A unique culinary gem called AffordaCup offers a taste of Kapampangan culture in the bustling metropolis of Dubai. Founded by a dedicated team of siblings, Ramona, Aiza, and Jovito Mariano, along with Ramona’s husband, Cris Sotto, this restaurant has quickly become a beloved spot among both locals and expatriates.
Cris, whose background in architecture gave him a penchant for design and construction, found his true calling in the hospitality industry.
“My career transition from architecture to restaurateur was driven by my desire to create a space where people could gather and share a meal that felt like home,” he explains with The Global Filipino Magazine.
This dream was shared by his partners, who each brought their own unique skills and experiences to the table.
Ramona, who first moved to the UAE as a nurse, quickly ascended to managerial roles in healthcare before deciding to venture into the food industry with her family.
“Starting Afford’aCup was a landmark decision in my life,” Ramona reflects.
“It encapsulated all the challenges and triumphs I faced and overcame in my career.”
Aiza, with her background in accountancy and later as a jeweler, brought her business acumen to the enterprise.
“The journey wasn’t easy, but every challenge was a stepping stone towards our goal,” says Aiza.
Her financial expertise and managerial experience were critical in shaping the business strategy of Afford’aCup.
Jovito Mariano, the third sibling, contributed his marketing prowess and architectural insight.
“This venture was more than just opening a restaurant; it was about crafting an experience that resonated with the values and tastes of our Kapampangan heritage,” Jovito states proudly.
Celebrating Kapampangan cuisine
The idea to introduce Kapampangan cuisine to Dubai stemmed from a desire to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and offer a taste of home to the Filipino community in the UAE.
“We saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market and at the same time, offer something close to our hearts,” Cris comments on the motivation behind their culinary offerings.
Among the most popular dishes at Afford’aCup are sisig, caldereta, kare-kare, and halo-halo. Each dish is prepared with authentic ingredients and traditional methods, adapted slightly to cater to local tastes while maintaining their original essence.
“Our aim is to provide a culinary bridge between cultures,” Aiza adds.
Sourcing authentic ingredients posed a significant challenge. The team worked tirelessly to establish connections with local suppliers and occasionally had to find substitutes that met their strict quality standards without compromising the authenticity of the flavors.
“It’s a delicate balance, ensuring the authenticity of our dishes while adapting to the availability of local ingredients,” Ramona explains.
Introducing Kapampangan cuisine to a multicultural audience required more than just serving food; it involved educating their customers about the cuisine’s rich history and cultural significance. Jovito spearheaded marketing initiatives that highlighted the uniqueness of their offerings.
“We’ve always wanted our restaurant to be more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to learn and experience new cultures,” he says.
Afford’aCup actively participates in food festivals and cultural events, further promoting Kapampangan cuisine and culture.
“These events are a fantastic platform for us to showcase our culinary traditions and engage with the community,” Aiza notes.
A family’s legacy
For Cris, Ramona, Aiza, and Jovito, Afford’aCup is more than just a business. It’s a passion project that brought them closer together as a family and allowed them to share a piece of their heritage with the world.
“Seeing our team grow and our customers enjoying our food is incredibly fulfilling,” Ramona shares, echoing the sentiments of her partners.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 11 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
