In celebration of Women’s Month, we are delighted to feature exceptional Filipino women who are shaping British society across diverse fields. While each one of them tells a unique narrative, they are bound by a shared resilience and an unwavering commitment to their passions. Though their career paths differ, they are united by a common thread: an openness to learning and a deep connection to their roots. These women are proud stewards of Filipino heritage, embodying our shared values as they carve out space for excellence in British society.
“Seek mentors, support other women, and remember that success is not just personal, but something you can share and pass on. You belong in every room you aspire to enter.” – Roni Bandong
Please describe your current role/work.
I am the founder and co-owner of RoniB’s Kitchen, a British-made food brand celebrating Filipino flavours. As a founder-led business, I oversee product development, production, marketing, sales and operations, working closely with my husband who supports the day-to-day running. Together we champion heritage, quality ingredients and global appeal and connection.
What is the maxim you live by?
Always give your best, be good to people regardless of how they treat you, and trust that goodness finds its way back. Let faith guide your path, act with integrity, and build a circle of people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Tell us the biggest challenge that you faced and how you overcame it.
Moving to the UK was my first major challenge. I knew very few people, so I had to rebuild my life and community from scratch. It took years to adjust, form friendships, and feel at home. In business, our biggest challenge continues: introducing Filipino food to a wider audience. While early adopters exist, mainstream awareness is still growing, and traction takes time.
Support from the Filipino diaspora is evolving too, partly due to price sensitivity. We overcome this by consistently showing up — through events, storytelling, tastings and quality products — trusting that familiarity and appreciation will grow with time.
What is the one achievement that you are most proud of and why?
I am proud of many milestones — winning Great Taste and Great British Food Awards, judged by respected chefs and food experts, affirmed that Filipino flavours can stand alongside the world’s best. Appearing on national television three times to showcase our cuisine was another meaningful moment, helping introduce Filipino food to wider audiences.
However, if I must choose one achievement, it is launching RoniB’s Kitchen itself. Building a Filipino-British food brand from the ground up, with no blueprint and very little awareness of the cuisine, has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. We are among the first to bring Filipino flavours into the UK mainstream in a modern, accessible way while staying true to our heritage.
What makes this achievement special is not just commercial success, but cultural impact. Every jar represents years of persistence, storytelling and belief that our food deserves a place on British tables. Seeing people discover, enjoy and fall in love with these flavours — many for the first time — makes all the challenges worthwhile.
What would be your advice to young Filipino girls of today?
Hold on to your heritage while embracing every opportunity ahead of you. Work hard, stay humble, and be brave enough to try — even if you might fail. Seek mentors, support other women, and remember that success is not just personal, but something you can share and pass on. You belong in every room you aspire to enter.
