The charmed life of Happy Ongpauco-Tiu

I was recently invited to the birthday lunch of PR guru Susan Joven at Tsokolateria-Pamana restaurant in the new GH (Greenhills) Mall.

- razzle-Daza

It was a fun-filled afternoon, with Susan and her guests exchanging stories and gossip as we slowly but surely filled our tummies with the absolutely divine food that was served by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, who owns the restaurant.

In-between bites, I was able to squeeze in a Q&A with Happy about her charmed life as a restaurateur, home décor retailer, fashionista, wife, mom, and more. With everything she has on her plate, you'd think she'd already be planning to take it easy, but no. As Happy reveals in our chat, there are still some other ventures she'd like to try her hand in.

Your family is behind Barrio Fiesta. What made you decide to have your own chain of restaurants?

"My family has always been involved in the restaurant business, and while I appreciate and respect the legacy of my family, I wanted to carve out my own path in the food industry. I opted to create my own brands, each with its own concept and identity, but all are grounded in a love for great food and quality service while still honoring the legacy of my family's recipes. I believe that food should bring people together, and that's what I aim to achieve through each of my restaurants."

What was your childhood like while growing up in the restaurant business? When did you realize you wanted to pursue a culinary career? Did you take formal lessons?