The Vision
Indáy spotlights Philippine cuisine through soulful culinary collaborations by talented Filipino-Canadian chefs across the country, highlighting the beautiful nature of third-culture cooking through their personal experiences.
Curated by award-winning cookbook author and Canadian Culinary Championship judge Joie Alvaro Kent and brought to life together with Lee’s Donuts co-owner Celine Bacani, Indáy officially launches its inaugural event series in Vancouver, with four rising young chefs collaborating for two memorable dinners this September, before they journey to Calgary in October.
Our collective goal: to celebrate our inherent differences with a spirit of curiosity, inclusivity, and exploration, along with a desire to foster widespread understanding of the cuisine and culture that nourish us.
MERLIN PEARLE AGUILAR ALVARO
Our Inspiration
JOIE ALVARO KENT | Co-Founder
Born in Metro Manila, Joie and her beloved Mama moved south to her grandparents’ home in Davao City before emigrating to Canada in 1974. She reflects fondly, "My heart always loops back to memories of Lola’s kitchen in the Philippines, with the sweet musky smell of simmering guava jam perfuming the air. Four-year-old me would sit on the back step in the sunshine and eat ripe mangoes from our orchard, juice dripping down my chin and arms. It was the epitome of happiness in a single moment — pure bliss.”
We experience food viscerally. It engages all our senses and serves as a powerful cue for both the sweetness and the sadness of memory. Food creates connection, forging bonds between generations. And it nurtures community.
Joie is so privileged to be able to share the stories of British Columbia's vibrant culinary sector. For nearly two decades, she has written, told, and amplified these precious experiences. Storyteller and promoter, consultant and judge, advocate and mentor — her path has taken many turns, all of them leading her to deep friendships, deeper understandings, and an enduring respect and awe for those who choose to make this industry their life with passion and pride.
In November 2023, Joie and chef/restaurateur J-C Poirier of one Michelin starred St. Lawrence Restaurant won Gold at the Taste Canada Awards for their best-selling cookbook, Where the River Narrows. She also co-authored Maenam: A Fresh Approach to Thai Cooking with Angus An, chef/owner of the Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant. Joie is Head BC Judge for the Canadian Culinary Championship, and panellist for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants. Her writing has been featured in Canadian and international publications including NUVO, The Globe and Mail, The Georgia Straight, Eater, Vancouver magazine, and MONTECRISTO.
For Joie, her husband and son are life’s most priceless gifts. Her award-winning background in real-estate marketing and development led to co-founding NOMAD Micro Homes with her husband Ian Kent. And the countless hours she’s spent in the kitchen with her son Noah since toddlerhood have blossomed into their shared love for cooking and good food. Joie is a sipper of Boulevardiers, habitual daydreamer, and full-contact eater.
CELINE BACANI | Co-Founder
Celine Bacani, a distinguished Filipino-Canadian realtor and entrepreneur based in Vancouver, seamlessly integrates her rich cultural heritage with a dynamic professional life. Raised in a household deeply rooted in Filipino traditions, Celine's enterprising spirit has been evident from her earliest days, beginning with her first job at Dairy Queen. This early and humbling experience laid the foundation for her successful career, which now includes owning and operating Lee’s Donuts — a celebrated and expanding brand with multiple locations across British Columbia.
Alongside her husband and business partner, Allan Bacani, Celine has transformed Lee’s Donuts from a modest mom-and-pop shop at Granville Island Public Market into one of Vancouver's most iconic homegrown brands. Her journey reflects a blend of tenacity, cultural pride, and entrepreneurial flair, demonstrating how diverse interests and experiences can culminate in meaningful success and vibrant community connections.
In addition to her business endeavours, Celine has over a decade of experience in real estate with the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. An award-winning agent, her expertise extends to residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Her commitment to professional growth is evidenced by her accolades, including Agent of the Year and Top Producer with Oakwyn Realty. Currently with Macdonald Realty, Celine serves as team lead for YVT Real Estate Group which she cofounded in 2017, and is renowned for her strategic insight and dedication to building strong client relationships.
Born and raised in Metro Vancouver, Celine has not only proven herself a successful businesswoman but also a pillar of her community. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and their beautiful daughter, embodying a deeply personal blend of family values, cultural pride, and a commitment to both professional excellence and personal joy. Her numerous undertakings illustrate a broader theme: how diverse experiences and a steadfast commitment to one's roots can engender not only individual success but also vibrant, meaningful connections within a community.