LUXEMBOURG – A Filipina has found a niche in the restaurant business in Luxembourg.

Elena Lana’s Mabuhay Garden Café, located at the heart of the city, is a favorite hang-out among foreigners and compatriots.

“Mga Pilipino minsan lang pag may mga occasions, birthday parties minsan lang silang pumupunta pero mas marami akong mga foreigners na customers,” Lana told Ver Cuison of ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.

Bank employee Georges Leclerc said Lana’s café is the best in Luxembourg, with nice staff. Mabuhay Café has employed 4 Filipino employees.

Gemma Manalo, a tourist from New York, said she heard about the famous café owned by a Filipino and wanted to visit it for herself.

“We really want to see how it looks like and to see the people around here. Gusto po namin makakita ng mga Pilipino and it’s really nice to see them and very welcoming po talaga sila dito,” said Manalo.

Aside from Mabuhay Café, Lana is also a partner of Café Lord Nelson and Bikini Café, also located in the city.

Before making it big in the restaurant business, Lana had worked at cafes and disco bars for 15 years.

Lana said hard work, perseverance, and patience are her secrets to success.

“Well, ang maipapayo ko sa kanila kaunting tiyaga. Kung talagang gusto mo rin magkaroon ng para sa iyo dapat lang talagang magtrabaho ka para kung ano talaga gusto mo makukuha mo rin, di ba,” she said. Balitang Europe