Saturday, April 12, 2025

Open Letter to Mr. Paul Anka - Legendary Singer and Songwriter of all time

 

Dear Mr. Paul Anka,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the joy you have brought into my family's life through your music, particularly for the happiness you recently gave my mother during your concert at Casino Rama on May 25, 2024.

For over six decades, my parents have been devoted fans of your music. Your songs have been the soundtrack to their lives, accompanying them through countless memories and milestones. One song, in particular, holds a special place in their hearts—"My Heart Sings." This beautiful piece has been their love theme song, a melody that encapsulates their enduring love and shared journey.

My father, who has since passed away, shared a deep connection with my mother through your music. When she attended your concert at Casino Rama, it was a dream come true for her. Watching you perform live brought back a flood of cherished memories. It was as if my late father was there with her, holding her close, sharing in the magic of that evening. She was beaming with joy and her heart was filled with warmth, a sight that touched my soul profoundly.

I believe that night, in the midst of your timeless music, my mother felt the presence of my father beside her. Your performance bridged the gap between past and present, allowing her to relive their love story. It was a divine moment, a blessing from God, and I am deeply thankful for it.

I forgot to mentioned that this is my mother second time to watch your live concert after nearly seven decades. First was when she was still in her younger years, maybe18 years of age (maybe in 1960's haven't born in this time yet haha), your concert in Araneta Coloseum in Manila, Philippines. That's what she recall and that memory she tell us as if it only happened yesterday..

Thank you, Mr. Anka, for continuing to share your gift with the world. Your music is not just a collection of songs but a powerful force that brings happiness, comfort, and beautiful memories to many, including my beloved parents. You have made my mother smile and brought her immeasurable joy, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

 

P.S. We tried to talk to the organizer if my mother can meet you in person after your concert however it's too late to get a meet and greet ticket. The whole experience could be even more better if that happened. At least we tried..

 

With sincere appreciation,

Grace Ilano in behalf of my late Mother Clinia D. Ilano and Father Nelson T. Ilano Jr. 


This Open letter is a late post Created and unpublished since June1, 2024 and is dedicated in memory of my Mother Clinia who passed away on January 5, 2025.

 

 










Paul Anka's concert in Toronto, Ontario 
Casino Rama May 25, 2024
 
 
 
 
 
Performed title song "My Heart Sings" - My parents love theme song
                Click this link for related post about this:My parents Anniversary post
                                        

                                                My late father Nelson and Mother Clinia



                                           Mr. Paul Anka performed live on stage Casino Rama

                                                                                





Sunday, April 2, 2017

Jacoby's Christening Cake

    My Sweet Client requested a cake two month's prior to her first grandson's Christening Day. She ask me to re-create a cake design for her however I added the Yummy Cakes personalize touch to the cake design which I think will suit to Client's likeness. This cake is a blue and white theme cake. It's a 2 tier cake made of 12 inch and 10 inch round cakes. The bottom is made from Vanilla cake and top is Red Velvet Cake covered with homemade fondant. Everything in this cake are edible and freshly homemade.

Jacoby's Christening Day 
April 2nd, Sunday
Venue: Sushi Legend Scarborough, ON


 To my sweet Client Carmen, thank you for trusting Yummy Cakes by yours truly to your grandson's Christening Day. I really appreciate and happy that you and your guest really like the cake design and taste. I just feel bad that you almost didn't taste the cake. Let's make a bigger cake next time..
Yummy Cakes can't wait to be part of your next Family Celebration again!


Yummy Cakes by Grace Ilano








Saturday, April 1, 2017

Photo Cakes

I love cakes that has a personalized touch. That special feeling when someone gives you something so personalize and you know they make an effort preparing something special for you but you never expect receiving them even in your wildest dream. What a nice feeling of surprise! Don't you agree with me? 

So, Yummy Cakes is now offering Personalized Photo Cakes. You can select the cake flavors from Mocha, Vanilla, Chocolate, Red Velvet and Ube. Below are the sample of the Photo cakes i made. This photo cakes have been designed based on the person's personality. Simply provide the person's photo, personality or likes and we will customized a design for your cake. Is that easy?!




Yummy Cakes also offers Customized Poster to make the Celebration a more Memorable One.
Yummy Cakes by Grace Ilano
Yummy Cakes by Grace Ilano

 For Customize Cakes and  Poster orders inquiries, please don't hesitate to email me at ilano.grace@gmail.com. 



Cheers to Cakes!
Yummy Cakes by Grace Ilano

Friday, March 31, 2017

Fun and Cute Cake


This cake is a very customized cake. 
Cake Style is so 2017 too.
It's Fun and very Cute Cake.. 
Who doesn't like this cake, right?

It's made of real chocolate on top.
The sweets on tops are also all edible (depending on the availability). 
I really had fun making this cake. 








Thursday, March 30, 2017

2017 Rusted Cake

Hi Everyone!

As you all know i really miss sharing my cake adventure with you all.

Today i'm sharing my yummy cake creation. This Cake is called Rustic cake with fresh Rose flowers. 

It is made of Mocha Buttercream Frosting in Vanilla and Mocha cake. It is a very light cake.

I find this cake sooo gorgeous perfect for special occasions such as Engagement, Birthday, Office Celebrations or even treat for yourself. It's also very excellent for Weddings too.

And
Remember...


Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Goodbye Tay..

This post is dedicated to my beloved Father, Tatay Junior.

Half of last year was not so easy for me and my family as we lost one of our greatest love and so dear to us, my Tatay Junior. In October 2016, he lost a great fight to Lung Cancer . The journey was not so easy for him and my family. It was really tough! Until the end we are all still hopeful that my father can recover from his condition as we see a little improvement but the body is weak and possible treatment is no longer an option. I admired my Tatay for being strong for us and choosing to be with us until his last breathe. He never shown a sign of weakness in front of us but instead giving us strength to be strong for him and for the family. My mother had the hard time accepting my father's condition from the start until the end but i guess in God's grace and prayers my family is still solid and support each other coping this difficult moment in our life. Thanks also to my cousins, friends and colleagues who were there to comfort us.

Do you guys believe in premonition? I just want to share my own premonition experience before my father died. It was before the last week when i left by his side for a while. I was on the way to my appointment and it's like flashback of memories that suddenly i remember those memories with Tatay when i was young and whenever i visit him in the Philippines. I didn't realized my tears are falling down my cheeks and it doesn't stop. That time, Tatay cannot stay awake for long. When my father died that's the time i realized that its a way for him to say his goodbye. Did anyone experience the same thing like this?

I remember Tatay can appreciates small things like appreciating delicious food that we cook, give pasalubong for him or i baked something for him, he will be happy shopping something for him and just be around with all his kids and grandkids. He is good in sport like basketball and bowling. He loves listening to his favorite am radio station in the Philippines, listening to his favorite songs, watch hollywood action movies and singing karaoke. I will miss all his stories he tell from the past and their love story on how she met my mother. I will miss talking to Tatay that sometimes i don't understand his deep word in Tagalog. I will asked him and he will gladly explained what it means. For me, Tatay is a father, a friend, a real man and no one can replace him. Even though his not here anymore, i know that Tatay is just up there to pray and guide us down here.

It's already four months since my father is no longer with us but his memories, advice and all his remarks are always in our hearts now and forever.
Rest in Peace Tatay, you will always in our hearts! 
We love you and we will always pray for you!

P.S.
Life is short, time flies by and once lose a parent, you realize just how fast time goes by. They only teach us to smile and hide their pain and sadness in their heart day by day. Parents try to provide everything the best we need and always go backs to them no matter what happen. Appreciate your parents while they are still alive. Be loving to them and do no lay yourself when they are dead but be with them while they are alive!.












Sunday, June 19, 2016

Father's Day Cake

To my "Tatay" or father in Filipino language, Happy Father's Day to you. Thank you Tay for installing in us life wisdom and faith. May God Bless you with strong body and always good health. You will always be our no.1 MVP! 
We love you!!

For Father's Day i made a simple 3D cake made of Ube or Yam Chiffon cake with real Ube filling. The icing is made of butter icing and sugar icing.
The Beer mug 3D is purely made of Vanilla and Mocha Chiffon Cake as well.
Everything is edible.
The cake was a hit. Everyone comes back for more :)
You can't go wrong, it was really a yummy cake!!
For Orders, please free to email at ilano.grace@gmail.com. Thank you. 

Happy Father's Day Everyone!! 

 


Friday, June 17, 2016

Mario's 40th Birthday Cake

This is a customized letter cake for my brother's friend Mario who turns 40 on June 9th.  The cake was made of Mocha and Vanilla cake flavor. It has a butter filling and sugar icing. So excited to know the reaction of the birthday celebrant and his family. 

Happy Birthday Mario!! Enjoy :)



For Orders, please free to email at ilano.grace@gmail.com. Thank you.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Special Cake with a Heart


This two layer cake was made of pure love. The cake is made of chiffon cake, sugar icing and decorated with heart macaroons. I know so cute! I also customized the dessert table which my inspiration is a French theme. I also put all the yummy sweets like cupcakes, cookies and nutella macaroons for decoration in the background. 

Please don't hesitate to contact me for any cakes or sweet treat needs in your next birthday, anniversary, wedding or other special occasions. Have a great weekend!
 


For Orders, please free to email at ilano.grace@gmail.com. Thank you.


Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Special Letter Cake

It's a great feeling when you received a personalized gift from someone, right? So, here's some personalized letter cake that I made for the special person in my life, it's my sisters.


You can give it to your special someone, family, friend, colleague, for an event or even for yourself. It's a great feeling when you know how you make someone feels special today. Priceless!!


For Orders, email me at ilano.grace@gmail.com.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Birthday Cake ~ Zoo Theme

 This cake was made for Bianca's 1st Birthday. My cousin wish to have a Zoo theme cake. The animals and everything in this cake are made of homemade fondant. They are all handmade and hand paint. Cake is made of Chocolate Cake with buttercream frosting. Everyone was amaze and love the design of the cake. They also enjoy the chocolate cake. Happy 1st Birthday Bianca!

Saturday, March 7, 2015

50th Birthday

This is a very special birthday suprise by my sister to his husband who's turning the big 50. The first thing that comes to my mind on what could be the theme for my brother in law's birthday was an inspiration from Jack Daniel liquor theme for his poster, cupcakes and lollicakes. I also made a customized letter cake for the birthday celebrant. It was a success!



For orders, please email me at ilano.grace@gmail.com.



Sunday, April 27, 2014

Frozen Cake

This cake is inspired by the Disney Movie Frozen.
Everything is homemade. Elsa the doll is handmade and hand painted.


My favorite part here is Elsa's hair and Olaf the snow man.


She is also handling hand made snow flakes.
The birthday girl was so happy to see her cake!

Monday, March 31, 2014

Heart Roses Cake

Whenever I try something new I get really excited. Why? Because I love challenges and like to try new things that interest me. Don't you think so?

Today is my eldest sister birthday. She requested for her favorite Vanilla cake flavour with vanilla custard filling. It was a heart shape cake that she like with beautiful pink roses icing. She love it and everyone like this moist vanilla cake and yummy icing.


So pretty!


Who doesn't like pink roses and top of that a heart shape cake! So sweet!!!


To elder sis, Happy Birthday! Thanks for enjoying this cake and sharing to everyone! May God Bless you! Cheers!

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Gorgeous Birthday Rose Cake


Today is mom's birthday celebration. She is very a special lady. No words can describe her. But growing up I remember how she took care of me. She is selfless, patient, and lovable person. Everyone loves her!

For the cake I made for her is her favorite Mocha Cake. She loved to arrange flowers so she requested for roses and more roses in her birthday cake. It's so beautiful like mom! Isn't it so gorgeous?!






Happy Birthday Nanay! 

BTW: Mom's said she loved the cake :) Remember Nay, I'm always here for you and I love you always! May God give you good health and more birthdays to come.



Saturday, March 22, 2014

Hamburger Cake

Cake made for my nephew's birthday. He turns 21 and currently studying in University of Toronto. Since his a university student I thought this cake may somehow so familiar to him. It's a hamburger cake! Check this out:


I had fun making this cute 3d cake.
Everything here is handmade & homemade from fondant to cake and icing.


Closer look on hamburger patty, mayonnaise, ketchup, cheese, tomato, lettuce, onion and buns, everything here is edible!


It's super king size burger!


Happy Birthday Joey! Hope you pursue your dreams! Just keep it up! 

Happiness and yumminess shared by YummyKeys :d Yum!!!

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Bread of Life

It's been a while since I updated this site. It's overwhelming this past few months. Lots of things happened and I'm thankful for every blessings I received big nor small.

So today, I just woke up and was so happy in the kitchen. I think sometimes if you really love what your doing it just happened no pretentious or anything like that. Talent is there and outcomes will be satisfying. I mean it all happened like magic! I can't explain. I cooked 2 kinds of pasta dishes for family, 2 kinds of breads and brownies.

I did it all from scratch and not expecting any special but to my suprised the outcome was yummy!

Here it is:
                Ensaimada or Brioche

                 My newly creation bread - Cinnamaida 

My favorite sweet bread - Heart Bread!!!

       Finally my Chocomallow Brownies.

All this food where baked from the best ingredients of passion, trust and love.

Happy Eating!

Xoxo,
YummyKeys :)