Before it became a staple of Filipino cuisine, sisig was just a local dish served from a tiny stall beside the railroad tracks in Angeles City, Pampanga. Behind the sizzling plate that would later win the hearts of a nation was Lucia “Aling Lucing” Cunanan, whose creativity and passion for cooking sparked a culinary movement.
Today, that legacy lives on through her granddaughter, Carmina Pangilinan, who now serves as CEO of Aling Lucing’s Original Sisig. In an interview with Financial Adviser PH, Carmina shared how her lola’s humble beginnings continue to shape the way she leads the business—and how staying true to their roots became their greatest strength.
“Mag-umpisa sa maliit at magplano nang maayos. Kilalanin ang produkto mo at siguraduhing may disiplina sa paggastos,” Carmina said, recalling the values instilled by her grandmother. Starting small wasn’t a disadvantage—it was a strategic foundation. It allowed them to perfect the product, understand customer preferences, and grow without compromising the brand’s identity.
What began as a stall with a grill and a few ingredients quickly became a culinary institution. The name Aling Lucing became synonymous with authentic Kapampangan sisig. “Siguro’y labis siyang matutuwa na ang simpleng sisig niya ay naging simbolo ng Kapampangan cuisine at nakilala sa buong bansa,” Carmina reflected.
But with growth came challenges—especially in a highly competitive food industry. Carmina admitted that today’s market is flooded with food concepts, making it harder to stand out. “Lalo pa’t marami na ring mga bagong kainan na nagsisilabasan, minsan mahirap palaguin ang negosyo,” she said. Their edge? A deep, unwavering passion for their craft.
“Kailangang maging matiyaga ka at dapat mahal mo ang ginagawa mo,” she emphasized. For Carmina, running a food business isn’t just about profit margins or expansion. It’s about purpose. Every day, she says, is an opportunity to honor her family’s heritage and share their culture through food.
That sense of purpose also influences how the business is run today. “Mahalaga ang respeto at malinaw na usapan. May kanya-kanyang tungkulin ang bawat isa at nagtutulungan kami, hindi nag-uunahan,” she shared. This principle has helped them navigate internal challenges and maintain unity within the family-run operation.
Even in the face of financial hurdles—like rising costs, inflation, and loans needed just to keep staff paid—Carmina stayed grounded in the business values passed down to her. “Tinututukan namin ang budget at inuuna ang mga mahahalagang gastusin,” she said. “Kahit mahirap, lalo na nung nagtaasan ang presyo ng sangkap, tuloy lang. Kasi hindi lang ito negosyo para sa amin, ito ay bahagi ng aming pagkatao at ng kasaysayan ng aming pamilya.”
Carmina also finds inspiration in the customers who keep coming back. Each order isn’t just a transaction—it’s a tribute. “Sa bawat sisig na inihahain namin, buhay ang alaala ni Aling Lucing, at ang kanyang pagmamahal sa pagluluto. Inspirasyon din namin ang mga taong patuloy na sumusuporta, sila ang nagpapaalala sa amin kung gaano kahalaga ang aming ginagawa hindi lang bilang negosyo, kundi bilang ambag sa kulturang Pilipino.”
From a single roadside stall to a nationally recognized culinary brand, the journey of Aling Lucing’s sisig is a testament to the power of small beginnings, grit, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. And with Carmina at the helm, that legacy continues to sizzle—not just on the plate, but in the hearts of every Filipino who tastes it.