-like exterior that has long captivated visitors curious about what lies inside.

Owner and entrepreneur Annie Carmona-Lim confirmed the bittersweet news through a social media post on Tuesday, 18 November, announcing that the store will close in December.

Known fondly as the “Chocolate Queen,” Lim held back tears as she shared the announcement.

"Gusto ko lang pong ipaalam sa inyo na magsasarado na po kami. December 27, 2025 po 'yung last day namin. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin naman ang pagbebenta namin hanggang sa mga araw na 'yon at saka 'yung mga fast-moving (items) -- mga chocolates, buttercream, walnuts -- mayroon pa rin po kami. Talagang hindi namin pababayaan 'yung mga customers namin na kung kailan nila kailangan ngayong Pasko ay bibitawan namin, hindi po. 'Yung dedication ng Chocolate Lover sa mga nagbi-business ay ganoon pa rin po 'yung support namin. Mahigit isang buwan na lang po 'yon, kaya gusto ko pong batiin din kayo ng Merry Christmas," Lim said, expressing gratitude to suppliers, students, and loyal customers.

"Eto na, goodbye na after 36 years, goodbye na tayo," she added.

Lim explained that the closure is due to none of her children wanting to take over the business.

"Ang dahilan po kasi ay ayaw na rin po kasing manahin ng mga anak ko. Okay na po kami sa ibang bansa. Ako naman po ay mag-aalaga na lang po ng apo, kasi matanda na rin po ako. Hirap na rin po ako magbiyahe-biyahe," she said.

She also revealed that they are selling the property, but with no buyers yet, they plan to rent it out in the meantime.

"Alam niyo po naman na ibinibenta ko itong castle pero wala pa rin namang buyer kaya balak sana namin habang walang buyer ay paupahan. Pero siyempre mag-check pa rin po kayo sa Facebook kung ano na ang development kung gusto niyo ring maki-tsismis sa amin," Lim said.

Ending her post, Lim thanked everyone and admitted that saying goodbye to Chocolate Lover was incredibly difficult.

"Tatlong taon ko na pong iniiyakan ito. Kasi hindi ko kaya talaga baby ko kasi ito. Pero kailangan ko na pong magsabi ng goodbye. Marami pong salamat," she concluded.

Chocolate Lover Inc. began in 1989, when Lim, after recovering from cancer, started her baking supplies store with a capital of P6,000. As the store grew, she built its iconic castle-like facade on P. Tuazon Street in Cubao, creating a whimsical landmark and an inspiration for baking enthusiasts everywhere.