I met Sister Mila in the same place where I met our last month’s featured person, Sister Ces. They were in the same ward, and I was assigned there as a missionary. At that time, she was still single and was always working with us to teach people in the area. I remember her family inviting us for dinner, where she prepared delicious meals. Similarly, I reconnected with her years later on Facebook and saw how her life had turned into a success.
Mila Castro Blasco, a proud Filipina now based in New Zealand, has always been guided by faith and determination. At 56, she looks back at a life of diverse experiences. She earned a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in Library Science, and worked as a municipal librarian in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Over the years, she took on various jobs before deciding to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 24.
She once planned to marry by 28, then 30 – but love had its own timeline. At 33, she finally met her Mr. Right, and in 2002, they tied the knot.
This year, they will be celebrating their 23 years of marriage, they are blessed with two wonderful children, Briana and Grego, both of whom have chosen to serve missions, continuing the legacy of faith that has always defined Mila’s journey.
A New Beginning in New Zealand
In 2008, Mila and her husband made the bold move to New Zealand, settling in a peaceful but isolated farm community. With her husband working long hours and her children at school, she found herself longing for something meaningful to do. Her husband encouraged her to learn how to bake, especially since he loved chocolate cake. However, at that time, online tutorials weren’t as accessible as they are today. Determined to learn, Mila turned to thrift stores for recipe books and sought guidance from church missionaries who shared their baking knowledge with her.
Her first successful bakes included chocolate chip cookies, banana cake, and chocolate cake, but bread-making proved to be a challenge. There were many failed attempts – so many that she sometimes hid her poorly made bread from her husband to avoid wasting expensive ingredients. But giving up was never an option for Mila. Through perseverance and learning from experienced bakers, she eventually mastered the art of baking. Her greatest triumph? Perfecting her now-famous Ensaymada.
From Home Baking to Business Success
What started as a simple baking journey soon turned into a thriving business. Mila initially brought her Ensaymada to Filipino gatherings, where it became a crowd favorite. Encouraged by the overwhelming support, she took a leap of faith and officially registered her baking business.
At first, she made hopia in her small kitchen and supplied it to a single store. As demand grew, she began receiving more orders. From selling just a few batches, Mila now delivers thousands of hopia to local stores, reaching more customers in her community.
Her dedication and craftsmanship have also earned her a feature on Filipino Market NZ, a community she actively participates in every month. Through this platform, she not only showcases her baked goods but also connects with fellow Filipinos, strengthening cultural ties and inspiring others with her journey. Mila’s story is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the belief that even the smallest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary.
Faith, Family, and Fulfillment
For Mila, success isn’t just about financial gain – it’s about creating something meaningful while staying true to her values. Her faith remains the driving force behind her achievements. She firmly believes in lifelong learning and using her talents to bless others. The teachings of her church have instilled in her a mindset of resilience, gratitude, and hope.
Her definition of success is simple yet profound: having a business she loves, a happy and supportive family, and a life rooted in faith. She never lets discouragement take over, always believing that challenges are just stepping stones to greater opportunities.
Words of Wisdom
Mila’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those starting from humble beginnings, is to keep going with hope and faith. Mistakes are part of the journey, but they should never be a reason to stop. She encourages others to trust in the Lord, seek learning, and embrace new challenges. And if anyone ever doubts their ability to cook or bake, she playfully reminds them of a quote from the Disney movie Ratatouille, which her husband often says: “Anyone can cook!”
What’s Next?
Mila is always introducing new Filipino delicacies to her growing selection, bringing nostalgic flavors to the community. From Ilocos Empanada, with its crispy galapong shell wrapped around savory longganisa and egg, to mamón and other kakanin – traditional rice-based delicacies like bibingka, her creations capture the warmth and tradition of Filipino home cooking. I can’t help but feel a little envious – those in New Zealand are so lucky to have Mila satisfying their cravings for these beloved treats! Each addition reflects her dedication to sharing the food she loves with others, making every bite a taste of home.
As her menu continues to grow, so does her dream. One day, she hopes to open her own restaurant – a place where people can come together to enjoy authentic Filipino dishes, freshly baked bread, and the comforting flavors of home. For Mila, this isn’t just about food; it’s about creating a space where culture, community, and tradition come alive.
To learn more about Mila’s journey, you can connect with her or can reach out through Mila’s Bakehouse on Facebook.
Reflections on Mila’s Journey
Mila’s story inspires me in so many ways. I admire how she transformed her love for cooking into a passion for baking, and eventually, a successful business. Her journey proves that starting a business doesn’t require a large capital – just passion, persistence, and faith.
From a small home kitchen to delivering thousands of Hopia across New Zealand, Mila’s story is a testament to how dreams, when nurtured with determination and trust in the Lord, can turn into reality. She is a beacon of inspiration for anyone who has ever doubted their potential. Her life proves that no dream is too big, no beginning too small, and that with resilience, faith, and unwavering dedication, success will always find its way.