Chef Aira, a driving force behind HERE-O Donuts, has transformed her passion for pastry into a career that blends creativity, tradition, and innovation. Hailing from the Philippines, Chef Aira’s journey from her grandmother’s kitchen to the vibrant culinary scene of Dubai is a story of faith, resilience, and a whole lot of divine inspiration. In this insightful conversation, she shares the experiences, challenges, and inspirations that have shaped her path as an Executive Pastry Chef, bringing Filipino flavours to the global stage and redefining what it means to be a pastry chef in a competitive industry.
Chef Aira begins, reminiscing about her childhood in the Philippines, and says, “My love for food started early, it was my grandmother who first sparked my interest in cooking. Watching her work her magic in the kitchen inspired me to pursue a career in pastry. From those early days, I knew food would be my life’s work.” She added.
Her journey took a significant turn in 2013 when she moved to China. “China was where my passion took off, I had the opportunity to work for prestigious international hotels like Sheraton in Guilin and Langham in Xiamen. Those experiences were invaluable, but I wanted more. During the pandemic, I started my own online business selling cakes and pastries, which taught me a lot about resilience and creativity in tough times.” she recalls.
But it was the UAE that would ultimately become her new home. “To be honest, I almost gave up on pursuing my career in the UAE. I thought it wasn’t the right place for me. But then HERE-O Donuts reached out, and everything changed. It was love at first sight. The company’s values, and the passion of the owners—all resonated with me. I knew I had to stay and be a part of their journey.” she admits.
Her Filipino heritage plays a crucial role in her work at HERE-O Donuts. “I’m incredibly proud of my roots, The management at HERE-O Donuts has given me the freedom to incorporate Filipino flavours into our products. One of my favourites is the Ube Donut, which we developed last year. It’s an all-Filipino recipe using ‘ube’ or purple yam, topped with coconut jelly. It’s not just a donut; it’s a symbol of my culture and a piece of home.” Chef Aira says with a smile.
However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “When I first started in the UAE, I worked at a locally-owned pastry shop in Sharjah. It was a steep learning curve. I had to navigate the rich Arab culture while also finding my style in my creations. There was a constant push and pull between expressing myself and adhering to the local regulations. But those challenges only made me stronger. They prepared me for my role at HERE-O Donuts, where I’ve been able to reach new heights.” she reflects.
Joining HERE-O Donuts was a pivotal decision for her. “What drew me to HERE-O was the company’s environment. It felt like family—a place where creativity is encouraged, and excellence is a shared goal. I knew I could contribute something special to their vision. Every pastry I create is a reflection of that, and I strive to uphold the highest standards in everything we do. Our goal is to be the best iconic donut brand in the UAE, and eventually, the world.” She added with enthusiasm
Staying creative in such a fast-paced industry is no easy task, but Chef Aira has a unique source of inspiration. “For me, inspiration is endless, my deep faith in God is what keeps me going. It’s what drives my creativity. I believe that when you do good, good things come back to you. That belief has never let me down. Our recent collaboration with a well-renowned coffee chain is a perfect example. We created six new products for them, but I’m particularly proud of the Tiramisu Donut and the White Mocha Flat Croissant. These creations are not just pastries—they’re the result of faith, hard work, and a little bit of divine inspiration.” She spoke.
Looking back on her achievements, Chef Aira is both humble and proud. “Being the Executive Pastry Chef and Head of Production at HERE-O Donuts is a dream come true, I have a safe space to express my individuality, lead a talented team, and create something that people love. It’s more than I could have ever hoped for.” She affirmed.
Before concluding we asked Aira what advice she would like to give to aspiring pastry chefs and she said, “Do your best, be patient, and be ready to adapt. Know that you’re not in control of everything—there’s a higher power that guides us. It’s challenging to be an international pastry chef, but it’s also a blessing. Dream big, stay grounded, and always be thankful for the gift of life. And while you’re at it, treat yourself to a HERE-O Donut. It’s a small taste of the sweet life we’re all working towards.” she adds with a laugh.
