MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines – Baking professionals and food enthusiasts in Manila enjoyed a front-row seat to Korean baking excellence as California Raisins ASEAN and Dane International Commodities hosted a baking demonstration on March 25, 2026 at MIHCA
Mandaluyong.

Watch in action here:  Reel

Headlining the event was Chef Han Sang-Baek, a certified Korean Baking Master whose distinguished career spans world-class institutions including the Tokyo Baking School, Valrhona Chocolate School, and Schapfenmühl Bakery Institute.

The current Chief Baker of Hans Dream Bakery in Korea— and decorated winner of the French Bread World Cup, Gold at the HIBAC Baking Competition, and 1st Prize at the Asian Bakery World Cup – Chef Han brought his signature techniques and creative vision directly to Manila’s pastry and bakery community.

Recipes Demonstrated at the Masterclass Chef Han showcased five original recipes — each designed to highlight the versatility, natural sweetness, and functional advantages of California Raisins in modern bakery applications:
• California Raisin Bagel – A chewy, golden bagel enriched with syrup-treated California Raisins folded into a sponge dough base, finished with a luscious cream cheese filling and streusel topping.
• California Raisin Coconut Brioche — A buttery, enriched brioche filled with raisin-studded custard cream, topped with a cloud of grated coconut meringue and baked to a golden finish.
• California Raisin Cinnamon Roll — A pillowy cinnamon roll swirled with mascarpone filling and syrup-treated raisins, crowned with a rich cream cheese frosting and a final sprinkle of cinnamon.
• California Raisin Pretzel – A show-stopping savory pretzel topped with butter-fried California Raisins, pizza cheese, sliced ham, a whole cracked egg, and sesame seeds
– baked in a deck oven for a deeply satisfying bite.

Whole Wheat California Raisin Bread — A rustic, artisanal loaf built on a California Raisin liquid starter (a natural wild fermentation base), packed with roasted raisins and whole wheat tangzhong, yielding a deeply complex flavor and exceptional crust.

About California Raisins

California Raisins are more than just a sweet add-in-they are a functional ingredient that transforms bakery formulations. Their naturally high sugar content reduces the need for added sugar, while their exceptional water-binding capacity helps retain moisture in baked goods, extending shelf life and improving texture.
No artificial colours or additives are used in the production of California Raisins, making them a clean-label ingredient well-suited for the growing demand for natural, premium bakery products.
“California Raisins Sweet by Nature.” In Their Words “Korean baking culture has been driving some of the most exciting innovation in Asia’s pastry scene. This demonstration is a rare opportunity for Filipino baking professionals to experience that creativity firsthand and discover how California Raisins can be seamlessly integrated into modern formulae.”
– Dane International Commodities, Event Organizer