The Aspiring Restaurant Entrepreneurs Association (AREA), the home organization of the BS Restaurant Entrepreneurship Program under the John Gokongwei School of Management, recently hosted its flagship event: SALUSALO 2026.
Established in 2024, SALUSALO has rapidly evolved into the premier platform for showcasing the dynamic Food and Beverage (F&B) industry of the Philippines. It currently holds the distinction of being the largest F&B expo within the Ateneo community. This year, the event adopted the theme “Where Flavor Meets the Feed,” focusing on the powerful connection between social media and local culinary innovation.
Photo Credit: BS REnt Program
The program featured talks from some of the most well-known figures in the Philippine digital and food scene. Speakers included David Sison (CEO of Mama Lou’s), Vince Golangco (CEO of WhenInManila), and the duo John Fisalbon and Nelson Jovilet (2frenchinmanila). Along with the social media focus, culinary and beverage demonstrations were led by Chef Mianne Manguiat (Executive Chef of Key Coffee) and Clayton Munar (Beverage Innovation at MONIN Asia). These experts shared helpful advice with around 400 participants from different universities and student groups, all of whom were eager to take part in the event.
Photo Credit: BS REnt Program
Aside from the conference, SALUSALO 2026 held a large food bazaar. Over 40 stalls, ranging from well-known brands to new startups, served hundreds of visitors in Ateneo each day. Notably, the bazaar featured third-year Restaurant Entrepreneurship students who launched their own food and drink stalls. This hands-on experience gave young entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to bring their concepts into the real world and test their products with actual customers.
Looking ahead, AREA has confirmed that SALUSALO will continue to be its flagship project. Plans are already underway for a bigger and better version in 2027. This commitment to growth reinforces the event’s status as a cornerstone of the organization’s mission. By bridging a shared passion for hospitality with real-world practice, AREA ensures the expo remains a vital launchpad for new ideas that will help shape the future of the Philippine F&B scene.
The success of SALUSALO 2026 was made possible through the collective efforts of the AREA core team and the BS Restaurant Entrepreneurship (RENT) program. The organizers extend their deepest gratitude to sponsors, moderators, and the entire Ateneo community for their unwavering support. It is their hope that this initiative continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to lead with a spirit of service, rooted in passion, excellence, and the true heart of hospitality.
