Via Mare Turns 50—Here’s Why They Continue to Thrive

Via Mare celebrates its 50th year in the local dining industry. In a recently concluded event aptly called “SALINLAHI: Generations of Taste,” Via Mare has established that their unparalleled commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence and taste has been the key to their success in the Filipino culinary scene for the last 50 years.

Via Mare

Photo: Via Mare

Via Mare, hailed as one of the best Filipino restaurants in the Philippines, is  renowned for serving refined and timeless Filipino cuisine. This iconic establishment has a rich history and numerous achievements that have solidified its place in the Philippine culinary scene.

This 2025, Via Mare celebrates their 50th year of Filipino culinary excellence here and on the global stage.

THE SECRET SAUCE: HOW TO LAST FOR 50 YEARS LIKE VIA MARE

In an ever-changing landscape such as the food industry, lasting for 50 years is no easy feat. Through trials and changes, Via Mare relied on their quiet strength, their secret to lasting for 50 years in a challenging industry.

Via Mare

Via Mare President Ramon “Rany” Roño (Photo: Via Mare)

Via Mare President, Ramon ”Rany” Roño, said: “Via Mare’s quiet strength is our consistent commitment to excellence—excellence in the food we serve and the way we serve it. We’ve stayed true to our mission of preserving the authenticity of Filipino cuisine by sourcing fresh, high-quality local ingredients, putting thoughtful care into every dish, and creating meaningful connections with our customers.”

Perhaps another big challenge for any restaurant is staying relevant among different generations. Keeping the current customer base is already a huge challenge, and enticing a totally new one is another yet. Via Mare has successfully captured every generation for the last 50 years by listening to customers while staying true to their core.

“We’ve learned to listen to our customers’ needs without losing sight of our core values. While our menu still features our timeless Filipino dishes that defined us, we’ve also introduced new items, ready-to-eat options, and seasonal offerings—which kept us current and going,”  added Roño.

Another secret to lasting for 50 years? Continuous evolution not only in food offerings, but operations and management perspectives as well. He shared: “Over the years, Via Mare adapted to the food and dining trends, digitalization, and modern lifestyle. What hasn’t changed is our definition of what the “Via Mare experience” is—to serve our customers with excellence while honoring the authenticity of Filipino cuisine.”

SALINLAHI: GENERATIONS OF TASTE

Via Mare celebrated their 50th year through “SALINLAHI: GENERATIONS OF TASTE,” an event held last September 12, 2025, at Ayala Museum, Makati City.

Via Mare

Photo: Via Mare

The guests were delighted by Via Mare’s timeless fare and crowd favorites. The program opened with a welcoming speech by Ramon ”Rany” Roño followed by the unveiling of the brand video that showcased Via Mare’s history, journey, and commitment to continue delighting Filipinos and the world with world-class Filipino cuisine.

Ms. Glenda Rosales Barretto, visionary and founder of Via Mare, delivered her speech to thank the guests and further solidify the commitment of Via Mare. It was not only a festive night of food, history, and shared love for Via Mare, but also a celebration of a local culinary icon.

MAINTAINING FILIPINO CULINARY EXCELLENCE 50 YEARS AND BEYOND

What’s next for Via Mare? “It is my dream to see Via Mare flourish another 50 years more. That it be passed on to the next generations, keeping our mission alive of promoting Filipino cuisine, advocating Filipino talent and delivering exceptional customer service,” said Via Mare President Ramon ”Rany” Roño. 

Via Mare’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Filipino culinary traditions has made it a beloved institution in the Philippines for the last 50 years; with its rich history, culinary achievements, and commitment to excellence, Via Mare continues to be a beacon of Filipino gastronomy, inspiring the generations of yesterday, today, and tomorrow to appreciate and embrace their culinary heritage and commits to continue being the hallmark of Filipino culinary excellence 50 years and beyond, making them a true heirloom of the Filipino culinary industry.

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