BON VILLAMIL

PROFILES

BON VILLAMIL

CHEF AND OWNER - CREAM DADDY

he/him

FAMILY ORIGIN

NEGROS ORIENTAL & MANILA

EDUCATION

BS HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

@CREAMDADDYNOLA

I MOVED TO NEW ORLEANS BECAUSE EVERY TIME I VISITED, IT FELT LIKE COMING HOME. AFTER CONNECTING WITH THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY HERE, I REALIZE THAT I AM HOME. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT I WAS CALLED HERE TO ADD TO THE CULTURAL FABRIC. I HAVE NEVER FELT MORE INSPIRED BY THE POSSIBILITIES OF BUILDING COMMUNITY—ESPECIALLY AS A FILIPINO.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR FILIPINO ROOTS?

While I understand Tagalog, I don’t currently speak it fluently, so I am working on improving my language skills. I frequently dive into my history so I can share my heritage and culture with others. I want to be a bridge by creating ice cream flavors inspired by, and traditional to, the Philippines that also incite conversations about our past and culture.

WHAT DOES BEING FILIPINO IN NEW ORLEANS MEAN TO YOU?

I moved to New Orleans because every time I visited, it felt like coming home. After connecting with the Filipino community here, I realize that I am home. I truly believe that I was called here to add to the cultural fabric. I have never felt more inspired by the possibilities of building community—especially as a Filipino.

WHAT MAKES THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN NEW ORLEANS UNIQUE COMPARED TO OTHER CITIES?

Living in New Orleans reminds me of the Philippines; both places share a deep love for celebration, an obsession with food and flavors, and we are creative and colorful. Tennessee Williams famously said, “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans. Everywhere else is Cleveland.” Even the connection between those three cities feels uniquely Filipino. There is truly no place like New Orleans.