When you think of the lively streets of Tomas Morato, you can’t help but picture its vibrant nightlife – where college students and young professionals gather to unwind after a long day. The area is also home to an impressive variety of eateries, from trendy cafés to beloved family-owned spots.
But amidst the bustling rows of restaurants and bars sits a hidden gem: Delgado.112.
Known for its delectable fusion of Spanish and Filipino cuisine, this restobar has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. But what truly sets Delgado.112 apart is its history as one of Quezon City’s oldest heritage homes, now transformed into a warm, inviting restobar that has become a beloved staple in the community.
This unique concept all started with Sheila Morales, one of the co-owners, whose entrepreneurial journey led her to create a business that would blend great food with the charm of history and culture.
The Beginning of Sheila Morales’ Entrepreneurial Journey
Sheila’s journey didn’t begin with Delgado.112. In fact, it all started long before, as she explored a variety of different ventures – cosmetics, clothing, milk tea, and even live selling. While she graduated with a degree in Psychology from San Beda College, Sheila quickly discovered that her true calling wasn’t in the medical field – it was in business.
She wasn’t one to shy away from new opportunities too; instead, she eagerly embraced challenges and sought out ventures that sparked her interest. Whether it was experimenting with a new product or diving into a completely different industry, Sheila was always ready to learn and grow.
One of her more notable ventures was a milk tea business. Sheila started small, but through determination and a lot of hard work, she managed to expand it to 20 branches. However, like many businesses, the pandemic posed unexpected hurdles.
Despite the struggles that followed, Sheila’s passion for the service industry only grew stronger. She had always dreamed of creating a space where people could gather, unwind, and enjoy great food – something more personal, and closer to her heart.
It was through these challenges that Sheila truly realized her passion for the service industry. Reflecting on her journey, she shared a piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Find something you love. Para tuloy-tuloy lang yung passion mo at di ka napapagod.”
This mindset became the foundation for how she approached every step of her journey, including the growth and success of Delgado.112.
Transforming a Heritage Home into a Successful Restobar in Tomas Morato
In 2017, Sheila and her partners stumbled upon one of Quezon City’s oldest heritage homes, and from the moment they stepped inside, they knew they had found something special.
“When we first saw this place, syempre, initially, medyo natakot kami. Kasi it was really an old house back then. But you know, we saw its potential,” Sheila recalls with a smile. The house had a history that was impossible to ignore, and Sheila and her partners were determined to transform it into a space that was as rich in charm as it was in history.
One of the original partners, an architect, helped guide the vision for the transformation. The team wanted to preserve as much of the house’s authentic character as possible. They kept the beautiful capiz windows and the intricate Spanish and Filipino elements that gave the house its soul.
But the renovations weren’t just about aesthetic choices, they were about creating an environment that felt like home. Sheila and her team envisioned a place where guests could unwind and enjoy comforting food, but also where the history of the house could be felt in every corner.
And then there was the tree. Located in the outdoor area, this tree became an integral part of the space.
The story behind the tree took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. “During that time, one of our customers came up to me and said: ‘Sweswertehin ka. Swerte ka, swerte tong puno. Tsaka may nagbabantay sa bahay na ito at diyan sa puno.’ Sabi niya alayan daw namin,” Sheila recalls. Despite feeling a bit skeptical, Sheila and her team honored the request. “The following day, I found out that I was pregnant. Diba? A lot of great things happened after that. I’d like to believe that it’s lucky, and it’s our lucky charm,” Sheila adds.
This tree, which was left intact as part of the heritage of the home, now holds a special place in Delgado.112’s heart.
The tree has become a quiet reminder of the journey Sheila and her team have gone through – the hardships they’ve faced and the growth they’ve achieved. Over time, it’s come to symbolize the resilience of Delgado.112, a place that continues to offer comfort and warmth to all who walk through its doors.
Overcoming the Pandemic and Other Challenges
The pandemic hit Delgado.112 hard, just as it did for many other businesses. With mounting debt and uncertainty, Sheila and her team were on the brink of closing their doors. But instead of giving up, they decided to take a risk and press forward.
The pandemic forced them to rethink everything, but it also provided an opportunity to make bold decisions. One key change was their approach to marketing.
In the past, the team had kept marketing expenses minimal, not fully realizing the potential impact it could have. However, as the challenges continued, Sheila and her team recognized that they had to rethink their strategy and invest in their brand’s visibility.
Today, Delgado.112 has built a strong social media presence, boasting 22,000 followers on Facebook and 12,000 on Instagram. This online visibility proved invaluable, especially during the pandemic, when staying connected with customers was crucial.
This shift in focus allowed them to build a strong online community and maintain their relevance during difficult times. On top of this, they introduced events like DJ Nights and Piano Nights to attract a wider crowd, adding more excitement and variety to their offerings.
In a competitive market like Tomas Morato, where new dining spots pop up all the time, it’s not enough to just have great food and a good atmosphere.
To succeed, you need to make your presence felt and adapt to changing times.
And that’s exactly what Delgado.112 did.
What It Takes to Build a Strong, United Team
At Delgado.112, Sheila believes that the success of the business hinges not only on great food but also on the team that brings everything together. “Kapag may puso ka sa empleyado mo, yung puso nila sa trabaho nagreresonate yun sa trabaho nila,” Sheila explains.
Sheila’s belief in mutual respect and care is reflected in the daily operations of Delgado.112, where she actively fosters a supportive, positive work environment.
When employees feel valued and taken care of, their energy and dedication naturally shine through, leading to better service for customers. Sheila has always known that when the team is united, their enthusiasm creates an inviting atmosphere that customers can immediately feel.
Training also plays an essential role in aligning the team with Delgado.112’s values and vision. Each year, Sheila holds a two-week training session for staff, complete with assessments and evaluations. Sheila believes that this commitment to continuous learning helps maintain high standards and ensures that the team is always prepared to handle any challenge.
What’s Next for Delgado.112?
Delgado.112 is more than just a business for Sheila. To her, it’s a place filled with memories and personal milestones. It’s where she unwinds, where she celebrates moments, and where, even in the midst of running a business, she can truly feel at home. It’s also where she got engaged, marking a significant moment in her life.
Though the journey has had its challenges, Sheila is learning to take things in stride. There are days when sales are low, and she tends to overthink. But as she moves forward, she focuses on taking a lighter approach to the ups and downs of running a business.
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Sheila doesn’t hesitate: “Just do it. Kung para sayo, para sayo.”
Looking to the future, Sheila is excited to continue growing Delgado.112 while keeping the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made it a favorite in Quezon City.
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