More Than a Meal: How Chowking Shapes Careers, Culture, and Lasting Connections

 For forty years, Chowking has been part of the Filipino story from family gatherings over siopao and halo-halo, late-night meals shared with friends, to everyday comfort during life’s busiest seasons. But beyond the food and familiar flavors, Chowking has also been where many discovered something deeper: a place to grow, to belong, and to provide for the families they love.

For John David Urbi and Fatima “Timi” Abutog, Chowking became more than a workplace. It became a backdrop to milestones that shaped not only their careers, but also their lives.

John’s Journey: From Dishwasher to Leader

When John joined Chowking in 2006, he was a working student assigned to the dishwashing station. He never imagined that the kitchen he first entered would one day lead him into management.

Over the years, John rose from dishwasher to cook, to restaurant manager, and now serves as Area Manager, proof of how far curiosity, humility, and perseverance can take someone.

“Everything I do is always for the customer,” he shared. But what truly defined his journey were the mentors who believed in him. “May mga leaders who influenced me na nag-stick talaga. ’Yun ang nagbigay ng impact sa’kin.”

John credits one of his former managers for opening the door for him to grow into leadership. “Results are important,” John reflected, “pero ang mas importante, nagdadagdag ka ng value sa iba.”

 

What started as a way to support his family as a student has since blossomed into a career where he uplifts others — fromthe teammates he now mentors, to the family members who share in his success.

Now in a leadership role himself, John is focused on paying that gift forward. His advice to younger teammates is simple yet timeless: “Be open to learnings. Every role, every experience teaches you something that lasts.”

Timi’s Story: Leaving, Returning, and Rediscovering Purpose

For Timi Abutog, Chowking was the place where she first tested her leadership wings. Joining as a management trainee in 2011, she quickly rose to become a store manager before transitioning to restaurant systems and business center roles.

But her path wasn’t a straight one. At one point, Timi left Chowking to explore other opportunities. Yet in stepping away, she found clarity she didn’t know she was searching for. 

Other workplaces made her feel like just another number, but it was in that contrast that she realized what made Chowking different. When she returned, it was with a deeper sense of purpose and belonging, knowing she had found a place where she truly felt at home.

That realization drew her back. And when she returned, she found a Chowking that was even more future-forward and innovative yet still grounded in the same culture she cherished. “The humility to learn, the customer focus, the collaboration, and the fun, hindi nagbago,” she said with a smile.

Coming back gave her the chance to lead with renewed purpose. She was able to build connections that went beyond work andshape a team culture rooted in care and collaboration.

A Culture with “Puso”

Despite their different journeys, both John and Timi point to the same thread running through their stories: Chowking’s culture.

“May puso, no matter what,” said Timi.

For John, what stood out most was how Chowking’s culture made him feel capable of more than he imagined for himself. “May mga leaders who influenced me na nag-stick talaga, kasi pinaniwala nila ako na kaya ko,” he shared. 

To him, this is what defines the Chowking way: a culture that creates belief. It’s a place where people are encouraged to stretch, grow, and discover strengths they never thought they had. 

It’s also a culture that strengthens families and communities, reminding employees that every small win at work can translate into bigger joys at home, and shared success with their teams.

Beyond Food, Toward Belonging

Chowking may be best known for its blend of delicious and accessible Chinese and Filipino flavors, but its true legacy lies in the lives it touches from families who find comfort in a shared meal, to employees like John and Timi who discover belonging, purpose, and growth.

As John put it: “We touch lives every day. Chowking will always be part of Filipino moments.”

And as Timi reflected: “It’s a place where you can be more than your role. Dito, you can grow, you can be heard, and you can be something more.”

A Legacy of Memories and Meaning

As Chowking marks its 40th year, stories like John’s and Timi’s remind us of what has always set the brand apart. More than its signature dishes, Chowking’s real recipe for longevity has been the people who give it heart, and the core memories they help create for millions of Filipinos.

“John and Timi’s stories remind us that beyond the food we serve, Chowking is also about the people who bring our brand to life every day,” said Chowking President Ken Lingan. “Their journeys reflect the heart of our culture, one that values growth, humility, and connection. It’s what makes Chowking a space to belong, and not just a place to work.”