'I want my mother to be happy': Filipino chef builds restaurant for late mother after years of struggle

According to Chef Manuel Malicdem, at a young age he witnessed the sacrifices of his mother and father to build their restaurant, only to see it fall apart when illness struck, a painful loss that shaped his drive, resilience, and purpose in life.

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Key Points

• Bataan-born Chef Manuel Malicdem put up a Filipino restaurant in honour of his mother who had passed away when she was 16.
• After the passing of his mother, their family businesses also collapsed, pushing him to endure hardship and struggle his way through school until he eventually made it to Australia.
• Chef Manuel Malicdem studied at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in the Philippines and trained in Australia, where he became a certified food auditor.
• Today, his restaurant in Sydney stands as a reflection of Filipino tradition, culture, and the enduring love he holds for his mother.

Chef Manuel Malicdem continues to give his best every day, serving not just food, but joy, passion, and the heart of his journey in every meal he creates. Source: Manuel Malicdem

The life experiences that shaped Chef Manuel Malicdem into the person he is today continue to fuel his passion, resilience, and success in Australia. Source: Manuel Malicdem

Driven by his love for family, Chef Manuel Malicdem gives his best every day, serving each meal with joy, passion, and the values his family taught him through life’s struggles. Source: Manuel Malicdem

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