In the bustling landscape of Metro Manila’s culinary scene, where Japanese restaurants are a dime a dozen, finding one with a truly authentic soul can be a challenge. Yet, tucked away in Parañaque City, Yugo Sushi offers a different experience—one crafted not by a titled Japanese chef, but by a Filipina whose expertise was forged over 15 years of living, working, and breathing the food culture of Japan.
Her name is Ahne Urguelles, and she is the passionate force behind Yugo Sushi. While she humbly states, “I wouldn’t call myself a Japanese chef,” her journey tells a far more compelling story of dedication and immersive learning.
Ahne’s foundation in the culinary world was built close to home. She is a proud graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, further honing her skills through training with the American Hospitality Academy Philippines. This strong educational background gave her the framework for understanding restaurant operations, service excellence, and global culinary standards.
“The name Yugo is very personal to me. Yugo means fusion, which reflects our concept of Japanese and American flavors coming together. It also carries a deeper meaning because my very first restaurant back in 2019 was also named Yugo,” recalls Ahne.
Unfortunately, that venture only lasted a year due to challenges with my business partner while I was still based in Japan. Ever since then, I held onto the name as both an unfinished dream and a personal obsession. I promised myself that one day, I would bring Yugo back and make it grow,” she adds.
The concept for Yugo began in 2021 as a small kiosk in Ayala Malls Makati. Operating during the pandemic, sales were modest and mostly from deliveries. To save on rent, the founders moved the business to a home-based setup, not expecting dine-in service to thrive. Despite being inside a residential village, customers sought it out, revealing the concept’s appeal.
From there, Yugo grew steadily and opened a second branch in Laguna. The brand is co-owned by Ahne and partner Famela Morales, a graphic designer who handles branding and design. Together, they turned Yugo from a quiet dream into a thriving venture.
In Parañaque’s competitive Japanese dining scene, particularly in BF Homes, Yugo Sushi stands out with a fusion-focused approach. Rather than claiming authenticity, it offers creative dishes with unique twists, combining flavors and presentations designed for a “wow factor” that brings diners back.
This focus is anchored by a commitment to quality. Yugo refuses to compromise on ingredients, prioritizing freshness and consistency.
“For me, quality always begins with the ingredients. My philosophy has always been simple: never compromise on freshness and consistency. Especially when it comes to sushi and sashimi, the ingredients speak for themselves. You can’t cover up poor quality with sauces or presentation. That’s why I believe in sourcing only from trusted suppliers and sticking with the same brands that we know and trust,” Ahne said.
The company has since expanded beyond its first location. A second branch opened two years ago in Cabuyao, Laguna, strategically placed in a gasoline station along a major road, where it has performed well. With two branches now running, Yugo plans to open a third by the end of the fiscal year.
Yugo Sushi continues to define itself through innovation, blending Japanese flavors with creative culinary exploration. It is located at 5B Bonifacio Street in Fortunata Village, just off Dr. A. Santos Avenue in Sucat, Parañaque.
