It all started with a dream to start a sweets and pastry business back in 1989. Dina Lava, a mother-of-four from the Philippines, used to go knocking on office doors armed with baskets of pastries to sell in order to earn an income for her family.

A small loan of Php.10,000 (A$301) enabled Dina to buy her own second-hand oven as well as dinnerware and kitchenware to expand her business.

After years of hard work, Dina now owns a successful catering company and function centre. She even distributes pastries state-wide and has been awarded the Most Outstanding Businesswoman by her local Department of Trade and Industry.

Just a few weeks ago, we had the privilege of watching a live stream cooking demonstration by Dina herself as part of our Food for Thought Sydney launch dinner.

Dina showed us how to make Beef Morcon, a traditional Filipino dish that is usually served at family gatherings, special occasions or during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Download the recipe card here or watch the video of Dina cooking below!

Find out more about how you can cook up some change for families like Dina’s through Food for Thought here.