Filipino Chorizo: How Pinay sa Barcelona Went Global

What began as a homesick craving for longganisa in a small Spanish village has grown into a culinary movement. Blending Filipino tradition with Spanish techniques, one Filipina entrepreneur turned her beloved comfort food into the viral Chorizo Filipino—a dish that’s capturing hearts in Barcelona and beyond. This is a story of heritage, innovation, and how a taste of home became a global sensation.

Words by Mye Mulingtapang

Photos courtesy of Pinay sa Barcelona

Inspired by the flavors of Batangas and crafted in Spain, Jelyn Guerra Dimaculangan's Filipino chorizo combines Filipino tradition with Spanish charcuterie, bringing a taste of home to tables across Europe.

In the heart of Barcelona, where tapas and paella reign supreme, Jelyn Guerra Dimaculangan, a native of Rosario, Batangas is carving out a space for the flavors of her homeland. What began as a craving for longganisa—her comfort food from Batangas—has blossomed into a thriving food venture that brings a piece of the Philippines to Spain and beyond.

For her, the inspiration was deeply personal. “One day, I was feeling homesick and craving longganisa more than anything,” she recalls. Her husband Jaume Viaplana Viñallonga, whose family had run a sausage and ham business for over a century, responded with a simple but life-changing suggestion: “If longganisa is what you want, we can definitely make it.”

Together, Jelyn Guerra Dimaculangan and Jaume Viaplana Viñallonga are introducing Filipino flavors to Europe, one handcrafted chorizo at a time.

And just like that, Chorizo Filipino was born—an adaptation of the beloved longganisa, cured to give it a Spanish twist and make it easier to distribute abroad. What started as a personal solution quickly gained traction online, with Filipinos around the world asking for a taste.

Bridging Cultures Through Food

Barcelona is no stranger to culinary innovation, and her Filipino chorizo blends seamlessly with the city’s food culture. By incorporating it into familiar dishes like tapas and paella, she bridges two worlds: the comforting flavors of home and the rich traditions of her adopted city.

“It’s all about fostering a dialogue between our cultures through food,” she says. “Locals can enjoy a taste of the Philippines while still appreciating the culinary traditions they know and love.”

Starting a food business abroad wasn’t without its hurdles. Fear, more than anything, held her back at first. But with patience, she introduced Filipino dishes little by little, testing the waters and gathering feedback. “Innovation often comes with vulnerability,” she admits.

Her turning point came during a local tapas contest. She dared to fill croquetas with her Filipino chorizo. The result? Thousands of attendees, one bold experiment—and a first-place win. That moment validated her dream: Filipinos and Spaniards alike could fall in love with her creation.

Viral Success and Community Love

When she officially launched her cured longganisa in February 2025, she never imagined the frenzy it would spark. The Filipino community in Barcelona rallied behind her, and word spread quickly. Soon, her product was dubbed the “viral Filipino chorizo,” a testament to the powerful bond between food and identity.

“I’m so grateful to be part of a community that really supports each other and celebrates our culture through food,” she says. “It’s moments like these that remind me how powerful food can be in bringing people together.”

For her, the chorizo recipe is more than just food—it’s a creative process of balancing authenticity with adaptation. While she preserves the soul of longganisa, she listens closely to customer feedback and fine-tunes her product. With her husband’s expertise in traditional charcuterie, every batch is both a family collaboration and a cultural offering.

Her aspirations are bold: expanding her product line, collaborating with Spanish eateries, hosting cultural events, and distributing worldwide. Ultimately, she hopes to bring her chorizo back home to the Philippines, completing the circle.

Living Between Two Worlds

As a Filipina raising her family in a small Spanish village, her daily experiences shape her storytelling, recipes, and brand. On social media, she shares not only food but also slices of her life—her daughters, her struggles, her triumphs as Pinay sa Barcelona.

“I want my brand to inspire others and show that hard work and dedication can lead to success,” she reflects. “Food is more than sustenance—it’s love, culture, identity, and a bridge between worlds.”

Beyond producing food, Jelyn shares recipes, traditions, and everyday moments online, building a com

A shared passion for food brought together Filipino tradition and a century-old Spanish family charc

Around one table, two cultures come together. Filipino chorizo becomes more than a meal—it becomes a

What began as a homesick craving has evolved into Hola from Barcelona—a growing brand dedicated to s

From one woman’s craving to a community’s pride, Chorizo Filipino is more than just a dish. It is proof that food, when made with heart, can travel across oceans, cross cultures, and spark conversations that bring people closer together.

Her ultimate goal is to create community. She wants her platform to be a place where people not only discover recipes but also feel encouraged to share their own stories and flavors. Food, after all, is universal—and by inviting others into her space, she makes the culinary world feel a little richer, more vibrant, and more connected.

For her, the fusion of flavors and experiences is never just about cooking. It’s about celebrating identity, honoring culture, and inspiring others to see the beauty in their own stories. With each post, each dish, and each shared moment, she continues to remind us that food is more than nourishment—it’s a language of love and connection that transcends borders.

Future Aspirations

When asked about her hopes for the future, her eyes light up with both excitement and determination. “I’m really excited about the future!” she says, her voice carrying the energy of someone who knows the road ahead is wide with possibility.

For her, the vision begins with expanding the product line. The goal isn’t just to add variety, but to create more avenues for people to experience the depth of Filipino culinary heritage. Every new recipe is an invitation—a taste of home for Filipinos abroad and a discovery for those who are new to the flavors of the Philippines.

Collaboration is also key to her journey. She dreams of working hand in hand with local eateries, blending her products with contemporary dining experiences, and crafting fusion dishes that pay homage to tradition while embracing innovation. In her mind, food is a conversation—and partnerships open up exciting new dialogues.

But her plans don’t stop at the plate. She envisions cultural events where flavors meet stories, music, and traditions—celebrations that unite the community and shine a spotlight on the richness of Filipino culture. To her, food is just the starting point for something much larger: cultural pride.

Her aspirations stretch far beyond borders. With a global distribution dream, she hopes to bring her products to kitchens around the world while uplifting other Filipino businesses that share the same challenges and passions. It’s not just about her growth, but about creating a network of support that raises the entire community.

“I’m so grateful to be part of a community that really supports each other and celebrates our culture through food. It reminds me how powerful food can be in bringing people together.”

And yet, at the heart of her mission lies a very personal dream—to bring her chorizo, and eventually her full range of products, back home to the Philippines. For her, it’s a full-circle journey: sharing abroad, growing stronger, and returning to the roots that inspired it all.

Through her family’s small business, she hopes to spark something bigger. She wants to inspire others to chase their dreams, to show that passion and dedication can take even the simplest idea and turn it into something meaningful.

“It’s all about celebrating our identity,” she reflects.

Each step she takes is an act of representation—proof that Filipino flavors and traditions belong on the world stage.

With every plan she lays out—whether it’s expanding, collaborating, or hosting cultural gatherings—there is a single thread that ties them together: sharing the beauty of Filipino culture with as many people as possible.

Her story is more than a business journey. It’s a vision of heritage carried forward, of flavors that travel and connect, and of a community rising together. For her, the future is a celebration waiting to unfold.

Elevating Filipino Presence in Barcelona

For her, business is never just about food—it’s about identity. In Barcelona, where cultures intersect daily, her Filipino chorizo has become more than a culinary product; it has become a cultural statement. Each batch carries with it the rich flavors of the Philippines, offering locals and fellow migrants alike a taste of heritage that is both authentic and deeply personal.

By introducing Filipino flavors into Barcelona’s vibrant food scene, she creates more than meals—she sparks dialogue. Every bite of her chorizo is an invitation, a starting point for conversations about culture, migration, and belonging. What may begin as curiosity about a dish often leads to a deeper appreciation for the traditions it represents.

Her vision goes beyond satisfying appetites. With each step in expanding distribution across Europe, she aims to foster connections between communities, bridging cultures through

shared flavors. For her, food is a universal language—one that dissolves barriers, builds understanding, and brings people together around the table.

This mission is both business-driven and cultural. While her enterprise thrives on quality, authenticity, and innovation, its true impact lies in how it positions Filipino culture within Barcelona’s culinary landscape. By proudly showcasing Filipino identity through food, she ensures that her heritage is not just preserved, but celebrated on an international stage.

Ultimately, her chorizo is more than a product—it is a cultural ambassador. It carries with it stories of home, family, and tradition, while also carving space for Filipino identity in a global market. In her hands, food becomes heritage, and heritage becomes a powerful tool for connection.