My Nickname

Yana is my nickname! My real name is Maria Diana.

My Home Base

Oakland, Ohlone Land

My Biz

SALO Series, which has brought Filipino food and the art of eating kamayan to all 50 states and many countries around the world.

How I’m Doing

I'm okay. Been going through some ups and downs. But recently I’ve been very happy since I just celebrated my birthday.

How the Bombesquad can help

Give me a follow on the Insta (@saloseries) and ask me to talk/write about Filipino food. I also self-published a cookbook, No Forks Given: Recipes + Memories Of A Traveling Filipino Chef, and am actively looking for agents to represent me and a publishing house that would be open to having Filipino voices.

Secret Skill

I am a classically trained pianist and painter.

My Motto

Kung gusto mo may paraan, kung ayaw mo may dahilan, which roughly translates to: If you want it, there's a way, but if you don't there's always a reason.

Most loved cookbook

Bryan Koh’s Milkier Pigs & Violet Gold: Philippine Food Stories.

Favorite thing in my pantry

Mushroom powder. It gets that punch of umami in my dishes and it's vegan! I also love Pot d'Huile's Hemp-Infused CBD Olive Oil.

essential kitchen tool

I love my blue-resin-handled chef's knife from Filipino-owned company Nacionale Blade Works, and my super trusty Benriner mandoline that traveled with me through the 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Australia, Europe, and the Philippines.

Squad Shoutout

Isa Fabro! Isa’s a Filipinx chef who’s been a big pastry trailblazer.