By Maria Corazon Llosala
Tourists and locals in Iloilo City flock to Tatoy’s Manukan and Seafoods Restaurant, a beloved dining destination in the City of Love.
Behind this iconic establishment is 95-year-old Honorato “Tatoy” Espinosa, a man whose life story embodies hard work, perseverance, and true love.
Humble Beginnings
Born in Villa de Arevalo, Tatoy had to work at an early age after losing his father. As a young boy, he became a fisherman to help his mother raise his eight siblings.
When he started a family with his wife, Consejo “Consing” Espinosa, they had nine children to support, prompting him to find a better way to earn a living.
With nothing but determination and a love for good food, the couple set up a small seaside eatery, offering chicken barbecue and soft drinks at a single dining table.
Their business slowly grew—one table became two, then three—as more customers came to enjoy their home-cooked meals.
By the 1980s, Mang Tatoy and Nanay Consing were able to send all their children to school. Their grown-up children then pooled their resources to buy a vacant lot across their original seaside stall, where they built Tatoy’s Manukan.
From just three tables, the restaurant has expanded to accommodate 3,000 diners, with several branches across Iloilo.
Tatoy has since ventured into a convention center and a beach resort, proving that hard work and faith can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary success.
A Love That Stands the Test of Time
For Philippine Red Cross Chairman Dick Gordon, Tatoy’s Manukan is more than just a restaurant—it is a symbol of love, perseverance, and determination.
“People don’t just visit Tatoy’s Manukan for the delicious food. They come for inspiration, to witness a story of true love, hard work, and dedication,” Gordon shared.
On Feb. 3, 2025, Gordon and his wife, Kate, had the honor of being sponsors for Nung Tatoy and Nanay Consing’s 70th wedding anniversary and renewal of vows in Iloilo.
The celebration was even more special as Nanay Consing and her twin sister, Nanay Pering, marked their 90th birthday.
Gordon described Mang Tatoy’s journey as a true testament to perseverance.
“He is a man of simple virtues who does not drink or smoke. His only ‘vice’ is loving Nanay Consing with all his heart. Their love story is truly nakakakilig—a Filipino word that captures the excitement of romance, one with no direct English translation.”
A Restaurant That Tells a Story
Gordon encourages everyone to experience Tatoy’s Manukan, not just for the mouthwatering menu—which includes lechon, scallops, oysters, crabs, and more—but for the incredible story behind it.
“When you visit Iloilo, I highly recommend dining at Mang Tatoy’s. It’s more than just food—it’s a living testament to a couple’s journey of love, hard work, and success.”
From a humble seaside stall to four thriving franchises, Mang Tatoy and Nanay Consing’s legacy continues to inspire.
As Gordon puts it, “Mang Tatoy is proof that if you aim high, work hard, save, invest, and trust in the Lord, anything is possible.”
