Chef and entrepreneur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu is best known for turning joyful dining into an art form. As the woman behind My Happy Home and Tsokolateria, she blends homey comfort with curated charm. But behind the sweet smiles and signature pan de sal? A whole lot of heritage — and even more heart.
In this rapid-fire session with Simpol.ph, Happy answers 50 questions about her life, loves, and guilty pleasures — no filter, just fun.
Mornings Start with Burnt Cheese and Yema
Breakfast is serious business for Happy — or at least, seriously indulgent. “My usual go-to? Burnt queso pandesal with yema inside,” she says. “We make it at Tsokolateria.”
A mash-up of pan de sal and burnt cheesecake, her creation is crisp on the outside, creamy on the inside, and all kinds of comforting — just like the woman behind it.
A Happy Home Built Around the Table
From the kitchen to curated dinnerware, Happy makes entertaining feel effortless with My Happy Home, her home lifestyle brand. “I love beautiful tablescapes, rare ingredients, pieces that bring joy,” she says. “It’s all about creating that happy vibe at home.”
It helps that she grew up in a family that literally made food history — her clan built the original Barrio Fiesta, where kare-kare and crispy pata became national icons. No surprise that good food and beautiful presentation are in her blood.
If She Won the Lottery? One Part Shopping, One Part Sharing
“Part of it, charity,” she says. “And maybe one part… shopping!” Spoken like a woman who knows how to give — and also give in to good taste.
Europe Dreams, Tokyo Memories, and K-Dramas at Home
When she needs a break, Happy keeps it simple. “K-drama,” she laughs. “And spending time with my kids.”
She’d love to hop on a plane to Europe, but when asked for her favorite destination, she answers instantly: “Tokyo.”
If Not a Chef, Then What?
Though food is clearly her first love, Happy says she’d be a dermatologist if she had a second life. “It’s a great business… and I’d save money working on myself!”
A Bread Lover’s Guilty Pleasure
“All kinds of bread,” she confesses. “That’s why I’m obsessed with our bakeshop at Tsokolateria.”
And right now? She’s most proud of her burnt queso pandesal series — filled with yema, ube, or tablea, then topped with torched cheese. “It’s like a hug in food form. I promise it’ll make you happy.”
Filipino Food Forever
She’s dined around the world, but if she had to choose one cuisine for life? “Filipino, of course.” That’s no surprise from someone who helped modernize heritage recipes through restaurants like Pamana and World Topps — family favorites with a Happy twist.
Christmas Coaster Rides and Lola’s Gift Runs
Asked about childhood memories, Happy lights up. “Every Christmas, my lola would gather all 20+ cousins on a coaster van and take us to the toy store to pick our gifts,” she recalls. “It was the best.”
Quick Hits with Happy Ongpauco-Tiu
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Hidden talent? “Wala!”
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If she could master something? “Makeup artistry.”
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Dream car? “Anything comfy with working aircon.”
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Superpower? “Read minds.”
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Sport of choice? “Eating!”
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Biggest pet peeve? “Procrastination. Do it today.”
A Philosophy as Simple as Kare-Kare
Her guiding quote?
“Put God first in everything, because He will lead you and crown you with kindness and success.”
And the best gift she’s ever received? “Love,” she says. Without hesitation.
Sunshine, a Beach, and (Lots of) Food
If she had one free day, no schedules, no meetings? “Beach. Sun. A picnic with lots of food,” she says, practically beaming.
The secret ingredient to making anything better? You already know. “Love and passion,” she says.
And honestly — you can taste it.
Connect with Happy:
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Instagram: @happyongpauco_tiu
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Facebook: Happy Ongpauco-Tiu
Watch Happy Ongpauco-Tiu take on 50 Simpol Questions and see just how deliciously fun life can be. Watch it here.
