Episode 20 - Manila STAR

What happens when love, entrepreneurship, and a passion for food collide?

Interviewing Manila Star

Seth joins us to talk about his catering business, Manila Star. We discuss the logistics of opening a catering business during the COVID era, the menu hierarchy, challenges the business faced, and their vision for the future.

Seth and Rona, owner operators of Manila Star, welcome us to talk about their catering business. They share their stories of how they met and discuss the logistics of starting a business amidst the COVID pandemic. We hear how Rona's divorce gave her and Seth a second chance to get back together, and how their mutual love for cooking and baking inspired them to open Manila Star. Finally, we learn that Seth has an older son in the US Army and Rona has an older son who is sixteen.

In this captivating episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Seth Rountree and Rona Yap, the owner operators of Manila STAR. Their story is one of love, entrepreneurship, and a passion for food. Rona's journey took her from Manila to the US, where she started several businesses in Idaho and Texas before reuniting with Seth, a chef with a background in classical French training. Together, they combined their love for cooking and baking to create Manila Star, a catering business that offers delectable Filipino cuisine.

Entrepreneurship, Baking, and Moving

Rona's entrepreneurial journey took her from Manila to the US, where she started several businesses in Idaho and Texas. These included a consignment store, home daycare, and extreme couponing. She also found success in garage sales and baking custom cakes. Her baking talent was first discovered at a friend's daughter's birthday party and has since evolved.

Listen in as we discuss the unique methods used to bring Filipino flavors to life in Seth and Rona's dishes, their signature offerings, and the challenges they faced starting a business during the COVID era.

Manila STAR Contact Information