Behind every beloved Filipino dish is a story of persistence, passion, and often, pain. In this honest and uplifting panel, we explore the real experiences of Filipino food entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. From legacy food distributors to mom-and-pop restaurants to grassroots incubators, we’ll look at the full ecosystem that supports Filipino food in the Bay Area and beyond.

This conversation will dive into the challenges of scaling, staying authentic, and sustaining a business in a competitive industry, while also celebrating the strength, ingenuity, and community that have allowed these businesses to thrive. Because resilience in food isn’t built alone it’s shaped by chefs, founders, suppliers, and the community that supports them.

Panelists:

• Mick Del Rosario, Moderator

• PJ Quesada, Ramar Foods – Distribution & legacy brand building

• Michelle Magat, La Cocina – Incubation & mentorship for food entrepreneurs

• Chef Dominic Ainza, Facebook Food Program