Joie de Vivre: How Annie Tanco is Growing Bizu

At the newly-renovated Bizu Studio in Makati, Annie Tanco continues to bring global flavors to the Philippines.

Since she was a child, Annie Tanco has always been encouraged to taste new flavors. “My parents, ever since we were young, always brought us to good restaurants,” Annie shares, reminiscing. Her father, who was fond of trying out new things, nurtured her palate with cuisines ranging from Japanese to French. Meanwhile, summers were spent learning to cook under the tutelage of skilled chefs. “We learned how to make lasagna, cannelloni, chocolate cake, and even baked Alaska,” she says.

It is this joy that she came back to when she turned 40 years old, after over a decade of work as a businesswoman in the garment industry. Burned out from the demands of the business, she sought solace at a Siddha yoga ashram in New York, where she was led back to her love for food. Returning to the Philippines, she enrolled in a two-year course at the Center for Culinary Arts, where she learned how to develop her now-signature creations at Bizu Patisserie.

At Bizu Patisserie, Annie Tanco infuses the spirit of ‘joie de vivre.’ Courtesy of Bizu

At her core, Annie lives by the philosophy of joie de vivre, or the joy of living. As the owner of Bizu, she has spent the past 20 years indulging customers with global flavors that make every moment special. In the newly-renovated Bizu Studio in Makati, the brand continues to celebrate life’s joys with its patrons.

With walls painted with thematic palettes and corners showcasing memorabilia and unique finds from Annie’s travels, Bizu invites patrons to experience food tastings and intimate gatherings. From an afternoon treat at Bizu Patisserie to grand celebrations at Bizu Catering Studio, and customized B2B dining experiences through Bizu Food Solutions, Bizu invites its patrons to celebrate life’s moments within its halls. Under Philippine Pastries, Inc., these three core offerings are designed to be part of every milestone.

An assortment of global flavors to try at Bizu. Courtesy of Bizu

Annie Tanco is inspired by her travels when it comes to developing Bizu’s menu. Courtesy of Bizu

Annie recalls a special moment at a wedding where she felt the couple’s and their guests’ joy. “Just being there, seeing everyone enjoy the food and the atmosphere, made me realize why I do what I do,” she says. “It’s the service, the ambiance, the music.” 

One display that catches the eye is a tower of delicate almond meringue shells with a sweet filling: Bizu’s Macaron de Paris, a French confection she introduced to the Philippines in the early 2000s. “Who doesn’t fall in love with Paris?” says Annie when asked about her inspiration. Her early fascination with the city of lights became the center of Bizu, starting her passion for global flavors and the desire to share a taste of Paris with the Philippines. The name Bizu comes from the French word bisou, meaning “kiss,” and for Annie, it represents a kiss of warmth and sweetness.

Inside Bizu’s halls, patrons can celebrate all occasions. Courtesy of Bizu

Her travels continue to fuel her creativity, offering ideas that she and her team translate into their menu. Whether it’s discovering new techniques in Italy or finding inspiration in Mexico, Annie is constantly learning and adapting. “When you travel and see different things, you think, ‘Maybe we can bring that here. Maybe we can do that here.’ You’re always looking for new ways to grow,” she says.

While global culinary traditions inspire their offerings, Annie ensures that the brand remains distinctly Filipino with its hospitality. “We take great pride in how we train our staff to deliver service that is always warm and personal,” she explains. “Intrinsically, we are Filipino—our hospitality, our values—but extrinsically, we are globally inspired.” 

Soon, Annie Tanco plans to launch Bizu Italiano. Courtesy of Bizu

Looking ahead, Annie’s vision for Bizu is one of continued growth and innovation. “We’re launching Bizu Italiano next year, which will bring the flavors of Italy to our customers,” she reveals. “And we’re also expanding beyond Metro Manila. People have been asking us to bring Bizu to other regions, and we’re excited to make that happen.”

When asked about her legacy, Annie returns to her philosophy: “I hope people remember us as a brand that was a part of their special moments. Bizu has touched so many lives, and I want it to continue being a place where people create memories.”

Share now on: