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. The event takes place on November 11 at The Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan and looks back at its humble beginnings. It also honors three decades of delivering culinary artistry with performances by Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, and other world-class singers. The celebration highlights Juan Carlo the Caterer’s partners and people who became part of their meaningful 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 restaurants and tasting every type of food he encountered. He was always with his aunt, Cecilia del Rosario Pacumio, with whom he grew up. He attributes to her the company’s core values: excellence, elegance, transparency, passion, and appreciation for both food and life.

Turning Global Inspiration into a Filipino Legacy

Building on their shared passion for food and memorable dining experiences, Engr. Alex and his wife Teresita took a leap of faith. They left their comfortable life in Saudi Arabia to establish Juan Carlo the Caterer in the Philippines in 1995. Named after their son, the business became the couple’s canvas to showcase their skills, craftsmanship, and Middle Eastern culinary influences.

Building Prestige Through Word of Mouth and Excellence

Juan Carlo the Caterer started gaining fame when they were tapped by several celebrities for their most memorable events. Such as, Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid chose them for their 2010 wedding, while Kathryn Bernardo selected them for her 2014 debut. Zoren Legaspi also tapped the team for his iconic 2012 surprise wedding with Carmina Villaroel. Consequently, through word of mouth and personal recommendations, the company became known for quality services and luxury experiences fit for royalty.

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.

Resilience Rooted in Care for Their People

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 to help employees adopt and master health and safety protocols. They also invested in continuous training to ensure their team was fully equipped for the industry’s new chapter.

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

As part of the celebration, celebrities such as Patrick Garcia, Kris Bernal, and other notable personalities graced the event. The entire program was directed by actor-director John Prats, whose creative vision turned the anniversary into a world-class production.

To further commemorate its 30 years, Juan Carlo the Caterer unveiled a special multi-course 30th Anniversary Menu. It offered a curated dining experience inspired by Filipino heritage and the company’s own story. The menu showcased dishes like Alab ng Sining, a dramatic celebration of local produce, and Tahimik na Kabundukan, a refined Cordilleran interpretation. It also featured Salinlahi, a salad honoring flavors passed through generations, along with elevated mains such as Libro ng Lahi and Pagsilang. Guests ended their experience with Hiyas ng Kalikasan, a dessert highlighting the country’s natural bounty in an artistic finale.

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.

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