A journey of resilience and culinary passion
“One of the most valuable lessons my mom taught me is resilience — how to bounce back and keep moving forward no matter what. She also taught me the importance of selflessness. She gave without expecting anything in return, always pouring love and care into those around her. That kind of generosity is something I strive to embody every day.”
IN her 50s, veteran PR practitioner Jackie Maniquis boldly ventured into catering for the first time.
However, in 2009, Typhoon Ondoy struck, devastating all her catering equipment. This setback led her to pause her food business pursuits temporarily.
Fast-forward 15 years, and in 2022, Maniquis launched Phat Phuc Siomai Shack to share her mother’s beloved siomai recipe with a broader audience.
“We’re a family that loves experimenting in the kitchen, and my mom’s siomai was always a hit at parties,” Maniquis told The Manila Times.
“Guests raved about it, and friends began asking for the recipe or ordering it whenever I brought it to potlucks.
“Earlier this year, my family and I decided to tweak my mom’s siomai recipe to elevate it further. Encouraged by friends, we launched Phat Phuc to share our siomai with more people.”
Unsurprisingly, Maniquis’ mother, Asuncion “Nita” Celestino Bautista, remains her greatest role model.
“She’s shown me what it means to be strong and independent, even when faced with life’s challenges,” she said.
“One of the most valuable lessons my mom taught me is resilience — how to bounce back and keep moving forward no matter what. She also taught me the importance of selflessness. She gave without expecting anything in return, always pouring love and care into those around her. That kind of generosity is something I strive to embody every day.”
Platters
With her mother’s influence, choosing Phat Phuc as the name for the business was a no-brainer.
“We chose Phat Phuc because it’s playful yet meaningful,” Maniquis explained. “Phat is slang for ‘cool’ and ‘excellent,’ while Phúc, a Vietnamese word of Chinese origin, means ‘good fortune’ and ‘happiness.’
“Plus, we’re a plus-sized family, so it’s a fun way of reclaiming a slur and turning it into something empowering — through our food!”
The first year of Phat Phuc has been a journey of learning, growth and navigating typical MSME challenges.
“Figuring things out, staying afloat and getting people to notice the business — that’s been the story so far,” Maniquis shared.
“But the support from friends and our regulars has been amazing.
“They think of us for their parties, office events and even gifts, which keeps us going. Right now, we’re operating from our garage with a few tables and a food cart. Our focus is on growing Phat Phuc and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them become resellers.”
Siomai
Innovating to stand out
Since its inception, Phat Phuc has focused on its unique offerings to stand out in a saturated market.
“The big question was: how do we stand out when siomai is everywhere?” Maniquis shared.
“That’s how we came up with our signature dish, siomao —literally ‘siomai na mamaw.’ It’s siopao-sized and packed with a special filling: Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, salted egg, chestnuts and a secret sauce.”
Early on, Maniquis set clear goals for her business.
“We’re slowly but surely getting there,” she said proudly. “Family, friends and even strangers are ordering now. The buzz is building, and it’s exciting to see more people enjoying Phat Phuc.”
The ups and downs of entrepreneurship
As a seasoned entrepreneur, Maniquis knows the highs and lows of running a business.
“Being a business owner means I get to choose what I offer, set my own schedule and decide what tasks to do or delegate,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to see our team proud of their work and customers loving our siomai — it’s the best feeling!
“But it also means being on call 24/7, which can be exhausting.”
Maniquis’ entrepreneurial spirit was cultivated early on, thanks to her exposure to her mother’s businesses. “I grew up around my mom’s ventures,” she recalled.
“She bottled and sold bagoong, and even ran a small shoe factory that supplied stores like Anson’s and Shoe Mart.
“My first business was in PR and events management years ago. Before Phat Phuc, I worked in PR and events, and still do freelance consultancy. I also teach English online and advocate for MSMEs as the executive director of Kalye Negosyo, a group founded by my brother-in-law, Jorge Wieneke, and my sister Jenny, to support aspiring entrepreneurs.”
Balancing work and family
Maniquis credits her family for their unwavering support.
“My husband is my rock, always there for emotional and physical support,” she said.
“Our kids have helped with everything from branding to recipe formulation. My siblings Jaye and Julius are always supportive, buying our products and spreading the word.
“I’ve also learned so much about the food industry from my sister Jenny and my brother-in-law Jorge, who have had tremendous success in their own food ventures.”
Maniquis originally aspired to become a broadcast journalist but found her calling in PR and entrepreneurship.
After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Communication Arts, she began her career in PR and eventually started her own company.
Today, she juggles her various roles with the help of a well-planned schedule. “Freelancing, teaching online, managing Phat Phuc and running our household all take time. It’s about finding a rhythm,” she said.
Maniquis unwinds by watching her favorite shows and spending quality time with her family, often bonding over meals or outings with her siblings.
Her daily routine reflects her commitment to her business and family. “I start my day at 5:30 a.m., catching up on shows until 7:30 a.m., followed by prayer and breakfast. Then, I give English lessons until 1 p.m., attend client meetings and check in on Phat Phuc. Of course, I’m always a text away if my family needs anything.”
With her resilience, creativity and family’s support, Maniquis continues to build on her mother’s legacy, sharing joy and delicious siomai with her growing community.
Quick Questions
What is your biggest fear?
Losing my children’s love.
What really makes you anrgy?
Abusive people.
What motivates you to work hard?
Love for my family.
What motivates you to laugh the most?
The TV series “Friends”.
What would you do if you won the lotto?
I will make sure that my children will be provided for.
If you could share a meal with an individual,
living or dead, who would they be?
Mommy.
What was the last book you read?
I haven’t read a book for more than 30 years.
Which celebrity would you like to meet for
a cup of coffee?
Jesus Christ.
What is the Most daring thing you have ever done?
Dance on TV’s “Penthouse Live.”
What is the one thing that you will never do again?
Smoke.
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