From Army Veteran To Executive Chef

Filipino-American Angelito G. Sabino is a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served from 1983-1989. With an unforgettable smile, he’s a hard worker who immigrated to the U.S. like many others from The Philippines in 1981. Having worked in Army kitchens of different camps, he 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, airports became slow and he was jobless with three children and a wife.

On Lok Executive Chef Angelito Sabino

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.

Angelito bringing his experience from the U.S. Army and commercial kitchens was able to transform On Lok’s food service program. With Angelito on board, On Lok serves more than 1,000 meals/day to On Lok participants not only in San Francisco, but in the South and East Bay too. 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, Angelito makes sure his food is thoughtful and keeps his kitchen very busy.

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