Florabel Yatco
Florabel Yatco | |
|---|---|
| Member-elect of the Philippine House of Representatives for Nanay Partylist | |
| Assuming office June 30, 2025 | |
| Succeeding | N/A |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 27, 1972 Manila, Philippines |
| Spouse | Christopher George Yatco |
| Residence(s) | Concepcion, Lubao, Pampanga |
| Education | University of Santo Tomas (BS) |
| Occupation |
|
Florabel Yatco (née Co) is a Filipino chef, restaurateur, and politician who is the representative-elect for Nanay Partylist. She is the founder and namesake of the Florabel Group of Restaurants, operating 23 dining establishments across Metro Manila and Laguna.
Early life and education
[edit]Yatco was born on September 27, 1972, in Manila. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Santo Tomas.
Culinary career
[edit]After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Yatco began her culinary career under the mentorship of renowned chef Jessie Sincioco. Building on this foundation, she established the Florabel Group of Restaurants, which has grown to encompass 23 dining concepts across the National Capital Region and Laguna province, employing over 770 workers. Her restaurant portfolio includes the fine dining establishment Florabel, Filipino cuisine specialist Crisostomo, contemporary dining spot Market on 5th Avenue, seafood restaurant Lighthouse, and the fusion concept Sisa's Secret, among others. This diverse collection of dining establishments has made her one of the most prominent restaurateurs in the Philippines.[1]
House of Representatives of the Philippines (from 2025)
[edit]In October 2024, Yatco filed her certificate of candidacy as the first nominee of the newly formed Nanay Partylist.[2] The organization advocates for maternal healthcare access, employment opportunities for mothers, and family welfare programs.[3][4] During her nomination filing at the Manila Hotel's Tent City, she received public support from celebrities, including television personality Sharon Cuneta. Yatco explained her political shift as an extension of her "nurturing approach in business" and attributed her decision to run to her desire to represent mothers in Congress. The Yatco family's political background in Laguna has provided additional support for her campaign.[5]
Personal life
[edit]Yatco is married to Christopher George Ponce Yatco of Biñan, Laguna, with four children.[6] Her husband has been publicly supportive of her political aspirations. The couple resides in Concepcion, Lubao, Pampanga.
References
[edit]- ^ Daza, Pat-P (October 7, 2024). ["Restaurateur to the stars tries hand at politics". The Philippine Star.
{{cite news}}: Check|url=value (help)](https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2024/10/07/2390592/restaurateur-stars-tries-hand-politics}}) - ^ Quodala, Ma Isabel (October 9, 2024). "Florabel Yatco wants to try new dish: Top chef seeks Congress seat through nominee party-list". bilyonaryo.com. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
- ^ Sanchez, Giselle (May 13, 2024). "Gossip Girl's Mother's Day special: Chef Florabel Co-Yatco gives back to nanays". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
- ^ Arcellaz, Princess Clea (March 7, 2025). "Nanay Partylist bats for vendors' rights". SunStar Publishing Inc. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
- ^ "From chef to congresswoman: Florabel Yatco launches party-list bid". Politiko. October 9, 2024.
- ^ Untivero, Dorynna (March 1, 2021). "Motherhood Through Surrogacy: Chef Florabel Yatco Shares Her Story". Tatler Asia. Retrieved June 3, 2025.