By Julienne Raboca

On an unassuming street in Holloway, where artists’ studios blend with residential blocks, signals the growing presence of Filipino cuisine in this corner of London. Visiting one Sunday evening, I weave past football fans spilling out from the nearby Emirates Stadium after an Arsenal game and step into a warmly lit space.

High ceilings give the restaurant an airy feel, while dark green walls and gold metal detailing on the lights add a modern touch. A small grocery section in one corner catches my eye — shelves lined with Filipino pantry staples, from Mama Sita’s adobo and sinigang sauce mix to ChocNut, a childhood peanutty, powdery candy wrapped in paper foil.

The attention to detail extends beyond the dining room. In the bathroom, Rituals hand soap and cream offer a thoughtful touch. A staircase leads to an upper level, where floor-to-ceiling glass panels reveal views of the public square lined with neighbouring establishments — a bubble tea shop is around the corner, and across kitchen that hosts social cooking classes.

From family catering to cultural hub

What began as MM Catering Services in 2011, named after the founders’ children, has evolved into an ambitious venture contributing to London’s Filipino food landscape.

Head chef and patriarch David Miguel brought his culinary expertise from Zambales, Philippines, where he owned a restaurant before moving to the UK in 2009. His wife Meriam arrived earlier, in 2000, as a sole-charge nanny, later reuniting the family in London.

Their son, Dave, transitioned from IT to CEO, stepping into the family business during the pandemic when his parents considered closing their then-thriving catering operation. At its peak, MM Catering managed up to ten events per day. “We had to sell assets during the pandemic,” Dave recalls. “Now, we operate at a more focused pace, handling five events per week, mostly on weekends.”

Celebrating Filipino cuisine

The menu showcases the depth of Filipino cuisine. Crowd favorites include inasal (Filipino-style grilled chicken) and liempo (grilled pork belly). The kare-kare, a rich peanut-based stew, stays true to traditional flavours. “We didn’t want to change too much in presentation or flavor so it’s recognisable to Filipinos,” Dave explains. “We’re still keeping it standard.”

We thought the sisig, a sizzling pork dish, could have been crunchier and benefit from a lighter oil. Meanwhile the palabok, a noodle dish described The New York Times as chicken ragù with shrimp, had room for more sourness, smokiness in the fish, and crispness in the chicharon (salted and deep fried pork rind).

The ube cake stands out among the desserts, presented with crumbled Sky Flakes crackers and a tableside pour of ube sauce, accompanied by delicate lemon macaroons. The restaurant shows promise in adapting Filipino classics for London diners, though some dishes are still being refined.

Building community through food

D’Cocina’s influence extends beyond its menu. A partnership with Rhejim, a Filipino store in Helsden, expands their grocery offerings, bridging the gap between restaurant dining and home cooking. “We want to grow with the Filipino community,” says Grace, the manager who transitioned from an office job to her first role in hospitality.

The restaurant’s profile received a significant boost when Valerie ‘Bangs’ Garcia, , joined the team. “She has been invited to invest in other Filipino restaurants but she has chosen the D’Cocina because our vision and values align,” Dave notes.

The space has also become a cultural hub, hosting everything from intimate weddings to fashion shows. Recently, it transformed into a runway for Maud London’s , highlighting its role in London’s Filipino cultural scene.

Expansion with a community-first approach

Community investment drives D’Cocina’s expansion strategy. Their Birmingham location, set to open in March 2025, emerged from consistent catering requests in the area. “We offered people the chance to invest and become shareholders,” Dave explains. Manchester and Reading are next, with Bangs Garcia planning to oversee her branch.

D Cocina’s success lies in its blend of authenticity and community spirit. “It’s not just us; it’s also the community,” Dave emphasises. This collaborative spirit extends to their dessert menu, which features items from various Filipino suppliers, such as the ube cake drizzled with ube coconut syrup. A purple yam native to the Philippines, ube has a naturally vibrant hue and a subtly sweet, almost nutty flavour. Unlike taro or purple sweet potato, which are often mistaken for it, ube has a soft, creamy texture that makes it a staple in Filipino desserts, from cakes and jams to ice cream.

And then there’s the special halo-halo, available only from June to August. A famous Filipino dessert, halo-halo consists of crushed ice and milk mixed with an array of ingredients, including ube halaya (ube jam), kamote (sweet potato), sweetened beans, sago (chewy tapioca pearls), banana, pinipig (toasted young rice for added crunch), and leche flan (a rich caramel custard). 

Some customers travel up to two hours to dine at D Cocina, drawn by its authentic flavours and community atmosphere. They get “positive feedback,” Dave notes, though he admits they are still refining their menu after just four months of operation.

D’Cocina’s approach to growth, rooted in community investment and collaboration, suggests a new model for restaurant expansion. Their approach marks a shift in the community’s culinary landscape, where Filipino restaurants have traditionally operated independently. As Gordon Ramsay recently called Filipino cuisine D’Cocina is helping awaken it in the heart of London.

is open Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM, Saturdays from noon to 10 PM, and Sundays from noon to 8 PM. Closed on Tuesdays. Reservations are recommended for weekend dining and special events. Their address: Unit 14 Studios Hornsey St, London N7 8EG

About the author

Julienne Carlos Raboca is a London-based journalist with over a decade of international experience in digital marketing, content management, and communications. After 10 years in Hong Kong, she is now working as a commodities reporter at Fastmarkets, having completed an MA in Journalism, Media and Globalisation as a European Commission scholar at Aarhus University and City, University of London.

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We wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year!

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RLC Residences’ MIRA is a solid investment choice for overseas Filipino families

The Philippines was in 2023, according to McKinsey & Company. It added that most sectors flourished, with construction among those that recorded the highest growth.

For  Filipinos in the UK, this is the time to invest in property in the Philippines with its continued economic expansion while securing long-term financial stability. Take for example MIRA by RLC Residences. This project by the residential division of property giant Robinsons Land has shown strong potential – given its almost sold-out status three months after its launch in April 2024.

Economic growth and stability

The Philippines has consistently demonstrated impressive economic growth, with a resilient gross domestic product showing steady yearly expansion. Supported by sound fiscal policies and proactive economic reforms, the country’s economy remains resilient despite global uncertainties. This stability provides a fertile ground for real estate investment, offering investors confidence in sustainable returns.

Transportation links and connectivity

Accessibility to transportation links plays a crucial role in enhancing property values and investment potential. Projects like the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge, MRT-3 rehabilitation, and the Metro Manila Subway will improve connectivity and accessibility within the capital and beyond. Improved infrastructure boosts property appreciation and attracts more tenants and homeowners looking for convenience and accessibility.

MIRA’s prime location at Cubao, Quezon City, ensures that everything a family needs is within reach. The property is within the heart of the metro, with nearby transportation hubs that make key central business districts easily accessible.

High property appreciation and rental opportunity

Philippine property has shown robust appreciation rates, particularly in key urban centres like Metro Manila. Colliers Philippines reported a below 17% rental vacancy rate in Metro Manila in 2023 – indicating the need for more consumer rental supply in the market.

For Filipinos in the UK who intend to rent out their units at MIRA, RLC Residences offers comprehensive support through innovative digital platforms.

For example, the myRLCHome app allows unit owners to manage their properties seamlessly, even from abroad. They can file maintenance requests, pay dues, monitor billing, and secure necessary permits online, ensuring their investments are well-maintained and operational.

The RingRob Concierge app is a convenient way for homeowners to arrange essential services remotely. They may schedule water deliveries and book housekeeping, laundry, and other services.

These digital tools enhance convenience, even while the homeowners are overseas, and provide peace of mind to investors, knowing their properties are in capable hands.

Strong property market demand, especially among family builders

Robust demand driven by various factors characterises the Philippine property market. Cultural preferences, such as strong family orientation and demographic dynamics, heavily influence the market. There is a significant trend towards properties that cater specifically to growing households and overseas Filipino workers investing in homes designed for family living. Top-tier educational institutions in Metro Manila are also a major draw for families who prioritise their children’s education. Proximity to reputable schools increases the desirability of residential properties.

Market trends further support this demand, reflecting a preference for well-located properties with access to amenities and essential services. The appeal extends beyond mere housing; it encompasses community living and convenience, making properties like MIRA more attractive.

MIRA offers a blend of comfort, functionality, and community-oriented features that resonate with the evolving preferences of Filipino homebuyers and investors. The property has family-centred amenities, such as wide open spaces, swimming pools, a Learnscape, Glamping Nooks, an onsite clinic, a pet park, and a multipurpose court.

In this dynamic environment, developments prioritising quality of life and future-proofing, such as MIRA, stand out as compelling investment opportunities for those looking to secure their financial future in the Philippines.

If you are interested in investing in a home at MIRA, you may directly contact any RLC Residences International Marketing Team representative in the UK via IMServices@robinsonsland.com. You may also visit or RLC Residences’ official social media pages.

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There are a few Filipino nurses in the UK who left nursing to run their businesses. One of them is Pamela Picondo, the owner of , a thriving bakeshop in Cardiff. Suffering from anxiety and stress at work during the pandemic, Pamela or Pam decided to turn to baking which she loved. It would be the start of a successful business journey for her and husband Christopher.

“Believe in your passion,” Pam said. Find out how her hobby turned into a successful business.

What is the story behind your brand name?

We came up with ‘pamcakes’ as a combination of my name and cakes. But while registering our business, we soon discovered that ‘pamcakes’ had already been taken. In many parts of the world, actually. We even asked each member of our family and some friends for suggestions.

My husband thought of ‘Pamsmixx,’ but I said ‘Pamsmixx by Pamcakes’ since we were already recognised as Pamsmixx by our initial customers. We made a consensual decision which gave birth to Pamsmixx by Pamcakes.

When did your journey begin?

I was a nurse by profession and enjoyed my years of service. Back then, cooking and baking were my hobbies, and I loved hosting parties. I never thought it would become our main source of income. I remember I brought some home-baked goods at work for everyone to enjoy. From then on, colleagues have asked me to bake for their special occasions. And they love and enjoy the new flavours of Filipino bakes! 

One time, I was invited to join a bake-off among staff members of our company. Colleagues from different branches came and joined. Guests and judges enjoyed my rainbow cake which had different fruity flavours from natural ingredients and it was declared the winner! 

Initially, I decided to reduce my hours from work because of high blood pressure and anaemia. And then the pandemic hit, which turned the situation for the worse. I developed anxiety and stress over work, so I had to ask for professional help.

The mental health nurse and GP recommended that I do things that I love. And since very few options were available due to the pandemic, I turned to baking and walking.

Baking saved me; it was incredibly fulfilling as I contributed something to my community. My husband, at that time, was also working as a retrieval nurse. Due to the physical work involved, he developed debilitating back problems. We decided it was time to put our nursing career on hold while we found something more suitable for us.

What inspired you to start your business?

Every time I made a cake and got positive feedback, it inspired me to improve. After a while, we got more and more good feedback from my colleagues and friends and their friends and families, too. It was satisfying, heartwarming and overwhelming for me.

That was when I started to gain confidence to start a bakery business of our own.

Who supported you in establishing your business?

My husband Christopher supported me all the way through and became my business partner. Our children, family, and friends gave us their support too. The Filipino communities and people from other ethnic communities spread our name through word of mouth, which we’re thankful for.

Me and my husband had no experience in running a business. Everything was very new to us. Thankfully, guided us in our way, and we are grateful for the help we’ve received from everyone who supported us.

How do you bring Filipino flavours into your products? And how do you maintain the quality of your baked goods?

To ensure we have the best quality supply, we get most of them from our local Asian wholesalers. Bringing Filipino flavours into our products was easy for us, as we could source out all of the necessary ingredients locally. 

We are from Quezon province (I’m from Lucena, and my husband’s from Sariaya). That is why most of the flavours of our products are known in Tayabas, Lucban, Sariaya and Lucena City. They bring me back to my memories of home since making these products after so long gives me a feeling of nostalgia.

Our products’ flavours and textures will tell you the story of our roots. Following this, our hygiene and safety rating is 5, the top of the scale set by the .

What was your starting capital?

We cannot really give an exact amount as we’d already accumulated some of our baking equipment before starting the business. We estimate that our starting capital was around £35,000.

What permits and licences did you have to get and pay for?

There were a few. We had to get a local council business permit as a partnership – free of charge. Otherwise, the insurance for our business costs us £250 a year, and the for the barcodes and registration of products cost us £120 per year. Lastly, car insurance, which we use for deliveries, costs £500-600 annually.

What advice would you give to aspiring food entrepreneurs?

Here’s a list of advice we’d give ourselves if we’ve just started:

• Create a business plan in an achievable time frame. 
• Know the rules and regulations of your local council.
• Know the suppliers of the ingredients needed for your food business.
• Know the product you’re going to sell.
• Know how and where to get help to support you with your business.
• Don’t get disappointed quickly. Not all paths can lead to success, and failures are still helpful to learn and grow in the future.
• Be innovative. Don’t just rest on your laurels. See how everyone else leads their business, see the local trends, and make those plans for success.
• Find a reliable person to trust who can help with your business and share the same passion as you.
• Be hands-on, and try to see your business from every point of view. This is especially important when you’re new because it’s hard to know what to focus on when starting.

How can customers contact you?

FB Messenger: pamsmixx by pamcakes 

Instagram: @pamsmixxbypamcakes

Whatsapp: 07887850250

Email: chrisandpam@pamsmixx.com

Website: www.pamsmixx.com

Updated on 17 December to credit for Pam’s photo which we missed to include due to oversight when we published the article on 13 December.

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Entitled “Voice and Visibility for Filipino-British Women in Business,” the networking event was organised by ŷ������ to mark its third anniversary as a community media serving Filipinos in Britain. You can watch the .

The event brought together Filipino women in law, accounting, technology, retail, marketing, education, food, finance and other sectors to meet and collaborate. 

Bringing one’s Filipino identity in business

Four panellists representing women founders and diversity advocates shared their views on what voice and visibility meant to them. For Paula Braiden, having voice and visibility in business means “not being afraid to say where you are from.” She is the , a digital marketing company in Bury.

“I’m from the Philippines and my family is from the Philippines…To me, it brings a different sort of perspective in how you do business, in how you treat people, and you respect people because we bring our culture into the way we do business,” she said.

Despite having been born in the UK, Elaine dela Cruz shared that visibility is a “personal journey” that requires understanding the systems that she is working in without losing who she is in the process. 

The founder of the online group Filipino Mothers UK, Catherine Wigley, stressed that for many Filipino mums who have just arrived in the UK, having a voice means being able to build connections and being integrated into their new communities.

Speaking for the publishing sector, Maria Garbutt-Lucero talked about which has inspired her to start the East and Southeast Publishing Network. 

Shifting mindsets, balancing success and contentment

Asked about the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, the panellists talked about changing their mindset and learning how to balance work with selfcare. 

Ms Braiden said, “The biggest challenge I faced was transitioning my mindset from being an employee – working for someone – and working for myself…But I realised I could be more. I didn’t even realise I could be this person.”

She advised going out of your comfort zone because “You would never know that you could do something until you’ve actually done it. And it’s a really good feeling.”     

To list your business in the ŷ������ ŷ������, click here.

For Ms dela Cruz, it is also important to be able to say “No, it’s not for me” to opportunities. “One of the biggest challenges for me is to balance wanting to really succeed, wanting to do well – not fail, the fear of failure is real – but also, just living my life and being happy and content. I need to know that I can look out for myself and chill out in front of Netlix sometimes as well.” 

Women across generations and industries

Close to 70 attendees joined the event, ranging from ages 18 to 54. Attendees included Nora Tsourous of Owl Financial, Glyndell Belmonte of , Shejan Nuñez of and Luigi Crespo and Stella Sait of Ilaw Ltd. Also present were solicitors Danna Quinto, Crystal Dias and Keren Austria.  

Reigning Miss Philippines UK Victoria Inglis and first runner-up, Allysa Taniajura, graced the event. They were joined by fellow MPUK 2023 candidates Nadia Fontana and Caxie Dagupen.

In an , Ms Taniajura wrote, “(A)n incredible networking experience at on Saturday

(S)eeing so many Filipino professionals in various industries was such an eye-opener when it comes to the scale of a range of different careers. Listening to their experiences and advice along with high calibre conversations was an empowering experience altogether.” 

Accountants, finance advisers, marketing professionals, online sellers, solicitors, education and training consultants, and real estate agents, among others, attended the event.   

Community, identity and inspiration 

Almost all of the attendees said this was their first time to attend a Filipino business and professional networking event. 

During the feedback session, attendees spoke about the importance of taking pride as Filipinos and networking with fellow Filipino entrepreneurs. 

Isabel Lamers, Filipino-German actor and founder of Luzon Creative, said that she felt a sense of community at the event which was important for someone like her who has just started her business. “I’ve just started my business so it was great to tell everyone about it and also to meet other Filipina business owners.”

Stella Sait, Filipino language teacher at Ilaw Ltd wrote on Facebook that the event “was informative, progressive and empowering.”

Sarah Cosgriff, a consultant for inclusive education, said it was her first time to attend a Filipino women’s event and appreciated the discussions. Wearing a modern Filipiniana top, she said these networking events which tackle culture and identity are important and mean a lot to her.     

Future business events 

“We are honoured to have been able to bring together for the first time Filipina entrepreneurs and professionals across the UK. We wanted to celebrate our third anniversary in a meaningful way and we are thrilled that the response to our event has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Liezel Longboan, founder of ŷ������.    

Attendees expressed looking forward to a follow-up networking event. One group wrote in their feedback that they enjoyed “Meeting amazing individuals and hearing inspiring entrepreneurial stories.”

Some suggested including a broader audience, not just women, and a longer programme.

Nenia Garland, owner of accounting firm Logic Accounts, travelled for six hours from Cornwall to attend the London event. “The event was great but it was too short! The next event should be for a whole day,” she suggested.

The networking event ended with a raffle with prizes donated by Catherine Wigley, Dina Trinidad, Pooten Forwarding and Mayumi Beads.

Watch the whole event

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From her banana ketchup to her black bean chilli paste, Roni Bandong’s Filipino sauces have been making waves in the UK since she launched her business in 2017. Thanks to (pronounced as roh-nee-bees) Kitchen, Filipino flavours are becoming more widely known across Britain, France and Spain.  

Roni says, “We need to educate the unfamiliar audience in the UK about the Filipino flavours to increase its demand and popularity here.”

We caught up with Roni to find out the story behind her business. 

What is the story behind your brand name – ��DzԾ���’s Kitchen?

I used my name as the brand name because our family recipes and my memories of home highly inspire the products.

When did your journey begin?

My journey began in 2016 when I went on Channel 4’s Kirstie Allsopp’s Handmade Christmas Show, where my Filipino dish (rellenong manok) won the Winning this award confirmed to me that Filipino food has a place in the culinary landscape of the UK.

What inspired you to start your business?

My love for Filipino food motivated me to begin because I felt that other Asian cuisines have always shadowed it. In addition, when I took a Philippine dish to a friend’s party, everybody appreciated it, which was another motivational factor for me.

Who supported you in establishing your business?

My life partner, Steve McSorley, constantly encourages me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

How do you ensure the quality and authenticity of Filipino food in your business?

To ensure quality, I partnered with a UK manufacturer, meaning they are bound to abide by all the and . 

I don’t want to use the word “authentic” because authentic means “made or done traditionally or originally,” implying that I would have to use the same ingredients used in the Philippines for my products. I would rather say true to traditional flavours whereby we use ingredients nearest to the original based on their availability in the UK.

What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced and am still facing is the recognition of Filipino food or flavours in the UK. It is always being compared with other Asian cuisines such as Thai or Chinese. We need to educate the unfamiliar audience about Filipino food to increase its liking and demand, which is also challenging in execution.

What advice would you give to our aspiring food entrepreneurs to motivate them?

Do your research. Speak to business owners doing something similar to what you want to do.

How would you like our website visitors to contact you? 

Visit for more information, and email us at sales@ronibkitchen.co.uk. Follow us on social media X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook @ronikitchen; Instagram @ronib_kitchen.

About the author

Payal Tyagi is an experienced content strategist currently volunteering with ŷ������ as an editorial assistant. She is working on her dream project, “,” a travel website that inspires, guides and entertains people who have a travel bug and even those who haven’t begun their journey yet.

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Filipinos in Britain have been cited last year for being the most entrepreneurial in the UK.  A ETX Capital conducted in 2022 suggests that the largest group (around 2.65%) of businesses in the UK belongs to Filipinos. While ŷ������ could not verify the accuracy of this report, social media posts and publicly available data show the growing number of Filipino-owned businesses across the UK.  

To support Filipino businesses, ŷ������ is organising   Our goal is to raise the profile of all Filipino businesses starting with women-led enterprises..  

As part of our efforts, we are launching this series to highlight the stories of Filipino business owners. And there’s no better place to start than with Filipino food! While there has been increasing coverage of Filipino food in the , much remains to be done to popularise it. Filipino cuisine boasts richness in flavour and culture which deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated by a broader audience. 

Through this series, we wish to celebrate Filipino entrepreneurs, learn from the challenges they faced and inspire readers aspiring to begin their own businesses.

We start with Zosima Fullwell, co-founder and co-owner of and owner of . She says, she is “bringing Manila to Manchester,” where she lives and runs her businesses.

What is the story behind your brand name?

Coming up with a name for my business was tricky! Mama Z became my nickname because I loved cooking, hosting, and looking after my friends through my food. Starting a food business with this nickname created a personal connection with the customers. Though I prefer to showcase Filipino food’s flavours, I enjoy cooking food from all cuisines. I don’t want to restrict myself to a pigeonhole, as I may change the direction of my business later down the line.

When did your journey begin?

The idea behind Mama Z came when I was enrolled in a university far from home, and I missed my home-cooked food. However, my business started in 2017 while I was doing private supper clubs for my friends, trying my hands at new recipes and becoming confident in the process. 

Self-taught, I worked in the hospitality sector as a chef and in events to better understand how the food business operates. However, I always knew that I wanted to begin my catering business. In early 2018, I quit my full-time kitchen job, officially launched Mama Z and decided to bring Manila to Manchester through street food pop-ups, events and supper clubs. 

What inspired you to start your business?

My inspiration for my business has come from my heritage and upbringing. Growing up in Saudi Arabia and being from a mixed background meant I had multiple cultural influences on me. I always loved food and was very lucky to taste some amazing recipes from my international friends growing up, alongside relishing the food I had at home.

My mother is from the Philippines and cooked me all my favourites growing up, inspiring me to raise the flag for Filipino food through Mama Z. There was also a gap in the market in Manchester, and I wanted to address that by showcasing the food I love.

Who supported you in establishing your business?

I had the best support from my friends and family, who helped me when they could during events, but financially, I needed more money to start.

Thankfully, there are some fantastic resources to help young businesses and start-ups, starting with the Prince’s Trust and Local Business Growth hubs to apply for grants and funding.

To begin with, I wrote a business plan, did market research, and worked on the side for friends and events to save up whilst slowly buying the equipment I needed along the way. 

How do you ensure the quality and authenticity of Filipino food in your business?

The quality is overseen as I am the only person cooking the food in Mama Z and my new and permanent venture, Yes Lah, in West Didsbury, Manchester. 

The Filipino food I prepare is inspired by my family kitchen, Lola, Tita’s Tindahan, and places I explored on my travels. It’s a melting pot of my food memories, the people I have met and the places I stayed.

I am not too fond of the word authenticity and never associate my food or style of cooking with it, but I want to treat my customers with food that is authentic to me, my heritage and my family taste-wise.

I am in the UK cooking Filipino food using British ingredients so it won’t be “authentic.” 

I’m also half Filipino and English, lived in Saudi Arabia, and now live in the UK, so the food I grew up eating was different, influencing my cooking skills. Even my mum’s recipes are distinguished because she also had to use what was around her to cook Filipino food in Saudi. 

However, I always want to evoke Filipino flavours in my recipes while giving them my touch, especially when making vegetarian dishes. I have always strived to create excellent meat-free Filipino dishes for my customers to make Filipino cuisine accessible to all.

What was your starting capital?

I would say that my self-funded capital was probably only £500, and then later on down the line, I could apply for a loan with after doing their start-up course and being successful with their program. I also got some local grants, which I was fortunate to get through , that helped me get equipment and other stuff.

What permits or licences did you have to get and pay for?

Licences you would need would be your public liability insurance, PAT testing on your equipment, general permits and paperwork that needed to be in order when starting a food business.

What challenges did you face along the way, and how did you overcome them?

There were many challenges, and I still face them after being here for seven years. There are financial challenges, whether in the beginning when you start everything from scratch or later. The most significant responsibilities are paying rent each month and ensuring staff and suppliers get paid on time. On top of that, the rising costs of things have been challenging, but you keep going, and that’s what you can do!

I’ve also faced personal issues during my Mama Z journey, including imposter syndrome in this line of work and also having people say that what I do isn’t “Filipino” enough. I think this is why I have such an issue with the word “authenticity” as I know many people face this problem in the industry regarding flying flags for Filipino cuisines in their style. 

Food is subjective, and you can’t please everyone! It’s taken time, but I have learned to move on from the comments and take it with a pinch of salt. Every day is a learning curve full of challenges, and it only makes you better equipped to deal with things in business! I have grown a lot during this process and am only getting better as I do.

What advice would you give our aspiring food entrepreneurs to understand what they need to do?

Just do it! Life is too short. It’s hard work, but the rewards are great if cooking is your cup of tea.

Also, always explore what your local community is doing, perform your research work and find out the resources that can help you.

You may be surprised to know that someone is ready to fund your business and give invaluable business advice when starting up! 

I recommend applying for if anyone is unsure and wants that little push or help with a new business idea.

How would you like our website visitors to contact you? 

Please check out my new venture, , to see what I’m up to. Also, follow me on socials @cookingwithmamaz or @yeslahmcr on Instagram.

About the author

Payal Tyagi is an experienced content strategist currently volunteering with ŷ������ as an editorial assistant. She is working on her dream project, “,” a travel website that inspires, guides and entertains people who have a travel bug and even those who haven’t begun their journey yet.

The post I Mean Business: Zosima Fullwell, co-owner, Yes Lah Cafe appeared first on ŷ������.

We at ŷ������ are delighted to invite you to Voice and Visibility for Filipino-British Women in Business: A Networking Event – the very first time that women entrepreneurs and business professionals from the community will be coming together to connect, inspire and empower each other!

According to a recent report, female entrepreneurs, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, are in the workplace and lack access to financial and social capital to develop their skills and grow their businesses.

ŷ������ (which is led by a female entrepreneur) aims to help address this issue by bringing together – for the first time – Filipino-British women entrepreneurs and business professionals to connect, inspire and empower each other in this forward-looking networking event.

Voice – We believe in fostering an environment where Filipino-British women can confidently share their ideas in the community and in the boardroom. This event gives you a platform to speak up, share ideas and BE YOU!

Visibility – We’re here to showcase your talents, spotlight your accomplishments, and promote your successes. This event is an opportunity for you to build connections and collaboration and to CELEBRATE YOU!

Visibility – We’re here to showcase your talents, spotlight your accomplishments, and promote your successes. This event is an opportunity for you to build connections and collaboration and to CELEBRATE YOU!

Why should you attend this event?

The concept of “Voice” and “Visibility” is at the heart of what ŷ������ is all about – elevating the profile of the Filipino-British community in the UK. We believe that diverse experiences, perspectives and voices contribute to better decision-making and innovation in society, especially in business. 

Here are the reasons which you, as a Filipino-British woman who is running a business in the UK, may want to join:

Learn and lead

Running a business can be lonely and isolating. Listen from our panellists and fellow women attendees about their journey. Learn how to amplify your voice and increase your visibility, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse business landscape in the UK.

Network for success

Connect and grow your network. Meet like-minded women to open doors for collaboration, partnerships, and support. Whether you’re seeking guidance for your business endeavours, exploring future career opportunities, or aiming to achieve personal goals, networking can help you build valuable relationships.

Raise your profile

ŷ������ can help raise your personal and business profile through our different sponsorship opportunities and ticketing options. Take advantage of our promotional rates exclusive for attendees and sign up for our directory listing, advertising, content marketing and research services. Joining this event will provide you with a wealth of resources that can help in enhancing your marketing skills.   

Social impact

By attending the event, you are helping us empower the Filipino community in the UK. All ticket sales and sponsorships will be used towards ensuring the continuity of ŷ������’s work enabling us to provide essential services and support to the Filipino community in the UK. 

Panellists

Elaine dela Cruz

Elaine is the co-founder of , a culture and DEI consultancy passionate about people and , a coaching company whose goal is to offer Black and Brown people the opportunity to work with incredible and professional coaches of colour. After a successful career in the media industry, she experienced and saw that there was room for organisations to do things so much better. Started in 2018, Project 23 helps organisations to create inclusive cultures that celebrate diversity, in turn increasing employee happiness and ultimately resulting in better business performance. Elaine is an ICF executive coach, a consultant, mentor and a speaker with over 20 years experience in director level roles. Her passion and purpose is present in Project 23, calling herself a ‘positive disruptor’, driving to actuate change for good.

Maria Garbutt-Lucero

Named , Maria Garbutt-Lucero co-founded the with Joanna Lee in 2022 and they are launching ESEA Lit Fest, the , with Foyles on 23rd September 2023. She has won Publishers’ Publicity Circle Awards for her campaigns as Publicity Director at Sceptre/Hodder & Stoughton. Since launching her Filipino supper club in 2018 and the mutual aid initiative #FilipinoFood4NHS in 2020, Maria has appeared on and her work has been featured in , The , Museum of London, TimeOut, , gal-dem, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, among others. In 2021 she won the Oxford Cultural Collective’s (chaired by Fuschia Dunlop). Twitter:

Paula Braiden

Paula Braiden is the Founder and Managing Director of Seek Social, a in the UK. She has spearheaded the growth of Seek Social from a solopreneur working from a dining room table to a dynamic team of over 25 employees spread across four continents. Under Paula’s lead, Seek Social has expanded its reach, with team members and offices established in prominent locations in England, Italy, the USA, Kenya, and the Philippines. Beyond the professional sphere, Paula cherishes her roles as a loving wife and dedicated (sometimes guilty) mother to two Filipino-British children. 

Catherine Wigley

A mother of four young children, Catherine Wigley is the founder of (FMUK), an online support group for UK-based Filipino mothers. With some 6,000 active members, FMUK has different activities for Filipino mums including its online selling Market Day, Recharge Thursdays and Coffee Mornings where mums talk about parenting, entrepreneurship, part-time working and other relevant themes. Based in North Wales, Cat works part-time as a primary school teacher and is actively involved in church activities where she lives.   

Agenda

12:30 – 1:00 PM Registration

1:00 – 1:30 PM  Welcome and introductions

1:30 – 2:30 PM  Panel session and Q and A

2:30 – 2:45 PM  ŷ������: Your partner to grow your business

2:45 – 3:45 PM  Networking session with merienda

3:45 – 4:00 PM  Closing remarks

Ticket information

Individual Entry (£20): Grants access for one person to the event.

2. Discounted Entry (£35): Discounted rate for two attendees.

3. Enhanced Individual Entry (£49.99): Includes event admission, Friends of ŷ������ status, special mention on the website, and a 3-month listing in the ŷ������ directory. For more information about this ticket please click here.

Get a detailed overview of our and be part of Friends of ŷ������.

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Businessman Joseph Miro is the new chairperson of the Philippine British Business Council (PBBC). He replaces former British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham who was in post for six years.

Mr Miro’s appointment was announced during the recent PBBC meeting at the Philippine Embassy in London.

The PBBC aims to promote business and investment between the UK and the Philippines and is composed of business executives from both countries.

“Joe Miro is such an admirable successor and he has loads of experience in business in the Philippines. I am sure he will lead the Council into new and interesting areas,” Mr Beckingham said at the turnover meeting.

British Ambassador Laure Beaufils attended the meeting virtually. She briefed members on recent developments, including the visit of the British trade envoy to the Philippines, Richard Graham, to Manila. She also expressed optimism about the renewable energy sector, partnerships in the tech industry, and growth in agriculture in terms of biological trade numbers.

Mr Miro has extensive experience in running hedge funds and is involved in manufacturing and outsourcing operations.

Philippine Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr expressed his commitment to support and work with the PBBC, as well as to leverage the opportunities that Britain has to offer.

Chris Nelson, chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, gave industry updates and talked about food security and inflation in the country.

Former Philippine Ambassador Paul NC Dimond and PBBC Vice Chair Rowena Romulo expressed their confidence that Mr Miro’s experience, knowledge, and energy will significantly contribute to the council’s growth and success. Mr Nelson and Mrs Romulo attended the meeting virtually.

Top photo caption: New PBBC chair Joseph Miro, Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr and outgoing PBBC chair Peter Beckingham during the recent council meeting at the Philippine Embassy in London.

About the author

Mel Dizon is a Filipino entrepreneur and socio-civic leader. She was born and raised in the travel and tourism industry in the Philippines where she worked as a tourism educator and an international event organiser before settling in the UK.  She is the business development manager of KPO Architecture and a marketing consultant for ŷ������. She is also the founder and director of Interns Online.

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By Melissa Dizon

The Kent-based company, , is working with Philippine-based architects and engineers to create top-quality architecture design solutions for its clients across the UK.

Meeting a gap in the market

Andrew “Andy” Cruttenden started the business during the early days of the pandemic when remote working was unimaginable. With over 35 years of experience in the construction industry, Andy identified a gap in the market. Seeing that the competition was high, recruitment was tough,  and operating and salary costs were rising, he saw an opportunity to bring together businesses in the UK and Filipino talent.  

Established in 2020, KPO Architecture employs highly-trained Philippine staff who provide clients with 2D, 3D, CAD, REVIT, and BIM drawings. They are supervised by a UK-qualified team of technicians. Its clients include architects, engineers, landscape artists, interior designers, demolition contractors, and more.

Their unique approach to outsourcing ensures the quality of their output while maintaining savings for their clients.

The Philippines, an outsourcing hub

The business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines has been around for almost now. With the country’s educated and English-language proficient population, as well as its up-to-date IT infrastructure, the Philippines is among the globally. 

Outsourcing services to the Philippines in operating costs. KPO gives clients a certain flexibility, being ready to meet their needs when companies reach their internal capacity.

Andy gives this advice: “Avail of our services, even before you need us. By the time you need us, we are already all set and ready for you.”

A British company with a Filipino flavour

In April, KPO joined for the first time the in Surrey. It was the only company endorsed by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism-London and was sponsored by the Don Papa Rum.

KPO hosted fun and engaging activities during the expo, such as rum-tasting and a raffle at their booth. Three raffle winners each won one bottle of Don Papa Rum.

To know more about KPO Architecture’s services, visit their website: . You may also contact them at hello@kpoarchitecture.co.uk or call 020 3535 6060.

About the author

Mel Dizon is a Filipino entrepreneur and socio-civic leader. She was born and raised in the travel and tourism industry in the Philippines where she worked as tourism educator and an international event designer before settling in the United Kingdom.  She is the business development manager of KPO Architecture and a marketing consultant for ŷ������.

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