About Chowbox49 Food Corner

The owner of Chowbox49 Food Corner. I started this halal rice toppings business on May 31, 2023, after the pandemic, with one clear goal: to provide affordable, delicious, and ready-to-eat meals for students and their families. I wanted to create a place where anyone—especially students—could enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much, with prices starting at just 49 pesos.

The journey with food started long before I opened Chowbox49. During my college years at Mindanao State University Main Campus-Marawi, I was a self-supporting student, working hard to cover my expenses. It was during this time that I was introduced to Maranao delicacies, and someone taught me how to cook their traditional dishes. The skills and knowledge I gained back then stayed with me, and I still use them today in the meals I prepare.

After graduating, I continued to deepen my connection with halal food culture through my work with a Non-Government Organization (NGO). Since 2014, I’ve been working in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where I had the opportunity to experience and appreciate the rich culinary traditions of the Muslim community.

However, when the pandemic hit, everything changed. I had to leave my job and return home to be with my family, even though I had no work and no clear direction. It was during this uncertain time that I started thinking seriously about what I was good at and what I could do to support myself and my family. That’s when the idea of starting my own food business came to life—and that was the beginning of Chowbox49 Food Corner.

At first, I started small, serving high school and elementary students. As word spread about my flavorful and halal-friendly meals, more parents and individuals looking for non-pork options began to take notice. With the support of my family, I started my operations, setting up a stall near schools and even catering from friends.

Encouraged by the positive response, I took a bigger step and moved my business to Pitlane Foodpark in Tibanga, Iligan, a lively commercial area surrounded by university, schools and businesses. Today, Chowbox49 Food Corner continues to serve not just students but also employees and anyone looking for quick, tasty, and halal-friendly meals in Iligan City.

I built Chowbox49 not just as a business, but as a reflection of my journey—from being a self-supporting student learning to cook Maranao dishes, to working in BARMM and understanding the struggles of my Muslim colleagues in finding non-pork eateries, to facing uncertainty during the pandemic and turning it into an opportunity. Even though I am not Muslim, I deeply respect the faith and food practices of my colleagues and customers. That’s why I made sure that Chowbox49 serves strictly non-pork meals, while remaining inclusive and welcoming to all.