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To view the event poster click here: Pinoy Oktober Fest
El Sol: A Taste of Home in Berlin’s Heart
On the evening of October 12, 2024, El Sol Filipino Restaurant and Karaoke transformed into a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture, drawing over 300 guests to Pinoy Piyesta de Oktobre. The laughter, music, and flavors of the Philippines filled the air, turning what was once a quiet corner of Berlin into a lively haven for the Filipino community. Behind this event’s success is a story of passion, perseverance, and a vision brought to life by James Adriano, co-owner of El Sol.
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Vision:
James’ journey into the culinary world began in 2018, when he opened a small kiosk selling food in Berlin. Though the kiosk closed a year later to allow James to focus on his young children, his passion for food never faded. During this time, he also took up work as a chef at El Sol, then a Spanish restaurant struggling to find its footing. Yet, James never forgot his roots, running a separate kiosk 100 meters away where he offered a few Filipino dishes.
To his surprise, the Filipino food he served at the kiosk quickly gained popularity. The lines grew longer, and the enthusiasm of his customers was undeniable. This sparked an idea—what if he could bring the fast-selling Filipino dishes to the struggling El Sol restaurant? It was a bold vision, but one that James believed in deeply. The transformation began, and El Sol soon rebranded into a Filipino restaurant, they added a Menu offering authentic “home made feel” dishes that drew people eager for a taste of home.
A Lifelong Love for Cooking:
James’s passion for cooking runs deep. Growing up in the Philippines, he spent his childhood helping his parents run a local carinderia (small eatery). He learned to slice vegetables and prepare meats, skills that became the foundation of his love for the culinary arts. Even when life took him to Germany, his heart remained in the kitchen, and he never lost sight of the Filipino flavors he grew up with.
His move to Germany came through the support of his sister. James first worked as a graphic designer after completing his Ausbildung (vocational training). Through a mutual connection at the printing press company where he worked, he met Mario, who would become his business partner at El Sol. Together, they initially focused on graphic design but soon ventured into the restaurant industry, launching El Sol as a Spanish restaurant, initially.
Yet, it was the Filipino dishes that ultimately brought El Sol to life. “There was something special about seeing people’s faces light up when they tasted food that reminded them of home,” James recalls. This realization led him to shift El Sol’s focus entirely to Filipino cuisine, turning it into a place where the Filipino community in Berlin could gather, enjoy, and remember their roots.
Building a Community Through Food:
Pinoy Piyesta de Oktobre was not just an event; it was a celebration of how far El Sol had come and a testament to the growing Filipino community in Berlin. The turnout of 300 guests affirmed what James had believed all along—Berlin’s Filipinos were longing for a space where they could reconnect with their culture and each other. “This is the perfect time for me to do this,” James says, reflecting on the night’s success. “People are looking for a community, a place that reminds them of home.”
The night began with a delicious spread of Filipino classics, from crispy lechon to sweet and refreshing halo-halo, and the festivities continued with performances that captured the essence of Filipino humor and talent. Wingki, a Bisayan comedian and content creator with over a million followers, had the crowd roaring with laughter, while Drag Queen Alfie brought glamour and charm to the stage. The duo Er und Sie by Juliet and Stephan added a melodic touch to the evening, creating a rich tapestry of Filipino entertainment.
As the formal program ended, the night seamlessly transitioned into a karaoke session that lasted well into the early morning hours. Guests sang their hearts out to ballads and pop hits, each song a reminder of the vibrant Filipino spirit that had come to define El Sol’s new identity.
A Shared Vision for the Future:
James’s journey with El Sol is not just about serving food; it’s about building a space where culture and community can thrive. He notes that this new generation of Filipinos in Berlin is more open to collaboration and community-building, leaving behind the old mindset of competition. “Gone are the days when Pinoys pulled each other down when someone became successful,” he reflects. “Now, I feel genuine love, appreciation, and support from so many people as I continue on this journey.”
This spirit of collaboration is shared with Isla Magazine, a media partner for Pinoy Piyesta de Oktobre. Together, they are committed to creating an environment of progress and unity, working towards a shared vision of uplifting the Filipino community in Germany.
For James, the success of the October festival is only the beginning. With El Sol’s growing popularity and the warmth it has generated within the community, he looks forward to hosting more events that bring people together.
Looking Ahead:
Pinoy Piyesta de Oktobre was more than just a night of music, food, and laughter—it was a celebration of resilience, culture, and the power of a shared dream. For James Adriano, it marked the realization of a vision that had been years in the making, born from a love for Filipino food and a desire to create a home away from home for his fellow countrymen.
As the last karaoke notes faded into the night, and guests left El Sol with full hearts and bellies, James couldn’t help but smile. He knew that this was only the beginning of what El Sol could become—a place where the Filipino spirit would continue to shine, bringing a little bit of home to the heart of Berlin.
