What is Valerio's Bakeshop?

Valerio’s Bakeshop is more than just a bakery—it is a celebration of Filipino heritage, family tradition, and the love of baking that has been passed down for generations. Located in National City, California, Valerio’s Bakeshop has become a cherished destination for those seeking the authentic flavors of the Philippines, offering a wide array of handcrafted Filipino breads, pastries, cakes, and sweet treats that bring warmth, nostalgia, and comfort to every bite.

For decades, our bakery has been a cornerstone of the Filipino-American community, serving as a gathering place where families, friends, and newcomers alike can experience the taste of home-baked tradition. Every morning, the scent of freshly baked pandesal, golden ensaymada, buttery cheese rolls, and flaky, savory empanadas fills the air, welcoming customers with the unmistakable aroma of Filipino comfort food. Each product we create is made with high-quality ingredients, time-honored recipes, and the same dedication to excellence that has defined our family’s craft since the very beginning.

But Valerio’s Bakeshop is more than just a place to buy bread—it is a symbol of perseverance, culture, and community. Founded by the late Victor Valerio Sr. and Milagros Valerio, the bakery was built on the belief that Filipino culinary traditions should be preserved, celebrated, and shared with generations to come. What started as a small neighborhood bakery has flourished into a beloved institution, bringing a taste of the Philippines to families across California and beyond.

Whether you grew up with our baked goods or are discovering them for the first time, Valerio’s Bakeshop invites you to experience the rich flavors, deep traditions, and heartfelt history behind every loaf of bread and every sweet treat we bake. Because here, every bite is more than just food—it’s a connection to our roots, our family, and the beautiful, vibrant culture of the Philippines.

Victor Valerio Sr. and his wife Milagros Valerio, founders of Valerio Bakeshop

Our Story: A Heritage of Love and Tradition

More than just a bakery, Valerio’s Bakeshop is a bridge between generations—a place where tradition, resilience, and the rich flavors of the Philippines come to life. Every warm loaf, every buttery ensaymada, every flaky empanada tells the story of a family’s journey, a community’s love, and a culture deeply rooted in the art of baking.

The story of Valerio’s Bakeshop begins in the 1950s in the Philippines, where Victor Valerio Sr (left). spent his days mastering the craft of Filipino baking. He didn’t just bake—he poured his heart into perfecting the taste, texture, and tradition of every bread and pastry he made. From the golden crunch of bicho-bicho (Filipino-style donuts) to the soft, pillowy pandesal enjoyed with a steaming cup of kapeng barako, Victor’s creations quickly became a beloved staple in his local community. Baking, for him, was never just about food—it was about bringing people together, evoking the comfort of home, and honoring the deep culinary heritage of the Philippines.

When Victor and his wife, Milagros Valerio (right), made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States, they carried more than just dreams of a better future. They carried recipes, traditions, and an unshakable commitment to preserving their Filipino roots. In 1979, in the heart of National City, California, they opened the first Valerio’s Bakeshop—a small, unassuming storefront filled with the aroma of freshly baked pandesal, ensaymada, and cheese rolls. What started as a modest bakery quickly became a cherished destination for Filipinos longing for the familiar tastes of home and for those eager to experience the warmth of authentic Filipino baked goods for the first time.

Generations of Tradition, Baked Fresh Daily

At Valerio’s Bakeshop, tradition is our secret ingredient—one that has been carefully passed down through generations, unchanged and uncompromised. While the world around us continues to evolve, our baking methods and the heart behind our recipes remain rooted in the time-honored techniques of our ancestors.

Our iconic pandesal, a staple of every Filipino breakfast table, is still made with the same patience and care as it was decades ago—soft, slightly sweet, and perfect with a spread of butter or a dip in hot coffee. Our ensaymada, enriched with butter, sugar, and a delicate dusting of cheese, remains a nostalgic treat for those who grew up enjoying merienda (afternoon snack) in the Philippines. The rich, savory-sweet flavors of our cheese rolls and the golden, crisp crust of our empanadas carry the comforting taste of Filipino home cooking, the kind that instantly transports you back to your grandmother’s kitchen.

But beyond the bread and pastries, Valerio’s Bakeshop has always been about family—not just those behind the counter, but every customer who walks through our doors. We believe that food has the power to tell a story, to spark memories, and to create lasting connections. That’s why, to this day, a real member of the Valerio family is present at every location that bears our logo, ensuring that the warmth of our home extends to yours.

Today, the legacy lives on through Victor and Milagros’ daughter, Fanny (back middle), her husband Roberto Sr. (middle), and their three sons: Philip (front middle), Jed (middle right), and Roberto Jr. (right) Each generation has embraced the responsibility of honoring our roots while continuing to grow and evolve. We still knead, bake, and serve with the same love and dedication that built this bakery from the ground up.

A Taste of Home, A Pillar of the Community

For tens of thousands of Filipino-Americans, Valerio’s Bakeshop is more than just a bakery—it’s a taste of home, a cherished gathering place, and a link to generations past. It’s where families come together over a warm box of pandesal, where childhood memories of meriendas (afternoon snacks) are rekindled with every bite of soft ensaymada, and where new generations are introduced to the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines. Our bakery is a cultural landmark, serving as a beacon of familiarity and comfort for those longing for the flavors of their homeland.

Food is one of the strongest ties to heritage, and for many, a visit to Valerio’s Bakeshop is like stepping into a familiar embrace. The first bite of a freshly baked pandesal can transport someone back to mornings in the Philippines, where the scent of bread filled the air as a new day began. The buttery sweetness of an ensaymada can spark memories of birthdays, fiestas, and family celebrations. The crisp, golden crust of an empanada brings back the flavors of home-cooked meals, lovingly prepared and shared with loved ones.

But beyond preserving tradition through our baked goods, Valerio’s Bakeshop has always been dedicated to uplifting the community that has embraced us so warmly. For decades, we have actively participated in Filipino cultural events, local food festivals, and community outreach programs. We have proudly sponsored local fiestas and gatherings, ensuring that Filipino traditions continue to thrive, even far from home. Through donations, collaborations, and grassroots efforts, we strive to support the very people who have supported us—from families celebrating special milestones to individuals looking for a familiar taste of comfort.

Valerio’s Bakeshop is more than just a small family owned business—it’s a home for Filipino culture, a sanctuary for nostalgia, and a cornerstone of the Filipino-American experience. Whether it’s through a simple morning ritual of dunking pandesal in coffee or the joy of discovering a favorite childhood treat, we take pride in being a part of our customers’ daily lives. We don’t just serve bread; we serve memories, traditions, and a deep sense of belonging.

Preserving Filipino Heritage, One Loaf at a Time

As we continue to grow, our mission remains unwavering: to honor our family’s legacy, preserve Filipino baking traditions, and share the flavors of the Philippines with the world. We believe that every loaf we bake, every pastry we craft, and every empanada we fill is a testament to the resilience of our ancestors and the enduring power of heritage. We are not just a bakery; we are storytellers, cultural custodians, and keepers of tradition.

But our journey doesn’t end here. As Filipino food continues to gain recognition on the global stage, we are committed to introducing more people to the richness of Filipino cuisine while staying true to the time-honored methods and ingredients that define our craft. We take pride in making everything from scratch, by hand, and with heart, just as our family did before us. Through every expansion, every new location, and every fresh batch of bread that comes out of our ovens, we remain rooted in the same passion that started it all.

We invite you to taste our history, embrace our traditions, and become a part of the Valerio family. Whether you grew up with our baked goods or are discovering them for the first time, know that every bite carries a story—a story of love, sacrifice, and the unwavering spirit of a Filipino family determined to keep their culture alive.

Because at Valerio’s Bakeshop, every bite is a connection to home, a tribute to the past, and a promise to the future. And no matter how far we go, the heart of our bakery will always be the traditions, flavors, and people that make it all possible.

Bringing the Heart and Soul of Filipino Baking to Your Family's Table