The Bachelor: Giulius Iapino
Italian-Filipino restaurateur Giulius Iapino loves food, fitness, and the good things in life
IF THERE IS ONE thing common between Filipino and Italian culture, it would probably be the sacredness of food, deeply ingrained in family traditions, cultural practices, and everyday living. Filipinos and the Italians simply love to eat! Giulius Iapino is a FilipinoItalian restaurateur, having roots both in the Philippines and Italy. Growing up in Bulacan, Iapino was raised by his grandparents, but he would always spend his bright, colorful summers in the enthralling cities of Italy where his parents were based at that time. Knowing that he’s always wanted to be a businessman, Iapino graduated with a degree in marketing management, and is now taking his master’s at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business. Shifting from his work at his restaurants to his MBA studies, Iapino is always busy and is always on the go.
His parents laid the foundation for him to get into the food and beverage industry in Manila, opening their first Italian restaurant, Parmigiano, back in 2015. And from then on, their restaurants expanded and grew, establishing themselves all over the metro. There’s always something about Italian food that finds its way to anyone’s heart, and that’s why Iapino decided to stick to Italian cuisine, which is what he knows best. “I am currently running our family business,” Iapino shares. “After opening Parmigiano in Resorts World back in 2015, I opened another restaurant concept the following year called
Toni & Sergio, located at McKinley Hill. Parmigiano eventually grew, as we opened another branch in Alabang in 2016. In 2017, I established our third brand called Mama Mia Bar & Restorante, which is located at Uptown Mall, BGC. Last year, we were fortunate enough to open another branch of Toni & Sergio, this time, it’s located at Eastwood Mall.”
There is no doubt that Iapino has his plate full when it comes to running his several restaurants. But during his downtime, he enjoys working out and keeps fitness and health one of his top priorities. “I work out three or four times a week, and I always try to maintain a balanced diet, despite always being inside the restaurant. I have to admit, it’s quite hard!” Iapino shares with a laugh. With a glass of wine in one hand, in a quiet space he’s nestled in, Iapino also finds solace in the pages of books and thoughtprovoking literature. Occasionally, one will find him out and about with his friends, drinking and unwinding after a hard day’s work. Iapino puts value in his daily grind, good food, and living well. Young and determined, he’s set to reach greater heights in the restaurant industry.
If you were to meet and grab a beer with someone, dead or alive, who would that be? I would say Barack Obama because of his sense of humor and his dignity. He conducted himself so well and kept his eyes on the prize—worthy of respect.
Where do you hope to accomplish in the next five years? Hopefully I’d be done with my MBA and venture into more restaurant businesses.
What is the greatest piece of advice you’ve received? “The higher you grow, the deeper you bow.”
Who is the person you look up to the most? My parents. They gave me everything without hesitation and I want to give back in all ways possible. I work hard because I want them to enjoy their senior years, even though they keep telling me they don’t want to grow old (laughs).
What’s one fact about you that most people don’t know? I often forget how young I am. I’m not sure I was ever really a kid.