ood things come in small packages. Even so in the divine world of desserts, sugar fans have come to love sweet treats even in their miniature form. Tiny cakes, more popularly known as cupcakes, have invaded dessert plates everywhere. PJ Mariano at 23, is no exception to this cupcake-addicted population. For more than a year now, she has been recreating the cupcake with fanciful flavors, textures and designs for her growing number of fans. Under the name Chipper Cupcakes, PJ Mariano is baking her way to the dessert map. Chipper Cupcakes started in November 2006 through a blog but PJ has been baking long before that. Catering  first to just friends and family, she was then encouraged to start selling the cupcakes to the public. Her blog started to be frequented by curious, sugar-craving net surfers and several orders of cupcakes later, Chipper Cupcakes already had it’s loyal following. 

To date, Chipper Cupcakes has 11 flavors to choose from. There’s the classic chocolate or vanilla with buttercream frosting. East-meets-west flavors include: Chai tea with vanilla cream cheese frosting, green tea cupcakes, mango-rum cupcakes with meringue buttercream frosting, and almond lychee cupcakes. For a twist on the originals, go for chocolate-banana cupcakes with caramel frosting, chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter, red velvet cupcakes with vanilla cream cheese frosting, and honey gingerbread with lemon cream cheese frosting. Soon to pop out of the oven are new flavors that are Thai, Indian, and Filipino-inspired.

Cupcakes are crowned with dainty swirls and adorned with sprinkles, nonpareils, or pieces of fruit. Candy flowers would even occasionally grace the tip of the colored frosting. Designs are simple but pleasantly presented. PJ however welcomes requests for alternative designs. Price range for Chipper cupcakes is P27-P42 pesos a piece.

When asked about the meaning behind the name Chipper, PJ says, “I initially wanted a name that started with the same letter as the word "cupcake," but at the same time I wanted something that sounded cheerful and perky. I guess it's because there's really something cheerful about a cupcake when you see it. So I hit on Chipper." Indeed, cupcake when you see it. So I hit on Chipper."Indeed, people who chance upon tasting the cupcakes will surely have a happy moment.

Despite being a part-time teacher and graduate student, PJ hopes to expand her business either through catering or having her very own shop. Why cupcakes? PJ answers, “Why not? Aside from the convenient size, there's something really attractive about an individually-