The Moment Group marks a major milestone as it ventures outside Luzon for the very first time, bringing five of its most loved restaurant brands to Cebu. Starting with the opening of Manam this June 2025, Cebu will soon be home to a cluster of Moment shops, including Ooma, Mo’ Cookies, Din Tai Fung, and 8Cuts — all located just steps away from one another in SM City, Cebu.
For Moment, this expansion is more than just geography; it’s a bold step forward in its goal of making everyday dining experiences memorable, wherever Filipinos may be. “Having these brands open within days of each other is something new and super exciting for all of us,” shares founder Abba Napa. “It’s a way of showing up for a new city with the full energy of who we are.”
The Moment roster will feature Filipino classics and twists, bold Japanese flavors, Taiwan’s world-famous xiaolongbao, all killer no filler burgers, and ooey gooey palm-sized cookies. Cebu diners will be the first in the Philippines, outside Luzon, to experience having Moment shops side by side, in one high-energy location that celebrates everything the group is known for.
Behind this growth is a Moment team that’s growing too — across cities, regions, and backgrounds. “Our team is growing right alongside our brands,” shares founder Eliza Antonino. “Bilang usa ka anak sa Mindanaon nga nag dako na Bisaya, garbo nako nga ipa-ambit nganhi sa Cebu ug sa mga Sugbuhanon, ang amoang pinasahi nga pagkamaabi-abihon.”
This year, globally recognized xiaolongbao brand Din Tai Fung celebrates its 10th year in the Philippines. “As we bring the brand to a new city, we want to demonstrate what makes this brand beloved all over the world. It’s not just delicious food, but service that makes you feel like the only diner in the room — even in a busy shop,” remarks Antonino.
As Moment plants its flag in the city of Cebu, it remains committed to creating places that bring people together over good food, in settings that feel thoughtful and lively, wherever they may be.
About The Moment Group
In 2012, three friends came together with a handshake and a dream to create a whole new category of dining experiences in the Philippines. Today, after over a decade of relentless dedication, The Moment Group boasts a portfolio of close to 70 restaurants and a dozen F&B concepts, including the award-winning Din Tai Fung franchise in the Philippines. Founded by Eliza Antonino, Abba Napa, and Jon Syjuco, they are synonymous with innovative, homegrown dining experiences that have captivated food enthusiasts across the Philippines.
• Manam
Beloved for its comforting Filipino favorites, Manam is best known for its signature House Crispy Sisig, Ube + Sago Shake, and Sinigang na Beef Short Rib with Watermelon. With over 34 restaurant locations, Manam continues to delight guests with its creative takes on classic Filipino dishes, blending tradition with innovation in every bite.
• Ooma
Ooma offers a bold and playful take on casual Japanese fare, serving up dishes that are as inventive as they are crave-worthy. From aburi makis and hanger steak to uni udon and more, Ooma has become a go-to for flavor-packed experiences.
• 8Cuts
Famous for its breadth of burger offerings including the classic Cheeseburger, and all-star sides like the Onion Rings. 8Cuts brings all killer, no filler burgers that are prepped to perfection to the Cebu dining scene.
• Din Tai Fung
The Taiwanese restaurant brings a feast of world-famous favorites including the Pork Xiaolongbao and Philippines-first originals like the Chocolate Lava Xiaolongbao. The beloved brand is celebrating 10 years in the Philippines this year, and headlines this milestone with its first shop in the Visayas.
• Mo’ Cookies
Mo’ Cookies is all about big, bold cookie cravings—serving up thick, palm-sized, ooey-gooey favorites like Chocolate Chip and South Cotabato Chocolate Fudge.
