2020-2024
Branding
Illustration
Packaging
Graphic Design
Character Design
In 2021 I was approached by my friend Jake Aycardo to brand his gyudon tray business that later was named Kodawari.
In Japanese, it translates to “the uncompromising and relentless pursuit of perfection.” It’s a heavy name for a brand that serves don or Japanese rice bowls (in this case rice trays), but does justice to Jake’s attention to detail.
The brand has gained a strong following over the pandemic, providing people comfort and joy in the form of beef, sous vide egg, and talbos ng kamote.
In 2023, Kodawari has become a full restaurant in Salcedo Village, Makati. New dishes join the fold from nostalgic chili calamansi noodles to parfait desserts. Since then it has opened a permanent spot in The Grid and a second branch in Taguig.
Photography by Gabby Cantero , Renzo Navarro, Sonny Thakur, and Petra Gana