Kuya J opens and brings families together
- Leo I. Tan III
- May 7, 2019
- 5 min read

Photo Credit to Kaption Studio
Kuya J's Restaurant has officially launched its branch in Bukidnon and is the 5th franchise store nationwide and the 109th store in the Philippines. The franchised restaurant was built by the NVCiii Architects and is owned by the Gellor Family of Malaybalay City.
FAITH AND TRADITION

Priests presiding the Eucharistic Celebration. (Photo Credit to Kaption Studio)

Family and Friends during the Mass. (Photo Credit to Kaption Studio)
The soft opening started with a thanks giving mass attended by close friends, relatives and family members. These shows the Gellor's firm faith in God, entrusting the success of the business to the Divine Providence today and for the upcoming years. This also highlights that family shares the same values that the company embody unto which it is bringing families together.
After the sumptuous lunch, coins and golden chocolates were tossed inside the restaurant as an honoring business tradition and superstition. This is to bring prosperity to the business throughout the coming months; for guests, it's immediately lucrative as they joyously scramble for the scattered coins and chocolates on the floor. Guests picks them up and keep them.

The signature Kare-kare with peanut butter. (Photo Credit to Manolo Fortich Bloggers)

Crispy Pata, every bite crisps in your mouth. (Photo Credit to Manolo Fortich Bloggers)

Cheese Scallops, every flavor melts in your mouth. (Photo Credit to Manolo Fortich Bloggers)

The tenderness of meat and every sip of soup is heaven. (Photo Credit to Manolo Fortich Bloggers)
VIP AND MEDIA NIGHT

(Photo Credit to The Explorers Channel)
Last May 7, 2019 – Kuya J Restaurant on the recently opened Robinsons Place Valencia had their VIP and Media Night. The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony and was graced by the Gellors, their relatives, friends, Ikitchen Inc. Chief Operating Officer Mr. Richard Joseph Li, Congressman Florencio Flores of the 2nd District of Bukidnon, Congressman Rogelio Roque of the 4th District of Bukidnon, Mr. Dante F. Cama, Regional Operations Manager of Robinsons Mall and media people from Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.

"Ceremonial Pata Cutting" (left to right: Mr Dante F Camat, Regional Operations Manager of Robinsons Mall, Mrs. Tess Gellor, Franchiser and Mr. Joseph Li, COO of IKitchen Inc. (Photo Credit to Manolo Fortich Bloggers)
A little fun fact about Kuya J was their very own “Ceremonial Pata Cutting”. The symbolic Crispy Pata is one of Kuya J’s best-selling signature dishes and has become the subject as a store opening business tradition. The ceremony was spearheaded by Mr. Joseph Li, Chief Operating Officer of IKitchen Inc., Mr. Dante F. Camat, Regional Operations Manager of Robinsons Malls and Mrs. Tess Gellor, owners of Kuya J Robinsons Place Valencia.
THE OWNER AND THE STORY BEHIND

(Photo Credit to Kaption Studio)
As quoted from Miss Jamie Gellor's story.
Three years ago, when Pao and I were based in Cebu, we came across this relatively new restaurant before heading up to our usual place to dine in the mall. Our first reaction was the usual "Uy, kang Jericho."
Everywhere else were busy but what captivated us is this space seemed to be so comfortable and was so well-lit to miss - even from the window. But what we didn't expect is that the usual Filipino meals that we are so used to eating would be so memorable in that very place: I remember how the first set of food that we ordered became a staple to every meal that we try out after. I remember the halo-halo, the dilis rice, the pata came out so familiar but different. I remember how we said from the first time we tried the resto "we really have to bring this home, we gotta take this to Bukidnon. Let's do what we can to bring it to Bukidnon"
And so here we are, the first ever customers of a project that we pitched to our families when they never tried it, in a province that is so new to the past time of malling. It's been in our dreams for years, created in months, and in a few days, we are opening our doors to public and we are hoping you will all have the same experience that we had 3 years back. Our families would like to warmly welcome you to Kuya J Valencia.
LET'S GET TO KNOW KUYA J!
On the same night Manolo Fortich Bloggers together with The Explorers Channel were privileged to meet and interview the most humble and kind Chief Operating Officer of IKitchen Inc. Mr. Richard Joseph Li.

(Photo Credit to The Explorers Channel)

(Photo Credit to The Explorers Channel)
Kuya J Restaurant, formerly known as “Ang Kan-anan ni Kuya J,” started as a simple eatery along the streets of Cebu. Kuya J’s signature family dishes boomed as great reviews of recommendation quickly spread around Cebu. Mr. Li's family loved the restaurant and found out that the restaurant is closing and has experienced financial ordeal. Knowing the fact that the small eatery has brought them all together as family, they grabbed the opportunity in taking over the business. The rest of the events happened quickly and as they value family they grew the business into a bigger one.
Kuya J is a persona that resonates. A sibling that makes sure that when there's a visitor he cooks the best for them and makes sure that everyone is having a good time. An epitome of true hospitality. A persona who cares, protects and assures the best quality.

(Photo Credit to Kaption Studio)
Kuya J embodies the typical Filipino value of ones family. This is their core value. The mission to serve their costumers treated like family. A vision shared by its working force that radiates the value of every individual. They consider "People" as the pillar that holds the entire organization. To uplift one another and to value and care for each other.

(Photo Credit to Kaption Studio)

(Photo Credit to Kaption Studio)
The store's interior is designed to be warm, cozy and inviting. The color schemes, the furniture the details will give you the relaxing household vibe. A place that satisfies your taste buds and eat your favorite Filipino dishes with your loved ones and celebrate life as it is.
Kuya J is very open to your suggestions as they continue to render good service and keep up with the trends in business. Surely they are the Kuya that listens to its people.
Kuya J will be opening its doors to the public on May 11, 2018 and will be giving away freebies to their costumers. The signature thirst quenching and flavorful halo-halo will be served free to their costumers!
Celebrate Mother's Day at Kuya J and let your mom feel Kuya's love.
Here's the snippets of the opening of the Restaurant.
If you want to know more about them see these sites and contact them:
Website: https://www.kuyaj.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KuyaJResto/
Contact Number: 0998-593-6994
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