CULTURAL...

to the list of Marvin Agustin’s successful restaurant empires later on.

I could still remember the soft opening of Sumo Sam at the Abreeza Mall a decade ago when I had the opportunity to truly savour its delicious offerings with the kindly franchise owner, Carlo Calma Lorenzana, and Sumo Sam-Davao’s then manager, chef Gemma Herradura, joining me for lunch. I was not at all disappointed with my orders of what I’d consider my Japanese comfort food of chicken teriyaki, pork tonkatsu curry, gyoza, miso shiro, agedashi tofu, chawan mushi and of course, the grilled delights like Mt. Fuji steak, baby back ribs, and rib eye, to mention some. Carlo urged me to try the Davao roll (with a subtle taste of durian and dear Olive Puentespina’s Malagos gourmet cheese) and the Mt. Apo roll, a truly delicious tuna roll with a play on textures.

During Sumo Sam’s grand opening, the foodies of Davao excitedly feasted on the specially prepared culinary delights as soon as they sat themselves which prompted Marvin Agustin, Robert Tenchavez, Raymund Magdaluyo and Carlo Calma Lorenzana to do away with their planned ribbon cutting.

Sumo Sam’s version of Japanese cuisine is truly tasty and impressive enough. Not to mention the friendly and quick service from the black-uniformed food servers.

“We are hoping to replicate our Sumo Sam success in Davao City. I believe Sumo Sam has been successful in Metro Manila owing to its good location, familysized food servings, and affordability,” the smart Marvin confidently told the guests then. “I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t fail my business partners in Sumo Sam at the Abreeza. With this new venture I got myself into, I can only work hard and pray even harder that the experience will be inspiring enough for other food businesses to follow,” quipped Carlo Calma Lorenzana and I sincerely wish him good luck especially in this challenging time.