It has been a little over six months since Kapuso actress Kris Bernal launched her newest business venture, Kauri Taproom, in San Juan City.
Having explored various food ventures in the past, Kris once again returned to her passion for food—this time embracing a Filipino fusion concept that gives classic Pinoy dishes a modern twist.
"Nag-focus ako ngayon sa Filipino kasi favorite ko talaga ang Filipino dishes,” Kris told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an exclusive interview.
The conversation took place during Travertine Longevity Clinic’s pocket event held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the brand’s branch in EDSA Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City.
She added: "Big fan talaga ako, like, name it, kakainin ko ‘yun. Mga dinuguan, menudo, mga bopis, mga kinilaw… mga bagnet. Naku, fan talaga ako ng Filipino food."
Kris’s new restaurant offers a relaxed setting where guests can enjoy Filipino favorites alongside a selection of drinks, including their own freshly brewed beer.
"Kasi ano din siya, it's a taproom, so inuman din siya. May mga local beers kami na iba’t ibang flavors.
"Yun, at saka nakaka-proud lang kasi meron kaming brewery kung saan ginagawa freshly yung mga beers namin."
KRIS BERNAL: STARTING ANEW
Kris expressed her gratitude to the people who joined her in this new business venture.
For Kauri Taproom, she partnered with Dea Suyosa, founder and woman brewer of Jade’s Temple Brewery; Andrew Ng, Marvin Sioco, Bryan Yu; Justin Filamor, managing partner of Jade’s Temple Group of Restaurants Inc.
Kris and her business partners also worked closely with a culinary team to develop the menu—Errol Barbosa and Louie Frigilliano for the drinks; Chef Trish Ignacio and Chef King Estolano for the food offerings.
When asked about her experience in finding the right business partners, Kris admits that it can be challenging.
"Ang hirap din talaga," she told PEP.ph.
Based on Kris's story, it's not an easy task.
She had to get to know the people she plans to work with before deciding to invest her hard-earned savings.
She had to do a research and personally get to know the individuals who can help her make things happenb.
Kris said: "Siguro sakin din pagdating sa... Malaking bagay siguro yung nai-interview ko tapos nakikita ko na yung ugali.
"Ganun, pag i-interview ko saka experience din, importante na yung malawak din yung experience nila."
Does she also consult with her husband, businessman Perry Choi?
Kris answered: "Ah, oo naman. Pero iba... iba yung gusto niya, iba yung gusto ko. Pero siyempre, at the end of the day, ako ang masusunod."
Kris said she feels lucky to have met the right people at the right time, noting that having the right business partners makes all the difference.
"Actually, di mo talaga masasabi. Suwertehan ka lang din sa parang tao kasi marami rin diyan na magaling lang sa simula tapos yun pala hindi.
"Suwertehan lang talaga. Pinagpe-pray ko yun lagi, lagi."
IMPORTANT BUSINESS LESSON
Apart from finding the right business partners, one important piece of business advice from Kris is to look for the right people—and take good care of them.
This lesson, she said, comes from her own experiences running her previous businesses.
"Pinaka-importante talaga for me is yung tao.
"Alagaan mo yung mga tao mo kasi pag, alam mo iyon, sila lang yung kakampi mo, e. Like, lalo na kapag busy ako, hindi ko na natutukan.
"Pero dahil tiwala ako sa mga taong ito, andito yung respeto nila sa akin, andito yung respeto ko rin sa kanila. Mas easier to manage.
"Take care of your people talaga."
She continued: "Naiiwan ko nga minsan lalo na, simula nang nag-taping ako. Ang dami ko nang napapabayaan.
"Pero dahil may mga tamang tao ako doon sa resto, kaya ko siyang iwan na wala ako."
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