In the spotlight: Juan Carlo the Caterer celebrates 30 years of legacy

After decades of setting the stage for others, Juan Carlo the Caterer is now taking the spotlight for its 30th anniversary.

Together with clients-turned-close friends and esteemed guests, the family behind Juan Carlo the Caterer celebrates this milestone on November 11 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan by taking a look back at its humble beginnings and three decades of delivering culinary artistry with performances by Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, and other world-class singers, as well as a highlight of Juan Carlo the Caterer’s partners and people who became a part of their 30-year journey.

Juan Carlo the Caterer traces its roots to fond childhood memories of food. The founder, Engr. Alex Michael del Rosario, spent his early years visiting different restaurants and tasting every type of food he encountered. He was always with his aunt, Cecilia del Rosario Pacumio, with whom he grew up and to whom he attributes the core values of the company: excellence, elegance, transparency, and passion and appreciation for food and life.

Building on that foundation of passion for food and culinary experiences, Engr. Alex, along with his wife Teresita, decided to take a risk, leave their comfortable life in Saudi Arabia, and open Juan Carlo the Caterer in the Philippines in 1995. Named after their son, the business was where the couple applied their combined skills and craftsmanship, as well as the knowledge they gained from their exposure to multi-cultural cuisines in the Middle East.

Juan Carlo the Caterer started gaining fame when they were tapped by several celebrities, such as Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid for their 2010 wedding, Kathryn Bernardo for her debut in 2014, and Zoren Legaspi for his iconic surprise wedding with Carmina Villaroel in 2012. Through word of mouth and personal recommendations, the company became known for delivering quality services and luxury experiences fit for kings and queens.

Since then, bookings have increased and more clients sought them out. Eventually, the business grew and the company started handling more high-profile events like the event of the US Embassy, aimed at further improving the ties between the US and the Philippines, where they hosted Philippine and US delegates.

While they have served numerous clients for the past 30 years, for the eponymous Juan Carlo, the business isn’t transactional.

“The real magic isn’t just in the food, it’s in the bond and trust we share with our clients. We make it a point to let them know we always think of them through constant communication, holiday gifts, and celebrating special occasions together,” said Juan Carlo del Rosario, assistant vice president of the company.

“We don’t just cater events, we get to see every important stage of their lives and see how they unfold as persons—from birthdays to weddings, even christenings and more. They aren’t just clients, they become our family whose milestones we help stage.”

This sense of family transcends from within; it defines the very culture within the company itself.

When the pandemic put a sudden halt to their operations, the del Rosarios knew it would impact the livelihood of employees, who were like a family to them. To pivot, they launched Juan Carlo Food to Go, which offered delivery of single-serve boxed meals across the CALABARZON region. This provided livelihood during tough times, but the company didn’t stop there.

Juan Carlo the Caterer also established a culinary lab, helping employees adopt and master the health and safety protocols, and invested in continuous training, ensuring their team was equipped for the new chapter in the industry.

The family’s passion for quality food and experiences also translated to passion for the well-being of their employees. Because the owners care for and support their employees, their employees also care for and support the business.

As Juan Carlo the Caterer celebrates 30 years of culinary artistry, the spotlight now turns to the future.

“Juan Carlo the Caterer’s legacy is built on passion, hard work, and the drive to be at the heart of tasteful celebrations. As we look towards staging more memorable moments and setting new standards for luxury, we commit to continuous delivery of world-class culinary performances and creating unforgettable memories,” said Juan Carlo.