Our Pamilya
How It All Started
Pinoy Heritage’s story began in 2013 when Francis and his wife Dian were stranded in the Philippines after the wake of Typhoon Haiyan which wiped out entire towns and displaced thousands of families. Galvanized by the utter destruction around them, Francis and Dian were able to help out and feed the community with the limited resources and food available to them. Upon returning to San Francisco, Ang was determined to provide more support overseas through hosting a fundraiser at the Fifth Floor where he currently worked, showcasing an enticing Filipino menu. The food was so well received that it planted a seed for future endeavors. Ang continued to impart his Filipino dishes onto Fifth Floor Restaurant and Dirty Habit's menus until his departure in December 2015.
By 2016, Ang and his wife decided to take a deep dive back into their culinary roots. The couple traveled to the Philippine islands for six months studying the local cuisine from origin to evolution. As a result, Pinoy Heritage was born, a Filipino pop-up manned by Ang, his wife Dian, and Chef Danica Aviles. In 2018, Pinoy Heritage won Eater SF’s “Pop-up of the Year” award as well as San Francisco Chronicle's Rising Star Chef. In 2019, Ang also won Starchef's Rising Star Chef. Ang also works with 2-star Michelin, Taj Campton Place Hotel, consulting on their dessert program.
Francis Ang, Executive Chef & Owner
Chef Francis Ang was born in San Francisco, but spent his formative years in the Philippines. Ang made the move from Manila to San Francisco when he was 19, enrolling in the City College of San Francisco’s culinary arts and hospitality studies program. After graduation, Ang secured a position at 1-star Michelin restaurant, Gary Danko, honing his skills among San Francisco’s best. Then, joining the line at Fifth Floor (now Dirty Habit), Ang’s prowess really began to shine. While there, under the guidance of David Bazirgan, Ang earned Food & Wine’s “People’s Best Pastry Chef” and Zagat's 30 under 30.
By 2016, Ang and his wife decided to take a deep dive back into their culinary roots. The couple traveled to the Philippine islands for six months studying the local cuisine from origin to evolution. As a result, Pinoy Heritage was born, a Filipino pop-up. In 2018, Pinoy Heritage won Eater SF’s “Pop-up of the Year” award as well as San Francisco Chronicle's Rising Star Chef. In 2019, Ang also won Starchef's Rising Star Chef. Ang also worked with 2-star Michelin, Taj Campton Place Hotel, where he created their dessert program. During the summer of 2021 Chef Ang's dream of opening a brick and mortar restaurant came to fruition with Restaurant Abacá, located inside the Hotel Alton of the Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. It has already garnered awards from Esquire’s America’s Best New Restaurant to James Beard Semi Finalist for best new restaurant to "Most Innovative Menu" from Eater SF and New York Times 50 best restaurants in America
Dian Ang, Director of Operations & Owner
Dian’s introduction to the hospitality industry arose from her time spent during family gatherings in her home province of Samar in the Philippines.
Dian continued her work in hospitality, working in the restaurant industry when she moved to the Bay Area. Dian joined Fifth Floor in 2012 as a lead host and then worked front of house at other SF establishments including Alexander’s Steakhouse, La Mar Cebicheria Peruana, and The Saratoga, prior to taking the helm at Pinoy Heritage and now, Abacá.
Justin Goo, General Manager
Justin Goo was born and raised in the Bay Area. He attended college at San Diego State, had a bit too much fun and finished his degree at San Francisco State in Criminal Justice. Initially, Justin planned to become a cop, but decided to be a lawyer, and eventually found his way to culinary school at the CCA, while serving and bartending in San Francisco, where he graduated in 2008.
Justin quickly realized that he loved the F&B industry and found his true calling. Justin acknowledged that it was in his blood as the family members on his father’s side had either worked, managed, or owned a bar or restaurant. He has worked as bartender at Gary Danko, bar manager at Alexander’s Steakhouse and The Progress. Justin has also worked as General Manager at Bourbon and Branch, Omakase and Okane Restaurant prior to taking the General Manager role at Abacá. When not working at Abacá, Justin enjoys spending time with his lovely wife and two kids, Zac and Kohana.