The Most Famous Kinilaw in Siargao Philippines (CEV)

CEV is a restaurant in Siargao, Philippines that specializes in Kinilaw and Ceviche. What started out as a small, family-owned restaurant six years ago has now become one of the must-try food spots in the most popular island of Surigao del Norte.

David Del Rosario opened the restaurant as an escape from city life as he searched for a new way to make a living. This is the story of CEV—it’s beginnings, challenges, and its place in the fast-growing tourism industry in Siargao.

Special thanks to:
David Del Rosario
Charlotte Lamy - Del Rosario

LOCATION:
CEV: Ceviche & Kinilaw Shack
Tourism Road, Brgy. Catagnan (Beside Kudo Surf), General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
Opening Hours: 12pm-3pm & 5:30pm-9pm
Reservations: [phone]

Jump to:
(0:00) Intro
(1:23) David
(2:35) Fresh Catch
(9:20) New Beginnings
(14:00) The People of CEV
(18:40) Challenges
(21:55) The Food
(29:33) The Future; Outro
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The Fat Kid Inside Studios

Erwan Heussaff - Founder
Kashka Gaddi - Content Producer
Eamonn Quizon - Cinematographer
Edel Cayetano - Story Producer
Harold Singzon - Story Producer
Mary Lournette Baligod - Story Producer
Kleo Balares - Supervising Producer
Hans Rivera - Multimedia Producer
Julius Rivera - Camera Operator
Lorraine Santos - Editor
Dana Blaze - Editor
MK Tayona - Editor
Klyde Arce - Editor
Kim Arroyo - Editor
Martin Narisma - Food Editor
Kathryna de Bustos - Content Manager
Chester Velasco - Production Assistant
Kevin Amponin - Production Assistant
Dustin Dagamac - Colorist
Sofia Paderes - Graphic Designer
Kim Manuel - Graphic Designer
Roanne Salvacion - Accountant
Donalyn Aranda - Accounting Assistant

Interns:
Eugene Lorenzo

Social Media:

[BrianJacobe]

What a beautiful story. I like how much he cares about his employees because he knows how it feels to be exhausted at your job. Truly inspiring, can't wait to visit there someday.

[pt-qldt]

Finally a good guy winning in life. Very inspirational!

[tfnyn]

I was here only for the featured food. Didn’t expect I’ll get more than that. Salute! 🫡

[RodCN]

It’s a miracle that this guy did not give up after so many setbacks. Amazing, what an inspiring story! Thank you, FEATR

[WorldTravelerCA]

For Filipino financial stability is everything and once you have it it’s hard or almost impossible to give it up, I’m Ukrainian-Canadian Traveler and after visited most of south East Asian countries I settled in the Philippines and it was my best ever decision I ever made. I do know what Filipino cherish the most it’s family, and financial stability and when I hear a person who had both then gives up on one and half out of those two I know I want wish this powerful person well and I know you will succeed. I currently living in cebu but I will definitely visit Surigao soon as well as this restaurant!
Best of luck sir!

[genef]

Thank you, FEATR team for this great documentary. Bravo for letting David tell his story without any distracting music or editing.

[louisonbalangue]

If chef David is my supervisor, I feel pleased to go to work since he is simply a positive, gentle, and soft-spoken individual.

[shandellsmithwinter]

The first time i saw David and his restaurant, CEV, was from Chef JP’s vlog. I love that this video was an in-depth documentary about the restaurant, owner, challenges, employees, and the place. Kudos ❤

[donalddelacruz]

Dahil dati rin siyang naging empleyado kaya ramdam at alam niya ang mga pangangailan ng mga staff niya.. ❤
Salute bro!

[chandymarbatoy]

As an Islander here in Bohol working corporately in the province, I can't help but feel damn envious of how you've managed to find fulfillment and happiness in business. Your accomplishments are truly inspiring, and I send my heartfelt salute to you. You really are brilliant!

[DelroHero]

The kind of Owner that all people want to work with. What he says literally truth about work life balance. Salute to you sir Dave!

[mjcamingay]

The cinematography & story telling is on top. thankyou FEATR for bringing us to Siargao/Cev can't wait to visit them 🤤🤤🤤

[NANOLIFEANDCHICAGOCOMB]

This guy is something else, seems calm and VERY VERY INSPIRING! More power to CEV and FEATR!

[NomadSebastian]

Love this. Wish we have an island like Siargao here in Europe. Your people are very resilient and hardened by the regular calamities that come your way. Also love Philippine seafood. Hoping to come back soon.

[lizabethbarretto]

Congratulations to CEV! you upgraded the Philippine kinilaw as a high end gourmet. If you're planning to expand your kinilaw resto chains, have a branch in Palawan and Boracay too.

[grace_]

Rooting for Chef David! He's obviously a good man, and he deserves all the good things in life as well as the success of CEV. Keep going, chef!❤️🇵🇭

[threadripper]

ganda nung content! galing nung pagkakahabi nung mga scenes, sounds, conversations, cuts, etc. hindi ka magsasawa mag tune-in, galing nyo Erwan and FEATR Team!

[acalvendia]

My fiancée and I visited back in 2023, and we still can’t forget the taste of the food. We’ll definitely dine there again when we return!

[husseinmakke]

One of the best restaurant I went to. It was AMAZING.

[charmainem]

So happy to see the Cev team being featured. I don’t live in the Philippines but went back to Siargao twice in 6 months and made sure to visit Cev multiple times each visit. The food is always amazing and consistent, the service super friendly and on point, and even the music is a great tempo and volume. Even the tshirts are super cool! To David and the team, you should all be very proud of this world-class Filipino venue. Can’t wait for my 3rd Siargao trip soonnnn….