David Pardo Ayala Moved to Manila with Knives, Cookbooks & a Heart Full of Love

While at the Culinary Institute of America in upstate New York over two decades ago, Colombian-born David Pardo Ayala met the love of his life, a Filipina named Gianella.

- JOANNE RAE M. RAMIREZ

“I left everything behind to follow her here, and moved to Manila with nothing but my knives, my cookbooks, and the bold recklessness of youth,” David, now general manager of Discovery Primea, recalls. David and Gianella have a daughter, Sofia. Love makes him stay.

“When I followed my heart to Manila over two decades ago, I brought that same sense of warmth and energy with me. Now, I proudly say I’m a Colombian-Filipino at heart. My Latin roots blend seamlessly with Filipino hospitality, making me feel right at home here,” he shares.

How is Filipino hospitality unique?

“Filipino hospitality is genuinely heartfelt; you walk in and you’re greeted with a smile that’s immediately warm and real,” he continues. As hosts, they go above and beyond to ensure comfort and connection; as guests, they bring the same warmth and curiosity to every new experience. It’s this sincerity that makes the Philippines truly unique.”

Looking back at his first few years in the Philippines, David, who virtually started cooking as soon as he started walking, says, “I immediately connected with local flavors and felt very much at home. The world-famous warmth and hospitality of Filipinos captured me from Day One.”

Before he became “Colombian-Filipino” at heart, David was the youngest winner ever of his country’s national culinary contest, the Nestle “Toca de Oro,” in the ‘90s.