Born in the Philippines, Daniel and Ellen Lubuguin are the proud owners of Philippines Best Food in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
Daniel’s stateside career began as an employee for PepsiCo. He remained with the company for ten years, during which time he met Ellen, a hairdresser in town. After an unfortunate injury to Daniel’s back, the two set out on an entrepreneurial journey to open the now acclaimed Filipino restaurant.
The marital team purchased a small storage building, which they affectionately called the “cubby hole.” The business operated out of the cubby hole for several years, serving take-out boxes for lunch and dinner. In 2016, the pair purchased a larger building with a dining area, where Philippines Best Food remains today.
Before opening in 2012, the couple operated out of a food truck on Daniel’s day off. Today, the food truck is as recognizable as the sounds of the ice cream man on a summer’s day in Parkersburg.
The restaurant offers an array of Filipino comfort food, a combination of home cooking and authentic cuisine. Philippines Best Food is regionally known for its egg rolls, adobo and chili sauce.
“[The community] wraps their arms around you,” said Ellen.
The two love operating their business together, particularly in West Virginia; Ellen and Daniel highlight the support they receive from the small community as one of their greatest encouragements.
Philippines Best Food boasts two locations, the second in Williamstown, and looks forward to more locations in the future. The family-styled Filipino restaurant is on its way up, though the couple isn’t prepared to deem it a success.
“We still have a lot more to do. We’re still climbing the ladder,” said Daniel.
If you’d like to keep up with the Lubuguin’s and Philippines Best Food, you can visit them at www.philippinesbestfoodllc.com.
Listen to the full podcast here: https://positivelywv.com/podcast/episode-192-ellen-and-daniel-lubuguin-phillipines-best/
PWV QUICK BITS | ELLEN AND DANIEL LUBUGUIN
- RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Positively West Virginia
- PIECE OF ADVICE: “Set your mind on something, pray hard, and do what God wants you to do,” advised Ellen.