Opening a Fine Dining Restaurant in Manila Philippines (Hapag)

Hapag is opening one of the most exciting new restaurants this year-and this is your first look into their all-new kitchen and cocktail bar. On top of the stress the team was probably feeling, they allowed us the time to document their last week before opening. From their trainings, to wine tastings, and vulnerable moments.
Chef Nav and Chef Thirdy are back with an all-new Hapag (previously in Quezon City) and this time it’s in a bigger space in the heart of Makati City. Filipino fine dining doesn’t have to be intimidating and should be enjoyed amongst family, and this what Hapag is best known for.
Hapag 2.0 is an ode to their classic dishes that highlighted regional tastes and traditional Filipino cooking techniques, but fans and newcomers will also be pleasantly surprised with their new tasting menus and space.
LOCATION:
Hapag
7th Floor, The Balmori Suites, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City
For Reservations:
www.hapagmnl.com/
Acknowledgements:
Chef Thirdy Dolatre
Chef Nav Navoa
Hapag MNL Team
Additional References:
Meryenda Minutes (With Chef Nav and Chef Thirdy of Hapag), Interview by Jess Hernandez. Posted on November 14, 2022 at Merienda.
Hapag MNL Official Website
Jump to:
(0:00) Intro
(2:28) Making Hapag
(5:08) Hapag 2.0
(11:50) Aya
(13:10) The Team
(30:13) The Space
(34:40) Finishing Touches
(41:10) Moving Forward, Outro
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The Fat Kid Inside Studios
Erwan Heussaff - Founder
Kashka Gaddi - Content Producer
Eamonn Quizon - Cinematographer
Edel Cayetano - Story Producer
Harold Singzon - Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod - Story Producer
Kleo Balares - Supervising Producer
Hans Rivera - Multimedia Producer
Julius Rivera - Camera Operator
Steven Sune - Editor
Lorraine Santos - Editor
Dana Blaze - Editor
MK Tayona - Editor
Martin Narisma - Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos - Content Manager
Chester Velasco - Production Assistant
Kevin Amponin - Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac - Colorist
Sofia Paderes - Graphic Designer
Kim Manuel - Graphic Designer
Roanne Salvacion - Accountant
Donalyn Aranda - Accounting Assistant
Precious Vargas - Accounts Manager
Social Media:
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[@cmsc5249]

FEATR the best!! More more docu like this. This is what alot of Filipinos should watch. This just made me a proud Filipino.

[@joshuaianbetito5330]

Agree you should also try watching Tikim Tv

[@MARCBEA1]

Hello I'd like to introduce myself, my name is Marc Briones I'm a retired Exec.Chef from America with Filipino heritage. I'm so happy with a tear in my eye that two Filipino men had the courage to move Filipino cuisine forward to a new plateau. This is the genesis for other future Filipino chefs towing the line forward. I hope this new generation will have the courage and fortitude to pursue perfection and never settle. Best wishes to your endeavor.

[@jaearce4053]

I'm a graduate of culinary arts in PH and after 20 yrs, finally i can see PH's first fine dining Michelin star restaurant

[@cristinaladas2891]

I could not help but shed tears of joy watching this feature of Hapag MNL. I could not have been more proud being a Filipina seeing our culture, soul, and food elevated in such a way. As much as the creation of Hapag 2.0 is inspiring, it is also as validating of what Filipinos are capable of, a testament of who we are and continue to be. Thank you so much FEATR for honoring this. Well done and I look forward to making a pilgrimage to this beautiful place.

[@featrmedia]

Maraming salamat!

[@yazmillah]

I'm fortunate enough to have experienced Hapag's dry run on the ground floor of Rockwell in early March this year... predictably, not only will Hapag be a great success -- hopefully, it will also make the Philippines a destination in the gastronomical map. I can't wait to come back and experience it again in its new space on the seventh floor and enjoy cocktails at its foundling bar - Aya... wishing the team the very best of luck! ❤

[@kuroyume3732]

Proud to say I was part of Hapag's team for almost 2 years. It was right until before moving to their new space in Rockwell. Cheers to the all the cooks and servers behind the scenes.I hope everyone there gets what they all deserve.

[@exgeeinteractive]

And the chefs? 😅

[@renee2291]

I feel Thirdy and the rest of the team. I shed tears of joy with him. Congratulations and best wishes, HAPAG! May your business flourish. God bless everyone. Maraming salamat FEATR for this very wonderful episode. ♥️

[@lyncruz4370]

I am so amazed by these young entrepreneurs. You can see how passionate are the teams and these 2 owners doesn’t care not only for the business but for the wellbeing of each and everyone. Thanks FEATR for this awesome video. You capture the true essence of what is being portrayed by the people behind this spectacular restaurant. Hope we can dine there someday.

[@linguarotta]

this celebration of filipino dining is just pure poetry

[@estygonzalez7329]

So proud of your entire team of Hapag! Congratulations to each and every one of you. You make us Filipino proud!! ❤❤🎉🎉

[@francciiss]

This is amazing! As someone who worked in the hospitality industry in the states I love to see this happening in the Philippines. What got me is when family meal and everyone is eating together.

[@heyshanghairamen269]

As a culinary student, this is really inspiring. All of the hard works from back end to the table. Congrats Team Hapag! Hopefully makapag OJT ako dyan 🫶🏻

[@reynaldoalgaba1649]

Amazing Team! 👏👏👏 I used to work in High end restaurants operated by the Celebrity Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian from NY. A perfectionist Boss, we learned the proper and high class service from him. We explained the food and we served synchronized service like the way we served “The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs” in Mövenpick Hotel Good Luck To HAPAG and God Bless You All.

[@plhongflores]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! The story. The passion. The details.. Congratulations to the whole team! Reach for the stars!

[@jowliebeen]

Congrats Team HAPAG! Ang ganda ng new place! Ang shala! Beautiful documentary of FEATR! I love everyone's dedication! Tagos sa screen!!

[@abcd4408]

I will for sure visit Hapag when I visit the Philippines next year 2025. All my very best wishes to the two chefs the success they deserve.

[@johnkarlbasoc5540]

this was so beautifully done from beginning to end. congratulations FEATR Team 💚

[@charpkun]

Honestly, this really feels authentic to the Filipino spirit in spite of the Haute Cuisine trappings. I especially appreciate that there was never once a "yes, chef!" call to order that is found in places of this caliber. I hope for the best for this team, even if I might not be able to visit their establishment. I hope they inspire other restauranteurs to strive for the same philosophy with food, sustainability and hospitality.

[@254103]

Good job FEATR team on this documentary! I like that you let the subjects tell their own story rather than having a host throwing questions to them.

[@acq8097]

This episode is soo inspiring! Congrats to Hapag Mnl v. 2.0! Well done FEATR!👏👏👏

[@Hope82000]

Wow! Nakaka proud as Filipino. 🇵🇭 Thanks for this FEATR

[@elainerichards7799]

Very inspiring... encouraging too... best wishes to the owners and the team of Hapag

[@Mrjvc163]

As someone who cooked here in LA with amazing and talented chefs, this video warms my heart.

[@vivarfamilyvlogs]

I really loved this feature..now I want to experience Hapag 😊

[@annetupag8090]

The story of Hapag is so inspiring - it's a fruition of Filipino passion, pursuit of excellence and family. All the best to your team - your family! I am looking forward to experience your hospitality in the near future when I get to visit Manila.😊

[@SUPER_ORION]

❤❤❤❤❤ Congratulation to Hapag. And, Thank you FEATR for always supporting our Local entrepreneurs. 🎉

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Bravo, Bravo! Excellent documentary of proud Filipino culture and cuisine. This would make a great motivational video for all Filipino culinary students. Best wishes to the whole team, I'm sure Hapag 2.0 will be a resounding success.

[@jesylgabriellegubatanga5049]

Congratulations, Team Hapag! Can’t wait to visit again. 🥰

[@elishaeloriaga]

Thanks Featr for capturing Hapag’s story so beautifully! ❤

[@fliesonthewall-avirtuosoparty]

Interesting. Will they be able to prove that right zeal and abundant smiles can nullify the need for a fire-breathing commander dragon in the kitchen. I believe they can. All the best!

[@mariacarmenromeo8566]

Im so happy with what you do guys. Great job! I salute your doing the Filipino way and cant help when tears trickle on my face and say im so proud to be a Filipino. May god bless you all💟

[@MicoWanderer]

Ohhh sakto for sweldo. These guys really scream sincere.

[@marierikasikat1095]

This is really beautiful and inspirational. Thank you Hapag MNL for all the work that you do and thank you Featr for creating this docu, sharing their vision to us, to the world.

[@bingestero9901]

so heartfelt... Godspeed everyone❤

[@ayrasanmiguel9363]

EYY! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS FEATR! ❤🎉😮😮

[@chesterarenas]

The Philippines is in the cusp of a Michelin star restaurant! I’m so proud that local cuisine is elevated! Living in San Francisco, fine dining is a lifestyle! Can’t wait to try this restaurant

[@anamargaritazapanta2537]

Nakaka-inspire. Nakaka-proud. Tnx Erwan and team for featuring this.

[@mariloubautista4170]

Good luck. I am definitely going there once I am back in Philippines.

[@13fullofjasmine]

love watching this! ❤ so inspiring to see young entrepreneurs with so much passion in what they do and reaching for their dreams 💕😩

[@darrylaquino9889]

Ganda talaga ng transition sounds camera angle sounds ng Featr. Idol.. Goodluck sa Hapag! 🙏 Grabe! Maipagmamalaki!

[@annemargaretpangan7845]

What a great story! Thanks for sharing this awesome story of passion and perseverance FEATR! ❤

[@AA-jw7wf]

The team's achievement is commendable and certainly something to be proud of. However, the next challenge for this team is to make this accessible to the broader population. What's the point of curating food for Filipinos if only the nouveau riche can enjoy it? I don't want to make this commentary socio-economic, but let's call a spade a spade: fine dining often highlights the disparity in our society between the poor and the rich. We need to think about how we can bring this culinary excellence to more people, ensuring that a wider segment of society can appreciate and enjoy these creations.

[@thetail-baggedhusky8919]

All the best to the Hapag Team. Go forth and spread Filipino food culture!

[@vienpatawaran2298]

You can really see the passion in the team! goosebumps all over! It would be an honor to try their food in the future.

[@analeemalabanan6280]

Nakakaproud talaga maging pinoy!!!lalo n sa culinary industry super duper talented ang mra pinoy thank you Hapag for show casing filipino products nakaka proud talaga !!!hooe to see you and taste the food very soon ❤️going luck guys

[@justjhoelle]

More content like this please. Nakakainspire for someone na dream din to open a restaurant ❤

[@KapampanganRunner]

More documentary I really love your content FEATR. Habang pinapanood ko to bumalik sakin yung time na nasa Culinary School ako, parang kabilang ako sa team na I feel the pressure, excitement. Eto yung example ng leadership and treating your team as family outcome will be the best service. Alagaan mo sila aalagaan ka din nila. I will surely visit Hapag pag naka uwi pinas to experience Filipino Fine dining Hapag level. Salute to everyone!

[@pawladaylo]

This has got to be one your best features if not THE BEST!! In tears. I can't wait to try Hapag and celebrate Filipino dining. So inspiring!

[@mleong1977]

The making of the first Michelin star restaurant in Philippines

[@MaldavarFilms]

Absolutely fantastic doc

[@ajiebooks]

I love series like this. I love food, so knowing each process and even the smallest thought that goes into providing a great dining experience is amazing. Eating a well-thought-out dish is like experiencing a work of art, just as a painter carefully selects colors and brushstrokes to evoke emotions, a meticulously created food is a bite of sensory journey.

[@KadiJcfi]

Job well done Hapag. Another place to visit on our next holiday to Philippines. I can't wait to try Pinoy food in a fine dining setting.

[@sheenasp]

Couldn't be more proud! Kudos to the FEATR Team! Love all your documentaries, the production is superb! 🎥👏 Keep up the amazing work!

[@Kwis94]

i LOVE the crew lunch part! As someone that is currently working in food industry here in Chicago, it's rare that we have time for that even outside work 😂. Rooting for you guys!

[@gomezkeziah]

Kaka proud na kaya natin makipag sabayan sa international fine dining 😍🥰 documentary beautifully done 🥰

[@featrmedia]

Thank you!

[@iamz579]

Wow! Thank you Featr for an excellent video. I didn't expect that I would shed a tear watching this while having my break at work. I am a Filipina working here in New Zealand and I have already made a plan to visit Hapag 2.0 when I go home for vacation. I feel you thirdy. . You had me when you teared up. It was not an easy journey but it was worth it. Congratulations Featr and Hapag. 2.0 team! 🤙🥳

[@JOENACIELO]

Congratulations, Hapag!

[@jennypazmaninang8979]

Part 2🥰🥰 Congratulations Team Hapag👏👏

[@nicemiclat4191]

Ganda ng presentation nito. Overall. Period. Well done to everyone #FEATR and #HAPAG🥂

[@anythinggoestv1587]

Filipino hapag upgraded.. proud to be pinoy! Gratz sa inyo chef!

[@renzoviray3480]

Awesome content as always, FEATR Team! 🎉🎉🎉

[@apedr4228]

The attention to details is just WOW.

[@KDFantastic]

Young Chefs with good attitude & BIG ❤ Wow!!!. Look forward to eating there when I visit the Philippines. Good content Featr. Thank you.

[@leslielivingonabudget2840]

Very Impressed with everything Hapag 🙌🏼😍 All the best.

[@teejs86]

this is really something we should be proud of, congrats HAPAG

[@mmprojects574]

I'm here for this!

[@archjoshua2]

Amazing people, Amazing product! Congrats!

[@featrmedia]

Yes they are!

[@ChefRolo]

Congratulations 🎉to the whole team! All the best! Cheers 🥂

[@kiermedina9170]

very inspiring.

[@ramirodriguez8786]

ang galing nung inincorporate nila ung ferments sa cuisine nila. kasi the taste the of food will keep on evolving

[@donpamdiocos165]

thanks for featuring Hapag FEATR!!! all the best to team Hapag and Aya!!!

[@gisellepattaguan2501]

The documentary was presented like a movie. It was very cinematic. I like the decor of the place. The food looks like art. It looks delicious too.

[@e.s.teague6882]

I feel proud of you, guys! So inspiring! I believe you are destined for Michelin stardom!

[@kimgdjdj]

Congrats Chefs Thirdy and Kevin!

[@MChristina]

Is the head chef the same John Kevin Navoa na suspect sa hazing case sa Benilde noon? Got curious kasi who the head chef is and when I googled, isa yan sa lumabas sa results. edit: I'm disappointed that Featr censored my comments. Someone from reddit confirmed though (source: court decisions), that the chef is not a respondent in the case, and also wasn't charged with anything in connection to the fatal hazing.

[@deynuh]

Same question! Can somebody confirm this?

[@MChristina]

Featr is sadly censoring my comments

[@d0gmaticsoul]

ang galing mag-joke ni chef na masamang bata yung isa e no.

[@Dr.ShannonAManansala-wr6fw]

Wow nag pagupit na yung tago gama hahahahah

[@lulukas]

napa-google din ako regarding chef nav's involvement on hazing case and saw a sub-reddit confirming this. idk what to feel, oh my.

[@alanjamora4620]

Good job!!! You’re making Filipino proud!!!👏

[@bubpop21]

This is one great video Featr! Hapag has made a great storytelling and you can see their passion. I hope I get to have the chance to dine there hehehehe

[@lucil5724]

Well done!

[@aranjuezdavao]

Go, Hapag! Congratulations.

[@-racu-4809]

congrats chefs and team!!! godbless po.

[@miaoxiles4996]

Attention to details, service and warmth. Looking forward to dine @Hapag soon! Congratulations! 👏👏👏🇵🇭

[@featrmedia]

Thank you and enjoy your meal! 🤗

[@jokes310]

Same Kevin Navoa na hazing suspect ?

[@whoisabbyber17]

Yes

[@whoisabbyber17]

Yes

[@hellohellohello876]

Yikes

[@lovemehateme3437]

Yes

[@jethromartinsalcedo-eo7qy]

Fuckin respect sa mga to and sa featr I believe everyone in this video and sa featr will further progress our culture

[@frankiefernandez9225]

Congrats on your restaurant it looks amazing I’m gonna try it soon 💙😋🥇

[@miss.ria.b]

impressed with hapag and excited to try soon 🎉

[@jpespinosa4539]

We always made it a point to celebrate family milestones and birthdays at Hapag, especially since it was near us at Katipunan. Still looking forward to dine here again at Rockwell.

[@bonshur781]

Wow

[@Arlie__]

The team spirit is palpable!

[@itsteemhie]

WOW!!! What a great move HAPAG. One day i'll dine with you🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@eckoyoutubechanel2993]

ibang level na talaga si thirdy congratulations

[@matthulleza6299]

It's like real life "Hain Restaurant" of Netflix show "Replacing Chef Chico" ❤

[@ramaicaona]

❤

[@finestliving7580]

The new generation are more creative and innovative, I think.

[@d-concepto3888]

Hapag is time for family

[@archielynaradanas8593]

Amazing vlog.. galing

[@benjaminbdeguzman6957]

We will definitely come visit HAPAG!!!

[@cookingmerz26]

If I want to apply commi 1 in Fine dining in the Philippines it’s should be you are graduated culinary?? Or if have experience in abroad is acceptable ?

[@francispauloperez8943]

💯💯💯

[@jakesabuquia]

💖💖💖

[@frankiefernandez9225]

Food looks Amazing 😋🥇🏆