Mary Grace Café steps beyond Manila

In the Philippines, Mary Grace Cafe is a household name. It has long been known as the go-to spot for comfort food and quiet conversations, earning a reputation as a favorite among “Titas of Manila” for its pastries, hearty meals, and distinctly homey ambiance. Now, the beloved brand takes a significant step forward as it opens its first international branch in Singapore. During a press conference held on March 26, 2026 at its Power Plant Mall café in Makati City, founder Mary Grace Dimacali and her daughter, Chiara Dimacali-Hugo, executive director of Mary Grace International, shared the story behind this milestone and what makes the Singapore café both familiar and new. Where family is For Mary Grace herself, the expansion is both a personal and professional leap. What began 30 years ago in a home kitchen, with a small oven and a passion for baking, has grown into a brand that resonates far beyond Philippine shores. “When I started Mary Grace, I was simply trying to share what I knew best. Good ingredients, heartfelt cooking, and a warm table for everyone,” she said. “It fills my heart that we have brought this feeling to a whole new community in Singapore.” **media[91854]** The decision to open in Singapore was shaped by both strategy and circumstance. The city is home to a thriving Filipino community, offering a built-in audience that already understands the brand’s appeal. At the same time, its dynamic and food-driven culture presents an ideal environment for introducing Filipino flavors to a broader market. Mary Grace also shared that having family on the ground made the move more intuitive, with her daughter Chiara living there and helping navigate the market firsthand. Meanwhile for Chiara, Singapore serves as a testing ground for global expansion. “It’s a market with a strong appetite...