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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider WTFu by MR. FU: California celebs

WTFu by MR. FU: California celebs

Published Jan 14, 2026 07:47 am
In our recent tour of California (feeling may concert tour!), we met two celebrities from different fields. (para di lang ako ang celeb ha!)
FU at Abaca Restaurant
FU at Abaca Restaurant
While looking for a place to eat in San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose (thanks to our friend Tiffany Jones!), we saw artist Lila Gemellos in her studio, preparing some of her art pieces. Since I am a certified art lover, I approached her and inquired about her works. (so sana di ko sya inistorbo!)
Lila is a popular personality in the city because, aside from being born here, she is also active in promoting the arts. She painted many murals in various tourist destinations in San Jose. She also has a wide variety of pieces for collectors and enthusiasts. Her paintings reflect her love for nature and her community. (buy ako for support pero small lang! di pwede bitbitin sa airport!)
FU with artist Lila Gemellos
FU with artist Lila Gemellos
“I got to paint something that I have been so fond of for so long. It’s super cyclical. I didn’t know I loved this city until I started to paint about it," Lila shares. (Love ko boys ng San Jose!)
We also met Filipino American Chef Francis Ang. (hello po koya!) He studied Culinary Arts in the US and worked for a famous restaurant in San Francisco with his wife, Dian. In 2013, they initiated a fundraising campaign for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Borongan, Samar. (their love for their kababayans!) This inspired them to put up their own business (may puhunan!)
In 2021, they opened Abaca Restaurant in San Francisco. It received recognition from Esquire US as the Best New Restaurant, the New York Times as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America, and the James Beard Awards as a semi-finalist. (kulang na lang PMPC Star Awards!) Last year, their contemporary Filipino restaurant received a Michelin Star. (may pa-sisig daw kasi!) Thank you to my forever travel partner, Bryan Talatala, and our friend James Bermudo for bringing me here! (lakas maka Familia Zaragaza ng setup!)
FU with Chef Francis Ang and Bryan Talatala
FU with Chef Francis Ang and Bryan Talatala
“Our mission has always been to be one of the best restaurants in San Francisco and promote Filipino cuisine globally. We are blessed with people who come here and enjoy our food," Chef Francis says. (samahan kita minsan sa kusina bro!)
(Youtube/FB: WTFu. Twitter/IG/Tiktok: @mrfu_mayganon. FB: mr.fu tagabulabog ng buong universe. Patreon: www.patreon.com/wtfu website: www.channelfu.com )
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