From Humble Beginnings to the Next Big Thing

1. RODIC’S

Formerly known as Lola Adang, Rodic’s was a concessionaire in UP. When Lola Adang died in 1976, her grandchildren decided to join a raffle draw to win a stall in the Shopping Center. Today, their tapsihan is one of the most popular tapsi places for students and employees in Quezon City.

2. BUDDY’S

With wife Nova, Salvador aka Bado left his dancing career to trail-blaze the world of cooking sariwang lumpia and open his carinderia… Buddy’s. Now with 12 branches in Metro Manila and Quezon.

3. JT’S MANUKAN

It all started with a 15-year-old honeymoon dream of Joel and Cristy Torres. Today this dream of an Ilonggo restaurant is a reality. Joel Torres’ Manukan has grown into 12 branches.

4. ARISTOCRAT

Aling Asiang, a grade school graduate and a plain housewife, was the founda- tion where Aristocrat’s history was built on. From a kiosk named Lapu-Lapu just across St. Theresa’s College to a rolling canteen that sells native sandwiches in Luneta to a spacious 24-hour dine-in restaurant, Aristocrat has become an epitome of success from which all the Aling Asiangs of our generation can learn from.

5. LUGAW REPUBLIC

Jeepney terminals in malls was its first location. Soon, mall-management took notice of the delicious lugaw. Soon, Benjie Cruz ventured into franchising with 100 outlets to date.

6. 8065 BAGNET

“Third time’s the charm.” On his third try, Alain Nadal found the right mix of Ilocos style cooking, peppered with art and music.

7. RUFO’S FAMOUS TAPA

Paul Reyes used to spend his lunch breaks in Rufo’s. He fell in love and bought it. Little by little, he raised its bar of cooking and service, living up to its tagline – Sauce Pa Lang, Ulam Na.