The original founder, creator Irene Mamangon was born on the island of Subic Bay in the Philippines, growing up loving nature and organic rice field of Bataan province and its surroundings. During her younger years she developed a passion for singing and because of her singing she was able to land multiple opportunities in the entertainment industry. Although between college and her career in music, she always had the knack for baking. For the young Irene, the kitchen, which she has always filled with the scents of freshly baked local bread called Pandesal (a national bread originally derived from the Spaniards back in 1521) which consists of only flour, salt, sugar, natural leavening, locally churned butter and water. When Irene migrated to the US to further pursuit her singing career she met her husband Jun––And because of music they met, fell in love and instead started a family where in the San Fernando Valley where they lived for many years until moving to San Diego then to settling in Orange County.

 

Irene and her husband Jun found themselves in a struggle during the late 1990's but that struggle did not stop them from working and pursuing what they both love, music. While Jun is busy in the entertainment endeavors, Irene worked full time as claims adjuster and when she would come home from a long day, she would bake fresh and fermented Pandesal bread before even cooking dinner. Eventually, Pandesal became part for her family's staple whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Today, is where the next chapter of her family's story begins. The name 'I Am', bread, is derived from Irene and her two grandchildren's initials. 

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I AM; stands for Irene, Ayven, Mia.

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Mrs Irene Mamangon

1971-2024

After a fierceful battle colon cancer for over two years, Irene passed away peacefully in their home in Irvine surrounded by her husband, their four children and two grandchildren.