ZzzZzzZzz interview

One can count by his fingers the number of successful brother and sister tandem. Sure it works on brothers tandem sisters tandem but so few can make it through a brother sister tandem. Ms Malu Gamboa manager and co-owner of “El Cirkulo” along with chef J Gamboa is the few brother and sister tandem in the hospitality industry. So how does business work when the big sister is in charge? Does conflict build up in the restaurant? These questions and so much more are answered by Ms Malu her self.

Jigs: You and chef J are third generation restaurateurs. Did you ever find it more of an obligation than passion for the business?

Malu: For me before I find it more as an obligation. It took up my MBA in Chicago University just because I really wanted to pull out something of my own. You know a business that I started from scratch. But in reality it was so difficult than planned. So I decided to just take the responsibility left to us by our grand parents.

Jigs: So MBA in Chicago. Why there? I mean renowned schools in the country offer MBA’s

Malu: Hm.. Well why you did chose “Enderun” for starters?

Jigs: Well because I am into cooking and in business administration and of course the name with all the industry partners the school has.

M: Well the same thing goes for me. I mean if you’re going to take up MBA might as well go for a school that produces grate entrepreneurs. And besides I enjoy living in the states and all snow in the so called windy city. So I have an excuse to drink all day. (Laughs)

J: Before do you really wanted to be a part hospitality industry?

M: No, it’s just that my brother is making a big name in the industry “na” so might as well join him in the take credit for most of his works. (Laughs) But seriously even before I knew that we were in the hospitality industry I really wanted to have a restaurant like my grand parents. You know how little kids are because before I love playing with my kitchen set of course the toys. And besides now my brother works on the culinary side of the restaurant. I actually love my work here because it’s just “PR”. All I have to do is be nice to the guest and at the end of the day in each guest becomes a friend of mine. And this industry is the best way to get connections.

J: A while ago we talked about chef J. so how is it working with chef J? Do you keep it professional or do you still act like as a typical brother sister scenario arguing and all.

M: I was expecting that question. Well since I’m the elder sister but the age doesn’t show (Laughs) he still shows respect to me as his elder sister on and off work. But you know how siblings are. We can’t avoid having point of views. So if our differences get in the way then we turn into professionals. But sometimes when we really can’t stand each other (Laughs) and we have to preserve a happy environment in the restaurant I just go to Milky Way at virra mall to cool of. (Laughs). But most of the times I let him share the spotlight of being boss but not the boss of me (Laughs) so I let him mange “El Cirkulo” by lunch and I take over by dinner.

J: That must be some dispute to travel that far to “SAN JUAN”

M: Well at least if we have a cold shoulder with each other the costumers wouldn’t know or feel just to keep the friendly environment.

J: What got you here to where you are now? Is there a formula in life to follow?

M: Just study and work hard now! Everyone knows that to attain something one will need to work early and work hard. And in the hospitality industry that you are in it’s very important to keep your friends and keep them no matter what. It’s very important to value those who are near you now because one of these days you might need them to be successful. Just be humble and be fair. Just love what you are doing and if you don’t learn to love it or shift to another course (Laughs). Seriously just work hard but don’t party too hard (Laughs) and you’re in a good school will good professors like Ines and Bell so just listen to those who has been there and have done that.

Maybe working with someone you’ve known for the rest of your life isn’t all that bad. It’s true that there are differences among siblings but everything can be settled professionally and personally. The work area of chef J and Ms Malu are nothing new to them. The eldest was born so that their parents can relay on and there is the youngest sibling for the eldest to relay on.