Meet Anna Marie Maliwat | Food Content Creator + Recipe Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Marie Maliwat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna Marie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Less so a business, my Instagram began as a healing outlet. After my father—whom I lovingly called Papa—passed away, I couldn’t exactly avoid food. It was everywhere, and everything about it reminded me of him. Cooking at home felt painful at first, but over time I started documenting the recipes I remembered from him, often reverse engineering since I had learned to cook without measuring. What started as a way to preserve recipes for my children slowly turned into sharing them with the world.

With each recipe, I paired a memory of Papa—stories that made me laugh, moments that reflected his warmth, or small habits that made him who he was—so my kids, and others, could come to know him too. Eventually, I realized people came for the recipes but stayed for the stories. Many have told me they felt a genuine fondness of Papa, as if they knew him themselves, even though they never met him. That made me realize this was bigger than just food—it was about connection.

And then it extended further. What started out as stories of my dad reminded me that I’m inspired by stories everywhere—especially in restaurants. Papa had taught me to see food not just as a plate, but as a reflection of people, history, and spirit. That perspective grew with me: I’m inspired by the fusion restaurant run by a couple where one is Greek and the other Italian; by the sushi chef who is also an artist, whose work decorates their restaurant; and by the Caucasian man serving Chinese food where I tasted a familiarity, to learn he once trained at Benu in San Francisco (a place I used to peek into windows on my way to work) who fell in love with Chinese cuisine because the only late-night meals he could find after work were in Chinatown. I can practically taste their stories.

So what began as a way to mourn my dad has become a way to honor him—by sharing recipes, memories, and the incredible stories behind the food that connects us all both at home and dining out. And now I truly feel his spirit has been kept alive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
By trade, I am a Recruiter, and I’m proud to say that much of my career has been spent as a Gaming Recruiter—something that combines my professional expertise with my passion as an avid gamer. Early on, I used to think of myself as “just a recruiter with a sales background,” but over time, I realized that the skills I’ve honed—resilience, communication, and storytelling—are far more versatile than I ever imagined.

One of the biggest traits that sets me apart is that I’m not afraid of rejection. If anything gives you a thick skin, it’s being a telemarketer! Starting my career in telemarketing taught me quickly that “no” is never the end of the road—it’s just an opportunity to circle back later with a better approach. That mindset shaped not only how I recruit, but also how I create content and connect with people today. I’ve developed strong abilities in lead generation, outreach, and communication, and I’ve found that these skills naturally translate into building authentic connections with business owners/restaurant teams and brands.

What excites me most now is how my love for storytelling intersects with my professional background. As a recruiter, my job has always been to “sell” a company—to highlight what makes them special and worth choosing. I now take that same approach with restaurants and small businesses, capturing the essence of their food, their vibe, or their mission, and helping them share it with the world. Many restaurant owners have told me that what makes me stand out is the way I ask questions they hadn’t thought to ask themselves—questions that allow them to showcase the best version of themselves.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of perspective. What I want people to know about me and my brand is simple: I’m passionate about uncovering and amplifying stories, shining a light on a restaurant’s unique flavor and culture, I’m driven by helping others be seen in their best light.

**I also like to highlight this because if you have a passion somewhere, odds are you half half the skills you need for it already. You just don’t know it yet! 🙂

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friend were visiting San Diego, I’d want to build the trip around them—because I’m big on curating experiences that fit what someone actually enjoys. First, I’d ask the important questions: Are you a ramen noodle slurper or a pasta twirler? Do you want bougie waterfront brunch with mimosas/steakhouse dinner, or are you more of a “crowded hole-in-the-wall taqueria where the salsa burns so good” kind of person? Or maybe you’d rather sip cocktails in a vibey, beautifully lit spot that’s Instagram picture kind of spot before eating dinner. San Diego has it all, so the real fun is matching the mood.

Of course, some things are non-negotiable. Mexican food is the must-try here—it’s basically a rite of passage. After that, I’d take them beach-hopping because, island girl at heart, I can’t resist showing off San Diego’s coastline. Each beach has its own personality—some for sunsets, some for surfing/boogie boarding, some just for people-watching with a snack and cocktail in hand.

During the week, I’d sprinkle in shopping and thrifting in fun neighborhoods (because treasure hunting is half the adventure), and maybe an afternoon brewery crawl. Funny enough, I never used to be a beer gal, but the breweries down here converted me—the craft scene is vibrant, social, and just plain fun.
By the end of the trip, I’d want my bestie to leave feeling like they’d eaten their way through the city, soaked up the sun, and discovered a side of San Diego that matched their vibe. Because that’s the beauty of this place—it’s not one-size-fits-all, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As much as Papa has always been the driving force behind my passion for food, I know that he was inspired by the rest of my family. My mom, my sisters, and I were the heart behind his cooking—his true love language. He cooked for us, and when he knew we loved something, he would recreate that taste with so much care. My mom, especially, was his muse, and that inspiration has trickled down to me.

Today, my husband and my two kids, Avery and Ariel, are constant sources of inspiration. They’re adventurous eaters who will rarely say “yuck”—instead, they’ll always try something new before making a decision. I love teaching them about flavors and culture, even when we’re just dining out. I ask them questions, talk through what we’re eating, and watching them light up as they learn fills me with joy.

I also want to shout out my extended family who continuously push me to strive for more and remind me that I am greater than I often give myself credit for. My cousins—by blood and through marriage—along with my mother- and father-in-law, and husband’s grandma, all pour into me. My mother-in-law, especially, has taught me so much about Indonesian food, adding to the knowledge I hold close.

To the foodie community—especially in San Diego—you’ve taken me under your wing, motivated me, and given me invaluable advice. The warmth and kindness of this community in how they have embraced me, adopted me, and allowed me to call San Diego home while still carrying my San Francisco roots.

To my besties, near and far, thank you for always being my grounding force. To the Filipino community, thank you for inspiring me every day to stay connected to my roots. Visiting the Philippines as often as I have has been a privilege, and I never take it for granted—I soak in every moment.

All of you—family, friends, community—are the threads woven into my story. I carry you all with me in everything I do, and this journey wouldn’t be possible without your love and support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/busogsilog/

Image Credits
Sure Shot Photography