Rejoice, Health Food Lovers: Real Food Opens in BGC

Health food emporium Real Food has garnered many loyal fans since it opened its doors in Alabang three years ago.

It's the brainchild of Nicole Fandiño, whose constant search for an easier way to shop for organic produce and healthier snack options for her family led her into discussions with three like-minded friends, Yvette Almendral, Bea Lhuillier, and Katrina Mañosa. Together, the partnership turned their idea for a one-stop shop for locally sourced vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy, along with a range of whole grains and nuts, snacks, and sauces, into a reality. 

Over the weekend, the women behind the vision opened their second branch in Bonifacio Global City.

“Honestly, we opened because such a great space was available to us; it was hard to say no,” says Fandiño. “We are very excited about bringing Real Food to the BGC community. Our Molito branch has loyal customers from the area who make the trek to Alabang to shop with us, while many others take advantage of our Sunday delivery service, so we knew this would be a good place for us to have our second store.” 

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

With one look at the spacious corner store in the center of the city’s emerging business, commercial, and residential space, it’s easy to see why it wasn’t a difficult decision to make. The lofted showroom boasts floor to ceiling glass walls along the Fort’s main artery, Fifth Avenue, and is an ideal space to offer all the products the women have discovered in the past three years.

“We try to offer as many local products as we can, although sometimes we need to offer high-quality items such as organic olive oil and nuts that we do not grow here,” Fandiño continues. "We also have new products like the Feel Well line of probiotic yogurt and snacks that are incredibly good for gut health and delicious sugar-free chia puddings and tahini from Mana Bites. Also new are vegan "sardines" made from Jackfruit from Jack's Produce, and a good assortment of wild-caught seafood and classic Filipino breakfast sausages from BioHogs.” 

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

The new store hopes to attract not only those who currently adhere to a healthy lifestyle but to also assist those who've been wanting to make a change in their lifestyle but have found it too difficult to do so. In addition to being the first store of its kind, it is also a great showcase for those looking for a range of wonderful locally made food and beverage products. Over the years Fandiño and Almendral have discovered so many wonderful artisanal products being made across the country.

“We have come to realize that ours is not such a niche market,” says Fandiño. "There are many health-conscious people who are trying to eat healthier. After all, you are what you eat!”

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

IMAGE ALICIA COLBY SY

ICON Plaza, 5th Avenue corner 25th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 0917.170.5573