Our Story
About Kabsat
The Name
Kabsat means sibling in Ilocano
In Ilocos, “kabsat” is more than a word for brother or sister — it is an expression of belonging. When you call someone your kabsat, you are saying they are family. That is exactly what we want every guest who walks through our doors by the sea to feel.
Kabsat La Union opened in 2019 on the golden shores of Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan — the heart of La Union's thriving surf and beach culture. Two childhood friends, Chef Rodel Bataoil and Conchie Agpalo, dreamed of a place where authentic Ilocano flavors met the vibrant, laid-back energy of the coast.
What began as a modest beachfront eatery with plastic chairs and a single charcoal grill has grown into one of Northern Luzon's most beloved dining destinations — without ever losing the warmth and community spirit that defines it.
Our Mission
Celebrate Filipino Flavors. Support Local Communities.
Supporting Local Fishermen
We source 90% of our seafood directly from the fishing communities of San Juan and nearby Bauang. Every tuna jaw on your plate was caught by fishermen we know by name.
Farm-to-Table Partners
Our vegetables, herbs, and root crops come from small-scale organic farms in Benguet and Ilocos Norte. We visit our suppliers personally and rotate menus around what's in season.
Community First
Over 80% of our team are local residents from San Juan and surrounding barangays. We invest in their training and growth because a thriving Kabsat means a thriving community.
Sustainability
Taking Care of the Beach We Call Home
The ocean gives us everything — fresh catches, cool breezes, and the stunning sunsets that draw travelers from across the Philippines and beyond to San Juan, La Union. We take our responsibility to protect it seriously.
- ✓Single-use plastics eliminated from all service areas since 2021
- ✓All straws are bamboo or sugarcane-based
- ✓Compostable packaging for all takeout orders
- ✓Monthly beach cleanup drives with the local Kabsat community
- ✓Solar panels installed on the kitchen roof in 2023
- ✓Kitchen oil recycled into biodiesel by a local social enterprise
Surf Culture
Where the Waves Meet the Table
San Juan, La Union has long been the surf capital of Northern Luzon. Every weekend, wave-riders from Manila, Baguio, and beyond make the pilgrimage to Urbiztondo's consistent beach breaks. Kabsat was born out of this culture — a place where surfers could peel off their wetsuits and sit down to a proper Filipino meal before heading back to the water.
We sponsor local surf competitions, host post-event feasts, and collaborate with surf schools on package deals that combine lessons with a Kabsat dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned longboarder or trying to stand up for the first time, you'll find your people — and your plate — at Kabsat La Union.
2019
Year Founded
50+
Local Suppliers
10,000+
Happy Guests Annually
The Kabsat Team
The Faces Behind Your Meal
Chef Rodel Bataoil
Head Chef & Co-Founder
Born and raised in Laoag City, Rodel brings three generations of Ilocano cooking wisdom to the Kabsat kitchen. After training at a boutique hotel in Vigan and a decade in Manila's fine-dining scene, he returned north to put Ilocano cuisine on the national map. His signature Bagnet Kare-Kare has been featured in multiple food publications.
Maria Concepcion "Conchie" Agpalo
General Manager & Co-Founder
Conchie grew up watching the surf community transform San Juan into one of the Philippines' most vibrant beach destinations. A hospitality graduate from the University of the Philippines, she manages daily operations with an obsessive focus on guest experience and sustainability. She personally sources produce from Benguet farmers every week.
Louie Santos
Bar Manager & Lead Mixologist
Louie discovered cocktail-craft while working at a beach bar in Siargao and never looked back. He designs Kabsat's ever-evolving cocktail menu around local ingredients — calamansi, kamias, ube, barako coffee, and fresh tropical fruits. His Kabsat Sunset cocktail has become the unofficial drink of La Union's surf community.
Come Share a Table with Us
We'd love to welcome you as our kabsat. Make a reservation and let us show you what Ilocano hospitality really means.
Reserve a Table