In 2012, three friends, Eliza Antonino, Abba Napa and Jon Syjuco, founded The Moment Group with a vision to create “a new category of dining experiences.” What began in Manila has grown over the last 12 years into a formidable portfolio of nearly 70 restaurants and over a dozen food and beverage concepts.
Today, a cluster of Moment Group establishments is now open at SM City Cebu, located steps away from one another. This new hub features Manam, Ooma, 8Cuts, Din Tai Fung and Mo’ Cookies.
“The expansion to include Cebu is a step of making everyday dining experiences memorable. Having these brands open within days of each other is something new,” shared Napa. The collection offers Cebuano diners a diverse range of culinary profiles, from Filipino classics and inventive Japanese dishes to Taiwan’s world-famous xiaolongbao, specialized burgers and palm-sized cookies.
“Our team is growing right alongside our brands,” noted Antonino, highlighting that Cebu diners will be the first outside of Luzon to experience this expansion.
The brands
Manam Comfort Filipino: Known for its signature House Crispy Sisig and Sinigang na Beef Short Rib with Watermelon, Manam serves classic Filipino dishes while blending tradition with creative twists. It currently has over 30 locations nationwide.
Din Tai Fung: The new Cebu location is its first in the Visayas. “As we bring the brand to a new city, we want to demonstrate what makes this brand beloved all over the world. It’s not just delicious food, but service that makes you feel like you are the only diner in the room, even in a busy shop,” remarked Antonino. The menu features world-famous favorites like the Pork Xiaolongbao alongside Philippines-first originals such as the Chocolate Lava Xiaolongbao.
Ooma: This concept offers inventive Japanese fare, recognized for its modern take on dishes like aburi maki, hanger steak and uni udon.
8Cuts Burgers: Focusing on house-blended beef patties, 8Cuts offers a menu built around burgers like the classic Cheeseburger, complemented by sides such as Onion Rings.
Mo’ Cookies: This shop specializes in thick, palm-sized cookies, with popular variants including the classic Chocolate Chip and the rich South Cotabato Chocolate Fudge.
The Moment Group’s arrival contributes to the already creative and competitive food landscape of Cebu, a city that continues to attract visitors with its diverse and evolving culinary selections.