Our name “Ancestra” comes from two inspirations. First, it is the house - this ancestral home of the accomplished Kintanar family, whose rustic beauty sparked a dream of a cafe that honors it’s story.
But “Ancestra” also means something deeper. It is the spanish word for a female ancestor. The cafe is an homage to the women in our family who built businesses, raised generations, and shaped communities but are less celebrated than their male counterparts.
In Argao, there’s a well-known street named after our great-grandfather Don Gil Garcia. But behind him was Chichay- his wife, our great-grandmother - who was just as formidable a person and was the brains and energy behind the family businesses. No street bears her name, but her spirit is everywhere.
Then there’s Lola Piling (Pilar Alvarez Espina), a professional cook who once worked at a cafe on Mango Avenue. She passed down not just recipes, but a deep love for food and warmth that we carry with us today.
Ancestra is named for them. And for every woman whose legacy deserves to be celebrated at our table.
