COMMUNITY SESSIONS
BAKLA BAES
An Anaheim-based, queer- and Filipino-owned dessert brand redefining the traditional baklava experience through bold flavors, cultural storytelling, and contemporary creativity.
JOH CANFIELD
Co-owner of Bakla Baes. Proud Fur Mom to CEO Cooper.
I turn feelings into flavors—and sometimes forget the oven timer.
SHE/HER
FAMILY ORIGIN
I am a third- and fourth-generation Chinese Filipino, born in the Philippines, with family roots tracing back to Hokkien-speaking (Fujianese) communities from Southern Fujian Province.
I’m the other half of Bakla Baes and the creative mind behind our artisanal, innovative desserts. As a passionate foodie and naturally creative person, I love reimagining traditional flavors into unique creations that bring people comfort, nostalgia, and a little surprise in every bite. Fun fact: I’m Chinese and was born in the Philippines, which inspires many of the flavors and ideas behind my desserts.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story with the Filipinotown Magazine audience. As a Chinese Filipino creator and co-owner of Bakla Baes, my journey is shaped by culture, faith, family, and creativity. I hope our desserts not only bring joy but also reflect the beauty of embracing identity and heritage in every form. Thank you for supporting small businesses and stories like mine—it truly means a lot.
Pride to me means embracing who I am, where I come from, and the journey that shaped me. As someone who is Chinese and born in the Philippines, I carry different cultures, experiences, and traditions that inspire both my identity and creativity. Pride is about celebrating authenticity, creating space for others to feel seen, and expressing love, passion, and individuality through the things I create and share with the world.
The LGBTQ+ community has played a meaningful role in my life by showing me the importance of authenticity, self-expression, and chosen family. It has given me a space where creativity, individuality, and love are celebrated openly, which has helped shape both who I am as a person and the confidence I bring into my work and passions. Being surrounded by such a diverse and supportive community has inspired me to embrace every part of my identity and create with pride, heart, and purpose.
-JOH CANFIELD
I’m deeply inspired by the sacrifices of Filipino immigrants and parents who leave behind comfort, family, and familiarity in hopes of creating a better life for future generations. That resilience, work ethic, and sense of sacrifice is something I carry with me every day.
L. CANFIELD
Co-owner of Bakla Baes & Heart for Home - non profit organization
SHE/HER
FAMILY ORIGIN
Manila, Philippines
EDUCATION
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology, UCLA
Former entrepreneur and business owner in the wellness industry
Finalist, LISC Small Business Relief Grant Program
Featured in VoyageLA Magazine
Co-Lead for the Filipina on the Rise – Buena Park Chapter
Modeled for photographers and creative projects within local creative communities
ACCOLADES
What keeps me motivated is knowing that everything I’m building is bigger than just myself. I’m motivated by my wife, my chosen family, and the dream of creating a life rooted in purpose, creativity, and community. I think often about the sacrifices Filipino immigrants and previous generations made so people like me could have the freedom to pursue something meaningful and live authentically. My faith and relationship with God are also very present in my life and continue to guide me through both challenges and growth. I want success not only to create a better life for myself, but also to be able to help people in need and give back to others in meaningful ways.
What brings me the most pride and joy is seeing my creativity come to life through Bakla Baes and our desserts. Being able to experiment with flavors, reimagine traditional treats, and share them with others has been deeply fulfilling. I also feel proud of staying connected to my roots and identity—being Chinese, born in the Philippines, and expressing that blend through my work. On a personal level, joy comes from small moments: seeing people enjoy what I’ve made, learning new ideas, and growing more confident in who I am and what I create.
- JOH CANFIELD
Pride means being fully myself without shrinking who I am. As a queer Filipina, there were times growing up where I didn’t always see people like me represented openly, so Pride now feels like freedom, visibility, and celebration. It’s also about creating space for others to feel seen and accepted too.
The LGBTQ+ community has given me support, confidence, and a sense of belonging. It’s reminded me that I don’t have to separate different parts of myself — I can be proud of being queer, Filipino, creative, and a business owner all at once. A lot of the love and encouragement I’ve received through Bakla Baes has come from queer spaces and community.
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been seeing Filipino communities embrace what we do. Food is such a huge part of our culture, so watching people connect to flavors that remind them of home has been really emotional and rewarding. I’ve also felt a growing sense of acceptance being openly queer in Filipino spaces, which has meant a lot to me personally.
-L. CANFIELD
