Veterans’ Day: Filipino U.S. Army vet relishes calling as chef

As executive chef of On Lok senior care services in the San Francisco Bay Area, U.S. Army veteran Angelito G. Sabino prepares 1,000 meals a day. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SAN FRANCISCO—Filipino American Angelito G. Sabino is a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served from 1983-1989.  He’s a hard worker with an unforgettable smile, who immigrated to the U.S. like many others from the Philippines in 1981.

Having worked in Army kitchens of different camps, Sabino realized his passion for food and rose to become an executive chef at a commercial restaurant in the San Francisco International Airport. However, when 9/11 struck in 2001, business at airports became slow, and he became jobless with three children and a wife to support.

Knowing his talents in the kitchen, he wanted to serve elsewhere with a purpose. Somewhere he could make a difference. He looked to his church and friends for guidance, where he found the opportunity to become the first executive chef of the community-based non-profit healthcare organization in San Francisco, On Lok.

On Lok’s mission is to keep seniors in their homes where they can lead independent, active lives for as long as possible. They have experience both creating models and serving diverse senior communities through integrated care.

Celebrating its 45^th anniversary next year, On Lok was founded in 1971 by a group of visionaries committed to solving the plight of vulnerable, low-income seniors. Responding to ever changing needs, today On Lok has expanded to provide a variety of comprehensive, coordinated services including medical care, transportation services, in-home care, senior centers, social activities, prevention and wellness programs, nutritious meals and more.

Bringing his experience from the U.S. Army and commercial kitchens, Sabino was able to transform On Lok’s food service program.

With Sabino on board, On Lok serves more than 1,000 meals a day to On Lok clients not only in San Francisco, but also in the South and East Bay. In addition to serving a thousand meals per day, he caters many of the plates to specific dietary restrictions. Bringing deep caring to his work, Sabino makes sure his food is thoughtful and keeps his kitchen very busy.

With Sabino’s experience, efficiency and leadership, On Lok has been able to serve thousands of hungry senior citizens in the Bay Area. As a veteran, Sabino is a role model, from his successes in the kitchen to serving the community and always having a smile to brighten one’s day.

Like us on Facebook