Along the cool, misty highlands of Tagaytay, known for its iconic views and bustling culinary scene, lies an oasis of serene Japanese tradition: Aozora Japanese Restaurant.
More than just a dining establishment, Aozora is a passion project, a dream realized by its owner, Christine Villongco, a dynamic business leader whose acumen spans the worlds of global retail and intimate hospitality.
While many know her as the formidable country manager of the Inditex Group Franchise Philippines, steering the helm of global fashion giants like Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti, Villongco’s heart finds a different kind of fulfillment amidst the minimalist décor and warm, inviting ambiance of her restaurant.
Aozora, which translates to “blue sky,” perfectly captures the feeling it aims to evoke: a clear, peaceful, and uplifting experience for every guest.
“I’ve always connected a blue sky with peace and contentment. When you stare at a blue sky, you somehow feel recharged and renewed. It calms your senses. Tagaytay, on a clear day, is the perfect location to stare at a blue sky! In fact, to me, it’s synonymous with the calm, rest, and renewal that a blue sky gives. So the Japanese word Aozora was perfect for a place in Tagaytay,” shares Villongco.
With a career spanning over two decades, Villongco has dedicated herself to leading and scaling businesses within the retail sector. This has held true across all her professional engagements, including her current role with Inditex, where her focus remains consistently on developing and strengthening the organization.
Villongco has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of ownership for every unit she has managed, approaching each business challenge with unwavering fervor and dedication.
It is this mindset that shapes Villongco’s strategic approach to Aozora. She views it not as a departure from her expertise but as the next in a long line of businesses poised for growth.
While the operational specifics may differ from the fashion industry, Villongco recognizes that the core elements of business are fundamentally similar. She believes in applying a universal business logic to any venture, which is why the shift in industry is not a barrier but an opportunity to apply the proven skills and methodologies that have defined her successful career.
Aozora was originally established by Christine’s husband, Jess Villongco, and his close associates as a passion project. A serial entrepreneur with a deep-seated drive for innovation, Mr. Villongco founded the venture out of a genuine passion for creation and business building. The choice of Tagaytay for the inaugural location was a personal one, reflecting the Villongco family’s profound affinity for the area, where they maintain a private residence.
What began as a dedicated hobby has since flourished into a significant enterprise. From its single, original location, Aozora has successfully expanded its presence to seven branches, a testament to its resonant concept and sound business fundamentals.
“To deliver authentic Japanese cuisine, we brought a Japanese chef into the team. He worked with us to develop the menu, localize the taste of the dishes, and even identify the best sources for certain ingredients. He also continues to develop new dishes for us and with us,” Villongco said.
At the same time, he helped train our local team on the must-do practices of a Japanese kitchen and how to handle the raw materials and equipment that produce authentic Japanese dishes. The training of our local team is continuous, of course, and they are subject to random standard checks to ensure that they are applying their training correctly,” she added.
Aozora Japanese Restaurant stands as a beautiful contradiction: it is both a sophisticated culinary venture and a humble labor of love. Christine Villongco has successfully channeled her corporate expertise into creating a destination that offers genuine escape and culinary delight.
It proves that passion, when paired with precision and a clear vision, can create something truly remarkable. So, the next time you find yourself in Tagaytay looking for a taste of authentic Japan under a “blue sky,” you know where to find it—a serene haven crafted by a leader who knows exactly how to build an unforgettable experience.
For more Dee-Tails, you may reach the author at angeloardee2@gmail.com
