There are places that stay with you, not just for the food but for the memories they carry. Jecken Cafe & Kitchen is one of them.
I first wrote about this humble burger joint back in 2012 when it was still a fresh name in the UA neighborhood. I was a Regina – University of the Assumption campus journalist then, and with my good friend Darwin Laurence Pamintuan behind the lens, we documented the heart and heat behind their best-selling burger.
To return years later and find that very article enlarged and framed on their wall was deeply moving, a quiet reminder of how storytelling can leave a lasting imprint, both for the one who writes and for the one whose story is told.
Now, Jecken is celebrating its third year at their Lazatin Boulevard store, a cozy café that continues to welcome students, alumni, and food lovers with the same comforting aroma of freshly grilled patties and that unforgettable crunch of kanto-style fried chicken paired with their rich, peppery gravy.
The consistency in flavor, warmth, and spirit is what keeps me coming back.
Moments like these remind me of the deeper role media plays in shaping our cultural and gastronomic landscape.
As Kapampangans, we are heirs to a legacy of culinary excellence, and it is through stories in articles, photographs, and even social media posts that we preserve and celebrate that legacy.
Every feature we write and every frame we capture becomes part of a larger tapestry that chronicles who we are, what we eat, and how we evolve. It is not just about food; it is about identity, community, and continuity.
It is rare to witness a food story come full circle. Even rarer when that story is your own, and even more fulfilling when that story helps honor the proud and flavorful heritage we share as Kapampangans.
