Manitoba Filipino Business Council: Resource Hub for Filipinx Businesses and Professionals

Jacki Wild runs the first Philippine restaurant in Winnipeg's south end. However, her real background is not in food but in the non-profit sector, communications, marketing and fund-raising roles before ending up as a restaurant owner.

Inspired by the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, she took the leap of faith, starting Tito Boy Restaurant. Named after her father, whose dream inspired the restaurant and who is the true heart of the restaurant. He was raised at a farm in Leyte, Philippines. Cooking with his mom was one of the things that brought him joy, and he also learned a lot of the recipes.

Tito Boy restaurant prides itself on menus crafted by young Filipinos who create fusion cuisine that represents the flavour of the Philippines with Canadian twists. Jacki, raised by parents who were farmers in the Philippines, believes the greatest challenge of being a business owner is the access to financial resources.

She credits the help of Futurepreneur Manitoba and The Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba in starting the restaurant business. Jacki's great support system helped her navigate her multiple roles, which included mentors within and outside the Filipino community and her family. After volunteering at the Manitoba Filipino Business Council for over ten years, starting when she was still in college, Jacki became the president and led a group of volunteers, mostly women, who served as a community resource hub for Filipino-owned businesses and professionals.

Jacki connects success to physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. While failure is possible in any business venture, it's essential to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. By identifying challenges early, seeking solutions proactively, and remaining resilient in the face of adversity, restaurant owners can increase their chances of long-term success.