This just goes to show the commitment Anglo has to take Filipino cuisine to the next level. He has been a judge on MasterChef Philippines and led travel and food programmes on the defunct CNN Philippines. His infectious energy and love for travel and exploring new cultures have built a unique halo of influence around him, as evidenced by his well-loved vlogs that garnered him hundreds of thousands of followers.

Food has always been more than just flavours for Anglo, it’s also about the connections it can make. He was once named Tatler Dining’s Champion for Philippine Cuisine, a title that recognises his efforts to lift Filipino food wherever he goes.

“We still have a long way to go, but there’s progress,” he reflects on the global recognition Filipino cuisine is receiving. Anglo remains deeply grounded in his mission which he hopes will translate to aspiring Filipino chefs. He emphasises unity in the culinary community to ensure that Filipino food, with all its complexity and flavour, receives the recognition it deserves.

Read more: JP Anglo Creates The New Philippine Airlines Menu

“It’s for Filipino food, not for our ego or ourselves,” he says, explaining that despite working in different culinary styles, what unites him with other chefs is the passion for Filipino food. This sentiment is exemplified in his belief in collaboration rather than competition: “Let’s pull each other up so Filipino food will rise.”

The chef reflects on his past with humility, acknowledging that in the early stages of his career, the pressures of the competitive industry could have led him down a negative path. “I guess I’m proud of growth,” he reflects. “What I’ve become, the flaws I was able to fix.”

Anglo’s leadership style is transformed not only by his culinary training but also by his evolving role as a father. As a dad to his newborn son with his wife, Camille, he has mastered his philosophy of leading by example and fostering growth in others. “I want to be a good tree so that [my son] is a good apple,” he says of parenting and mentorship.

Read more: How do I build a strong professional network in an authentic way to support my leadership journey?

“In our team, I always encourage people to speak up,” he says. “Every time I do these collaborations, not only do we learn about cooking, but we also learn from each other—how to become a better chef, a better leader, a better communicator.”

In 2018, he teamed up with AirAsia to create a Malagos chocolate-infused dish for their in-flight menu, spotlighting the richness of Filipino ingredients. Two years later, during the pandemic, he partnered with German brand Hugo Boss to craft a special menu supporting frontliners.

As a father, his experiences have enriched his perspective on leadership, helping him become a more empathetic and approachable figure in the kitchen. His balance of work and family life is grounded in his desire to create lasting impact, both in his personal life and within the culinary community.

In the high-stakes world of culinary arts, stress is inevitable. Anglo believes the key to managing it lies in knowing when to engage and when to step back. “You’ve got to know how to pick your battles,” he says. 

Drawing inspiration from mentors like chef Daniele Cason, he adds, “Don’t react right away. Give yourself time. Deal with stress when you’re in a good state.”

This mindfulness, combined with his ability to “switch off the right switch”, allows him to maintain focus and clarity amid the chaos of running restaurants and managing a growing family.

Read more: Why nice leaders are detrimental to businesses

Perhaps what surprises people most about Anglo is his depth of character. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” he advises. While some may focus on his public persona, he emphasises the importance of taking time to truly know someone. “To form a judgment, you can’t base it on one encounter,” he notes.

Golf, his favourite pastime, mirrors this philosophy. “It’s a long sport—you see every emotion of a person, from being happy and excited to frustrated and disappointed. It’s a great way to understand someone.”

For Anglo, the celebrated culinary force behind the rise of Filipino food in Dubai and beyond, success is as much about personal growth as it is about putting Filipino cuisine on the global map.

“I’m proud of what I’ve become,” he says, reflecting on his life and career of constantly striving to become the best version of himself. And in that pursuit, his success serves as a guide for others seeking to create their own recipe for growth.

Every Thursday, Science of Success takes a deep dive into the principles and practices that drive accomplishment across industries. Through compelling interviews, expert insights, and actionable advice, the series offers a window into the journeys of high achievers. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical strategies to advance your own goals, Science of Success is your guide to unlocking potential and reaching new heights.

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