In the bustling streets of Deira, Dubai, a sanctuary for Filipinos has taken root—one that blends food, music, and culture into a single experience. Santuwaryo Resto Bar, located at Raha Grand Hotel, proudly stands as the first and only acoustic gastropub in Deira and is owned by three young Filipino entrepreneurs collectively known as The Billers Co.: Tomy Molina, who oversees operations; Christina Molina, who manages accounts; and Romil Villaranda, who handles marketing.
For the three, Santuwaryo is not just a business. It is a dream born out of shared experiences as overseas Filipinos. “As OFWs, we know how hard it is to be away from home. We face struggles that not everyone sees, the long hours, the pressure to provide, the stress that builds up, and the constant homesickness,” they shared with TGFM. “Sometimes we smile on the outside, but deep inside we carry battles we don’t talk about. That’s why we built Santuwaryo. We wanted to create more than just a place to eat—we wanted a safe space where Filipinos can recharge, forget their worries for a moment, and feel closer to home.”
A sanctuary with Filipino warmth
True to its name, Santuwaryo offers a cozy and budget-friendly space that reflects the warmth of Filipino culture and hospitality. The menu highlights elevated Filipino-fusion dishes alongside international offerings, while live acoustic and jazz performances provide a soulful soundtrack to every visit. “Santuwaryo reflects Filipino culture by creating a space that feels warm and welcoming, which is at the heart of Filipino values,” the owners explained. “From the moment guests enter, we want them to feel cared for, relaxed, and part of a community.”
Unlike typical bars and lounges in Dubai, Santuwaryo was designed specifically with Filipinos in mind. “What makes Santuwaryo unique is that it is a sanctuary where guests can escape the stress of daily life, enjoy music that touches the heart, and experience a sense of belonging that’s rare in nightlife spots,” they added.
Challenges and community response
The journey to bring Santuwaryo to life was not without challenges. “We are self-made, learning as we go without any teachers,” the group admitted. “Our biggest challenge has been introducing something completely new to the OFW community in the UAE—an acoustic and jazz resto bar for Filipinos, a concept few have experienced before.”
Despite the hurdles, the response from the community has been encouraging. “The Filipino community has embraced it as a space where they can unwind. Many have shared that it feels like a slice of home,” they said. Interestingly, Santuwaryo has also drawn in other nationalities who appreciate the acoustic vibe, warm hospitality, and creative food.
A bigger vision for Filipinos abroad
As The Billers Co., Tomy, Christina, and Romil see Santuwaryo as only the beginning. Their vision is to expand and create more spaces where Filipinos around the world can feel welcome and inspired. “We want Santuwaryo to become the go-to destination for Filipinos in the UAE—a place where they can relax, enjoy elevated food and drinks, and experience live music that resonates with them,” they said. “One of our exciting goals is to bring well-known OPM artists to perform, giving our guests memorable experiences and a true taste of Filipino culture.”
Looking further ahead, their aspirations extend beyond Santuwaryo. “For The Billers Co., our goal is not only to bring more businesses to the UAE but also to create more opportunities and jobs that help people, especially within the Filipino community,” they shared.
