‘’ Behind the dark clouds the stars still shining’’ is the favourite quote of Pilgreg Allaga Baod, 43 years old, Filipina. She is currently living in Bahrain, a Filipina entrepreneur who is quietly redefining success, not with grandeur or applause, but with grit, grace, and the enduring spirit of her Ifugao roots.
Raised among the breathtaking rice terraces of Kiangan, Ifugao, Pil grew up surrounded by a world where every sunrise kissed centuries-old landscapes and every whisper of the wind, it carried stories of her ancestors. Kiangan, the oldest town in Ifugao, is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its deep sense of community, heritage, and resilience.
“I worked alongside my mother as a clerk in the provincial government,” Pil recalls. “That early experience of responsibility, rooted in a community that values hard work, humility, and heritage, helped shape the woman I’ve become today.”
Rooted in Ifugao Values
For Pil, the core values of kindness, generosity, and respect for others are timeless. “In Ifugao, we help each other without expecting anything in return, and I’ve carried that spirit with me wherever I go, especially in business,” she says. “No matter how far I’ve gone, I always find my way back to these roots.”
A Journey Beyond Borders
When Pil left the Philippines for Bahrain in 2014, she never imagined becoming an entrepreneur. Her goal was simple, to work hard and support her family. Starting out as a Purchasing Manager in a scrap company, she faced cultural adjustments, homesickness, and countless challenges.
“Nothing truly great comes easy,” she reflects. “Bahrain became the unexpected starting point of a much bigger dream.”
Rising from Challenges
Being a Filipina working abroad was never easy. Pil faced judgment, underestimation, and loneliness but she turned those struggles into strength.
“The more I was pushed down, the more I wanted to rise,” she says. “Not for revenge, but to prove that strength doesn’t have to shout it can simply endure.”
The Birth of a Dream
After years of working, Pil felt a stirring desire for something more something she could call her own.
“I wanted to leave a legacy that my children would be proud of,” she explains. “That’s when I decided to start my own business something that reflected who I really am.”
A Taste of Home, Abroad
For Pil, food became the bridge between heritage and ambition. After reviving her office and launching a convenience store and food truck, she took a bold step and opened her own Filipino restaurant.
“Food is a powerful connector,” she says. “For us Filipinos, it’s a love language. I wanted to create a space where people could taste home, feel welcome, and discover the richness of Filipino and Ifugao cuisine.”
Her restaurant serves traditional Filipino favorites, but with plans to gradually infuse elements of Ifugao culture turning every meal into a story of roots and resilience.
“It’s not just about dishes it’s about storytelling through food. I want people to take a bite and be reminded that there really is no place, and no food, like home.”
Falling, Failing, and Rising Again
The path to success wasn’t smooth. Her first restaurant in 2024 failed.
“It hurt. People criticized me. But I chose to rise again,” Pil admits. “I learned from my mistakes and kept moving. I’m not afraid to start over because I know my purpose.”
Balancing her work at Al Wadyani Solutions, a prestigious law firm, while managing multiple businesses, Pil continues to face the challenges of finances and time but this time, she’s surrounded by mentors and a stronger sense of purpose.
Empowerment in Action
To Pil, empowerment means courage.
“It means making courageous choices and not letting fear stop you,” she says. “An empowered woman empowers women.”
Her strength is deeply tied to her Ifugao roots carried through her kindness, her business ethics, and the flavors she shares with the world. Pil currently operates Atarah’s Eatery and Pastries, a Filipino restaurant with branches in Manama and Juffair.
For the OFWs and Dreamers
Pil hopes her story inspires others. Pil’s journey, spanning the serene rice terraces of Ifugao to the vibrant streets of Bahrain exemplifies the resilient nature of the Filipino spirit. Her narrative serves as a reminder that regardless of where life leads us, our origins will forever direct us back home.
Looking Ahead
Her aspirations are distinct, to broaden her restaurant’s reach throughout the Middle East and eventually across the globe sharing Ifugao culture and Filipino hospitality at every dining experience.
“I envision presenting our customs through cuisine, ambiance, and entrepreneurial endeavors,” she expresses. “To demonstrate to the world that our heritage is our strength.”
A Mother’s Legacy
When inquired about what she longs for most from home, her tone softens.
“I profoundly miss my family, particularly my mother, Catherine Allaga Baod. She endured so much to nurture me. Although she is now in heaven, her love and sacrifices continue to empower me.”
Her mother, she asserts, remains her most significant source of strength, alongside her unwavering faith in God.
One Word: Sacrifice
If Pil were to encapsulate her journey in a single word, it would be sacrifice.
“Because sacrifice is the unvoiced cost every entrepreneur incurs,” she explains. “It forms the bedrock of every aspiration I have realized.”
Pil’s journey from the serene rice terraces of Ifugao to the vibrant streets of Bahrain exemplifies the resilient spirit of the Filipino people. Her narrative serves as a reminder that regardless of where life leads us, our roots will always direct us back home.
