Dream resto comes true for Lucena woman

MANILA, Philippines—Cookbook Kitchen at 1880 Eastwood Avenue is the story of Tess Amansec, whose dream came true many years of praying, training and waiting.

Tess is the second in the brood of 11 of Mauro and Juanita Mapile. Mang Mauro worked in a coconut factory in Lucena, Quezon.

Growing up was extremely hard for Tess and siblings.

As a child, she remembers delivering kakanin to different carinderias in Lucena.

She would sometimes feel a pang of envy for these carinderias because there was always food, while their family was always short of it.

Subconsciously, these episodes instilled in her a desire to put up a carinderia or restaurant of her own.

This restaurant would seem an impossible dream then, especially because Mang Mauro made it clear to his children that they would be sent up to high school only.

But Tess worked her way to college. While studying at the University of the East, she took on various jobs all at the same time—student assistant, secretary, typist and most of the time errand girl of big bosses.

Even with her hands full, her knack for business shone through. She would squeeze time to buy stuff and sell to co-students and co-workers, extra money that went a long way.

All siblings came to live with her and husband, and life was even harder. Instead of depending on husband’s government pay, Tess opted to plunge in business full time.

“I cannot explain, pero kahit wala akong pera, malakas ang loob ko.  Alam ko hindi ako pababayaan ng Diyos.”

In 1994, with a close friend, she ventured into her first big-time business. It was big time because she put her family’s meager savings into it.

Corinthian Travel and Tours was an agency situated right in their home with a “specialized” clientele of friends who tell others about it.

The agency was a good start, honing her business acumen and allowing her more time to nurture and train for her dream restaurant.

The travel agency afforded her to take culinary lessons and opened doors for her to engage into others businesses, which she did.

She dipped her hands in all sorts of businesses, which continue to this day. She is into direct selling, ukay-ukay, and real estate. With limited resources, she is able to juggle funds expertly to allow her businesses to run smoothly.

In 2010, the dream restaurant presented itself.

It was one of those serendipitous moments—she and husband, Art, were scouring for another find—something to buy and sell. And right in the middle of nowhere they stood in front of a vacant space that was perfect for a restaurant. Right away, she threw all cautions to the air and enlisted the help of Chef Gen Capile. And thus, Cookbook Kitchen-Eastwood was born.

As in the previous business-ventures of Tess, the family “wealth” is at stake in this new “baby.” The house, the car, even the dining table is on the line. Therefore, every member of the family is all-out in support of Tess.

Managing a restaurant is no different from that of a travel agency or any other business. The basic things should be taken care of—customers, employees and money. But the food business is definitely more competitive. “Napaka-stiff ng competition sa pagkain. You have to be on your toes all the time.”

And on her toes she is. With daughter Joy and niece Keith, Cookbook Kitchen-Eastwood has come up with big ideas. They have introduced “value meals” so to speak, banquet packages, and have tied up with Metrodeal for online buying and BDO for credit card users. And, yes, Tess is reserving more surprises especially for loyal customers.

Friends say whatever Tess touches turns into gold. Every business endeavor she is into turns success. What could be her magic, a secret spell or amulet maybe? “I play fair all the time. Minamahal ko ang mga empleyado ko, at lagi akong nagdadasal.”

Although she has reached this point when she can truly say she has achieved her dream, Tess is the first to say that there are still a lot to conquer. And if God wills, she will conquer it.

Today, Cookbook Kitchen-Eastwood is a must-go-to restaurant on this side of the Metro. It is a perfect dining place for those who want good food, privacy and a taste of the good life. The dining place can actually double as a meeting place for associates to discuss business, for friends and family to celebrate special events, or for young professionals to enjoy the view.