Bellini's restaurant in Cubao Expo's founder, Roberto Bellini, has passed away.
Casual Take on the Late Roberto Bellini's Life and Legacy
It's a sad goodbye to Roberto Bellini, the beloved Founder of Bellini's Italian eatery nestled in Cubao Expo. His passing was confirmed on November 25 by his daughter, Jasmine. Roberto, born on January 3, 1940, and 84 when he passed, left an indelible mark in the Filipino food scene.
The charismatic Roberto, hailing from Pisa and born into hotelier parents, established Bellini's in 1999 with his Filipina wife Maria Luisa. Known for his friendly demeanor, a touch of irony, and a dash of humor, Roberto turned every diner into a friend, sharing tales about the Philippines and Italy, art, food, and his beloved Cubao.
Original photojournalists were among Roberto's earliest patrons, drawn to this friendly Italian who had a knack for capturing their hearts with his signature home-style Italian dishes. Over the years, big businessmen, showbiz A-listers, and even the President of the Philippines graced the enviable seats of Bellini's.
One of the restaurant's most illustrious patrons was none other than the charismatic actor John Lloyd Cruz, who made Bellini's the go-to spot for his on-screen barkada in the iconic movie One More Chance. Cruz cherished Roberto, crediting him for his motivation to continue working.
Also fond of Roberto's culinary charms was journalist Jessica Zafra, who penned that the President of the Philippines was among Bellini's regular diners, with a taste for spaghetti bolognese, Parma ham and arugula pizza, and scallopine marsala.
Roberto was no wallflower, known for his feistiness and undying work ethic. The transformation of Marikina Shoe Expo into the trendy Cubao Expo is indebted to Bellini's, as its quality of service served as an excellent example to the other commercial tenants. The restaurant captured the hearts of food-loving Manilenios in 2010 with its delicious yet affordable pizza and pasta fare.
For five grueling years, the Bellini family made sacrifices to ensure the success of their beloved restaurant. They slept in the restaurant's office instead of their Montalban home and later gained media attention through various television and newspaper features, culminating in the One More Chance appearance.
Before moving to the Philippines in 1999, Roberto spent 30 years as a paparazzi photographer in Italy. He first visited the Philippines in 1986, where he covered the EDSA People Power Revolution and met his second wife, Maria Luisa Junsay, at the press office in Malacanang. Roberto and Maria Luisa had three children: Joy, Jasmine, and Junior. He also had an offspring from his first wife who passed away due to brain cancer in 1984 in Pisa.
Remember Roberto by dropping by Bellini's, noise and laughter, just as he loved it. Share your memories of Roberto and Bellini's in the food-and-travel chat room on our app. See you there!
- Reflecting Roberto Bellini's affection for food and entertainment, remembrances of him can be shared in the food-and-travel chat room on our app, discussing not only his signature dishes but also the notable celebrities who dined at his restaurant and embraced his warm lifestyle.
- Roberto Bellini's influence on Filipino lifestyle extended beyond the realm of food-and-drink, as he captivated the hearts of celebrities, businesspeople, and ordinary diners with his entertaining stories, blending elements of food, Italian culture, and the Philippines into every dining experience.
