Roberto Bellini, owner of Bellini's in Cubao Expo, passes away

Roberto Bellini, the owner of the Italian restaurant Bellini's in Cubao Expo, has passed away.

Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco took to Facebook to share the sad news of Bellini's passing, accompanied by a heartfelt tribute.

"Godspeed Roberto Bellini! Your little shop in Cubao was home to many memories for our family. We learned about Italian food from you, in the accessible, friendly and unpretentious space you made," Araos-Wijangco said, adding that she will never forget their run-ins and friendly banter at Farmers Market.

"You are a legend. Salute," she ended.

Hailing from Pisa, Bellini was born into a family of restaurateurs and hoteliers. He was drafted for mandatory military service and trained as a paratrooper. But after that, he worked in his family’s restaurant.

During his military service, he met someone who offered him a job as a photojournalist. This path brought him to the Philippines, where he met his second wife, Maria Luisa, during a press conference in Malacañang.

After losing his first wife to brain cancer, Bellini found love again in the Philippines. Together, they opened Bellini's in 1999 and raised three children.

In January, Bellini celebrated his birthday with a greeting from his friend, actor John Lloyd Cruz.

"Di ako huminto sa pagdalaw sa lugar kung saan pinanganak si Popoy," Cruz said, referring to his character in One More Chance. 

He said that Bellini had been there for him during those times when he lacked self-confidence. And for that, he thanked him for inspiring him to continue to work.

"Siya lang marahil ang napili kong pakinggan at tunay na nagpaunawa ng halaga ng mayroon kang ginagawa," he continued. "'You have to work John Lloyd,'" he quoted the restaurateur.