MANILA – Myrna Demauro considers herself a “late bloomer,” having opened the Chef Mom’s D Lite catering company after years of studying in Europe and Asia.

She only joined the food business in 2010, or six years after her two daughters – Rachel Alejandro and Barni Alejandro-Rennebeck – launched the pioneering diet delivery service Sexy Chef.

Chef Mom’s D Lite (CMDL) boasts of both corporate and private clients, with the brand known for serving good quality food at affordable prices. After eight years in the industry, Demauro decided to try something new as she opened a homey canteen on the ground floor of her commissary at Roces Avenue in Quezon City, just a quick drive from the ABS-CBN headquarters.

The CMDL canteen marks the first time that she opened a standalone eatery as Chef Mom’s D Lite has always served food in event venues and office spaces provided by clients.

“We’re canteen concessionaires as well as caterers, but this is the first time that we’re doing something like this,” she told ABS-CBN News. “We have a building commissary at the back, which is four levels. So we thought of providing food to the office employees nearby.”

Rachel added: “What’s good in this area is there are so many corporate offices here. Anyone can just go here and eat.”

The first CMDL canteen soft opened to the public last September. Demauro happily shared that people usually come in groups to enjoy a meal. “Andito sila every day… They come in groups!” she said.

It’s not surprising given the affordable prices, starting at P65 for a viand and a cup of rice for P10 to P12. Menus are rotated to make sure that customers eat something different every day.

Demauro admitted that it is a challenge for them to keep prices low amid inflation, but she stressed that they will not cut corners in their business.

“We still have sili here!” she said in jest, noting the recent spike in chili prices. “Pero noong nagkakahirapan talaga, ang sabi na lang namin, magbibigay na lang kami pag may humingi. Otherwise, quiet na lang kami.”

With the CMDL canteen gaining regular customers in a matter of weeks, it won’t be surprising to see another branch in the near future.