047: Vinegar, Soy, and Love: The Secret Ingredients of Filipino Cuisine

03/12/25 • 17 min

Step into Adobo Boy in Grand Rapids, and you're instantly welcomed with a question that defines Filipino hospitality: "Have you eaten?"

More than just a restaurant, Adobo Boy is a celebration of tradition, family, and bold Filipino flavors. Founders Ray and Jackie started by cooking for friends, then grew through cultural festivals and a pop-up before opening their own space—where home-cooked comfort meets high-end presentation.

Unlike fusion spots, Adobo Boy stays true to its roots, showcasing dishes that capture the essence of the Philippines' 7,641 islands. Even its name comes from their son’s childhood love for the national dish.

For many, it’s their first taste of Filipino cuisine; for others, it’s a nostalgic bite of home. Either way, every dish tells a story, and every guest is family.
💬 What’s your favorite comfort food, and how does it connect you to your roots? Let us know in the comments!
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Ace Marasigan on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/acemarasigan

Show your support for Adobo Boy:
https://gofund.me/5a3d5990

Adobo Boy Website:
https://adoboboygr.com
Adobo Boy on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AdoboBoyGR
Adobo Boy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adoboboygr
Adobo Boy on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@adobo.boy

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Step into Adobo Boy in Grand Rapids, and you're instantly welcomed with a question that defines Filipino hospitality: "Have you eaten?"

Show your support for Adobo Boy:
https://gofund.me/5a3d5990

Support the show

Links to Follow Empower & Elevate Podcast 24/7:

Previous Episode

046: How Filipino Food Creates Community

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Bringing Filipino Culture to Life Through Food | The Story of Adobo Boy
Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a connection to culture, family, and community. In this episode, we sit down with Ace Marasigan, founder of Adobo Boy, to explore how Filipino cuisine is creating meaningful cultural bridges in West Michigan.
From his childhood in Manila to his entrepreneurial journey in the U.S., Ace shares how passion, resilience, and authenticity have fueled his dream of bringing traditional Filipino flavors to a wider audience. He dives into the challenges of running a restaurant, from pop-up events to securing a permanent location, all while staying true to his roots.
This episode isn’t just about food—it’s about family, risk-taking, and building a legacy. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a food lover, or someone chasing a dream, Ace’s story is packed with insights and inspiration.
💬 What’s your favorite comfort food, and how does it connect you to your roots? Let us know in the comments!
🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Ace Marasigan on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/acemarasigan
Adobo Boy Website:
https://adoboboygr.com
Adobo Boy on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AdoboBoyGR
Adobo Boy on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/adoboboygr
Adobo Boy on TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@adobo.boy

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048: Why Your Brain Gets Stuck in Negative Loops and How to ESCAPE

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Have you ever noticed how much time you spend lost in your own head, caught in cycles of negative thinking? Almost 55% of our waking hours are spent in rumination, often leading to self-criticism that erodes self-esteem and contributes to depression.
The key to breaking free lies in understanding that we already have the tools to escape this mental prison. Deep within us are universal qualities of awareness, perception, and intuition that meditation can awaken. Our guest explains how karma and dharma shape our life blueprint, turning challenges into opportunities for growth when seen with the right awareness.
What makes this conversation unique is the focus on FISU meditation's approach to spiritual awakening. Unlike generic mantras, FISU meditation identifies your personal vibrational signature—the sound representing your essence in all aspects of life. By using the eyes as "windows of the soul," practitioners can amplify this vibration, creating a personal mantra that accelerates your journey from individuality to universality. When you use your own energy for growth, everything changes.
Ready to discover your unique vibration and transform your relationship with yourself? Listen now to begin your journey toward spiritual awakening.
FISU Meditation:
https://www.fisu.org
The Meditation Guru on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@themeditationguru8032
Rajesh Ananda on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajesh-ananda-198a34a
FISU – Foundation for International Spiritual Unfoldment
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London E4 9AL, United Kingdom
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Empower & Elevate Podcast - 047: Vinegar, Soy, and Love: The Secret Ingredients of Filipino Cuisine

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.380

You know , like I had a customer

Speaker 100:00:03.427

on Friday actually on Friday he perfectly said what we were trying to accomplish . He said he felt like he was eating at home , in a home cooked meal , prepared in love but presented in such a wonderful way that he said like he presented , like he was . He felt like he was attending in a higher end