Revolutionary Food for Revolutionary People
Kumain ka na ba
Have you eaten yet?
Our latest restaurant concept explores the influences of Spanish colonization on Filipino cuisine.
Gabriela’s menu nods to the complexities of our culture’s rich (and truthfully complicated) history, aptly named after the female leader of the Ilocano independence movement from Spain.
Led by bravery and pride in her native land, Gabriela Silang was a military leader in the 1760’s who fought to her death to end Spanish colonization in the Ilocos region of the Philippines. Often called the Joan of Arc of Ilocandia, Gabriela Silang was a revolutionary and an inspiration not only for her time, but for our work today.
A Brief History
1757
Gabriela married future insurgent leader Diego Silang in 1757.
1762
In 1762, Great Britain declared war on Spain, who currently occupied the Philippines.
Recognizing an opportunity to join forces with the British to overthrow Spanish rule in Ilocos, Diego Silang launched an attack to regain native control of his region.
During the revolt, Gabriela was one of Diego's closest advisors, aiding communication between her husband’s efforts and the British.
1763
Diego was assassinated in May of 1763.
Following her husband’s death, Gabriela assumed her husband’s role as military leader and commander of the rebel troops.
In September of 1763, Gabriela and her troops were captured and executed by Spanish Forces in the central plaza of Vigan.
Gabriela is remembered as the “Joan of Arc of Ilocandia” and since her time, has been recognized as a hero for women in the Philippines.
Meet the Owners
What gabriela means today
Gabriela: Filipina Kantina celebrates the matriarchal history of Filipino culture—one that honors the power of women, their unique roles and voices, and their ability to propel society forward. Gabriela Silang was one of many female leaders in Filipino history (activists, revolutionaries, even presidents!) who have demonstrated grace and perseverance while paving the way for future generations.
Our restaurants were born from creating community with other Filipino families that had immigrated to the United States and grew into sharing that hospitality and food with others. Like many Filipinos, cooking and feeding people is our way of showing we care. There’s a phrase used in many Filipino homes - Kumain ka na ba - which translates to “have you eaten yet?” Walk into a Filipino home at any time of the day and you’ll be greeted with “Kumain ka na ba?” It’s our way of saying hello.
Revolutionary Food for Revolutionary People
Revolutionary Food for Revolutionary People
Revolutionary Food for Revolutionary People
Revolutionary Food for Revolutionary People
Revolutionary Food for Revolutionary People
The More You Know
Spain colonized the Philippines for over 300 years, with Spanish influences taking hold of many aspects of the culture—from religion to language to food.
Gabriela: Filipina Kantina is our third restaurant concept!
Each meal pays tribute to the generations of those who came before us, and hopes to educate the generations that come after while providing mouth-watering dishes to enjoy with the ones you love.