Perhaps the biggest advantage of people in the upper middle class is having more time for themselves amid the COVID-19 quarantine. While some people explored passion projects and hobbies, others ventured into online selling and tried their luck in the food industry, for sanity and, of course, for survival.

The power of social media opened a lot of opportunities to people who want to start their small businesses. Today, even celebrities and influencers hopped in the bandwagon and introduced their food businesses during the pandemic, to curb the crippling effects of the pandemic.

From pastries to home-cooked meals and premium comfort food, these celebrities’ culinary expertise are telling us that they are more than ready to serve off screen offerings:

Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo

Months before the quarantine, Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillio’s Angrydobo in Taft, Manila was already a huge hit.

That is why when they had the chance to open again, the celebrity couple made sure that their hungry customers would once again taste the rich flavors of their meals.

As of this post, their branches in Manila and Westgate Alabang are open everyday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for dine-in, delivery, and take-out.

Via IG: officialangryadobo

David Licauco

Model turned actor and young entrepreneur David Licauco has also unveiled a new venture to bring a gastronomic adventure among consumers, even at the height of the pandemic. With a partnership built with his friend and Alamat and Agimat corporate chef, Mike Victorioso, the birth of Sóbra Comfort Filipino Food became a rousing success.

“It was a simple concept. I just wanted to bring an experience. I love food and it means a lot of things more than just about satisfying one’s appetite. With Sobra, we wanted to bring breakfast food and upscale it so it can be best enjoyed for just about any occasion,” Licauco said. 

Right now, breakfast comfort food, specifically their version of the Beef Tapa & Corned beef, along with its latest addition, the Beef Bulgogi on Kimchi Rice are now being served. Recently, their menu has also opened up to bring it’s well-received Ono Fried Chicken Sandwich.

Via IG: Sobra Manila

Ai Ai delas Alas

We finally know how Ina Montecillo’s meals from Ang Tanging Ina taste like. Comedian Ai Ai delas Alas has introduced her Ube Cheese Pandesal business back in April 2020. According to the actress, the cravings of her husband, Gerald Sibayan, prompted her to start baking.

“Parang aksidente lang siya.’Yung asawa ko, gusto talaga niya ng ube pandesal..wala kaming mabilhan,” the actress shared in a statement.

She also shared that she was able to finish a culinary course that focuses on baking. 

Via IG: martinaspastries

Marvin Agustin

Not a stranger to building successful business ventures, especially when it comes to food, Marvin Agustin, released yet another yummy treat, this time for the sweet tooth, Mr. Vin Munchies. Launched at the height of the community quarantine in April, the business offers best-sellers such as the B&W cookie, tres leches, the classic chocolate cake, carrot cake and the 48-hour cake.

Special instructions are given to deliveries made in the metro and even in select provincial locations for your sweet cravings.

Via IG: @mr.vinmunchies

Sarah Lahbati

Actress and model Sarah Lahbati also surprised her fans when she announced that she opened a food business with her mother Esther Lahbati. The mother and daughter tandem was able to open “Craves Simply PH” on Instagram with Swiss lasagna as their specialty. The shop also provides biko–a soft sticky rice cake with caramel sauce.

“My mom Esther Lahbati’s signature Swiss lasagna made with gruyère cheese is now available on Craves Simply PH,” Labati said in an Instagram post.

Via IG: sarahlahbati

Albie Casino

Young actor, Albie Casino shows off more than his fitness routines and promising acting chops on his social media account, but his love for bagnet, which turned into a business birthed in the midst of the quarantine, Papa Bagnet. As playful as the business name is, down to its tagline, “The Papa You’ve Been Waiting For”, his venture is focused on tapping the Pinoy sensibilities of missing out of simple indulgences like bagnet in multiple occasions.

With this, more than enjoying the meal favorite, Papa Bagnet also offers side dishes from sausages, Vigan longganisa, and even salted eggs. All bundles and offerings that you would want to experience, you can check it out through the brand’s Instagram account.

Via IG: @papabagnet

Janice de Belen

Veteran actress Janice de Belen is not late for the online food business party! Even before the national lockdowns started, the actress had been in bazaars to sell her specialties from Kitchen of Super Janice.

Her specialties include cannelloni, pork buns, shrimp, baked mac and cheese, and different types of pastries.

Via IG: kitchenofsuperjanice

Lotlot de Leon

Actress Lotlot de Leon is also busy preparing her specialties at Lotlot’s Homemade. Her shop sells ready-to-cook meals like liempo, Mediterranean chicken barbecue, and bopis.

Head on to her official Instagram page and check her food out!

Via IG: lotlotshomemade