How Filipino fitness trainer turned his love for food into thriving UAE businesses

Restaurateur Aldrin Joseph “AJ” Linao.

When Aldrin Joseph “AJ” Linao first arrived in Abu Dhabi as a teenager, he did not imagine that he would one day help shape the Filipino food scene in the capital.

Like many overseas Filipinos, AJ came to the UAE searching for opportunity. What followed was a career that took him from the fitness industry to entrepreneurship, eventually leading him and his wife, Jeni “Jhen” Kar Linao, to build three growing food and beverage businesses: Marco Daniel Restaurant and Café, Maria Paz Pastry and Café Abu Dhabi, and Hungry Potato UAE.

AJ was just 18 when he moved to Abu Dhabi. His first role in the UAE opened unexpected doors. After being given the opportunity to cross-train, he discovered his strength in fitness coaching and eventually built a long career as a professional sports trainer and fitness instructor for the military and police.

AJ trained high-ranking officers and VIP clients over the years, an experience he says shaped his discipline, leadership style and work ethic; qualities he would later carry into business.

Growing up around food

AJ grew up in Quezon surrounded by food and small business. His mother ran a cafeteria in a public market. He often helped wash dishes, sell food and assist customers. “That’s where I learned confidence in selling,” AJ says. His father worked as a professional chef in the UAE. From them came AJ’s appreciation for quality food and kitchen discipline.

With his wife, AJ’s first business venture was Maria Paz Pastry and Café Abu Dhabi, launched in partnership with the brand’s founder.

The couple later expanded their business with Hungry Potato UAE, a kiosk concept serving flavoured fries and drinks in Khalidiya Mall in Abu Dhabi.

In August 2025, they opened Marco Daniel Restaurant and Café, named after their two sons.

Its concept is rooted in Filipino comfort food served at affordable prices. Located in Abu Dhabi, the restaurant quickly attracted both Filipino and non-Filipino diners. AJ says affordability was intentional. “We know what it’s like to start small as OFWs. We wanted a place where Filipinos can enjoy good food without worrying about the bill.”

The menu highlights dishes from Quezon, the couple’s home province, including Pancit Chami, known for its sweet and slightly spicy flavour, as well as regional specialties like pancit habhab and hardinera. There are also customer favourites like bulalo, Batangas lomi, sizzling sisig, steak and chicken inasal.

AJ believes Filipino cuisine deserves bigger global recognition. “When people think of Asian food, they often think Thai, Japanese or Malaysian,” AJ says. “We want people to experience Filipino food and see how good it really is.”

At Marco Daniel, they focus on serving dishes that stay authentic while looking refined and inviting. The approach appears to be working. The restaurant’s original seating quickly filled up after opening, prompting the couple to add an al fresco dining area to accommodate growing demand. In June, the restaurant expanded with a branch in Abu Dhabi’s Hamdan Centre.

Today, AJ is not only growing his businesses but creating opportunities for fellow Filipinos. “I tell them I was once an employee too. I know how it feels. If we can help them grow while they work with us, then we’re doing something right,” he says. ICA/Expat Media | This story also appears in the Expat Media Special Edition magazine

Food talk with AJ Linao

Dh100 challenge? Accepted!

We asked AJ Linao what he would order with just Dh100 at Marco Daniel Restaurant & Café. His answer? A feast fit for five.

Start with a steaming bowl of bulalo, then dig into smoky, juicy chicken inasal. Add a generous serving of pancit bihon, and don’t leave without crispy banana turon for dessert.

His verdict: “With Dh100, you can already feed five people at Marco Daniel Restaurant & Café in Abu Dhabi!”