Godo showing his apo’s (Brian and Ryan Javier) the roller sugarcane crusher and teaching them how it works.
The Inspiration & Motivation
For sisters Adelfa and Dina, the founding of Godo’s Bakery and Restaurant was more than just the establishment of a family business; it was an expression of their father’s vision and God’s faithfulness. Named in honor of their father, Godofredo Dy Hingco Yap, affectionately known as “Godo,” the bakery is a tribute to his legacy of hard work, business acumen, and the belief that God provides for His children. Godofredo, a self-made businessman, taught his family that having a business could be a foundation of resilience—a “back-up” in life even when pursuing professional dreams. With Godo as their example, Adelfa and Dina grew up in a household that was equal parts faith and entrepreneurship.
Godo was no stranger to building success from the ground up. He opened Culasi Antique’s first Shell gas station, ran a sugarcane mill, managed a passenger bus line (RJ Yap Express and Alice In the Wonderland) that served communities between Culasi and Iloilo and founded the first & biggest sari-sari store in their hometown, the Fredolisa Store. His entrepreneurial spirit was grounded in the values of diligence and integrity, traits that Adelfa and Dina carried forward even as they each pursued careers in medicine and nursing. Adelfa graduated from the University of the East as a medical doctor, while Dina completed her nursing degree at Riverside School of Nursing/ Central Philippine University. Through the support of their husbands, Dr. Andres and Boycie Javier, the sisters went on to establish several businesses over the years, each one a learning experience and a stepping stone that prepared them to finally open Godo’s Bakery and Restaurant.
RJ Yap Express buses in front of Godofredo Dy Hingco Yap’s ancestral home in Culasi, Antique.
Highlights
Since its founding in 1998, Godo’s has been a testament to God’s faithfulness and guidance. From securing the ideal location to attracting loyal customers, every detail felt divinely timed and perfectly orchestrated. Rooted in faith and prayer, Godo’s has maintained a focus on glorifying God in all its endeavors. For years, Bible studies were held weekly in the store, creating a spiritual gathering place for the community. Although these gatherings were paused during the pandemic, the spirit of prayer and faith remains woven into the business.
Among the many offerings, Godo’s Siopao has become iconic—a “bread and butter” item that has brought a taste of the Philippines to the U.S. In a moment of divine inspiration, Boycie Javier was able to craft the perfect recipe for the siopao, combining flavors and textures that would quickly become a favorite. From the humble, small-batch beginnings in 1998, Godo’s Siopao expanded into large-scale distribution, reaching customers across different U.S. states. It’s a success story that the family attributes to God’s grace, allowing them to share a comforting taste of Filipino culture with the wider community.
Yet, the most profound demonstration of God’s provision came during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when businesses worldwide were struggling to survive, God showed Himself faithful time and again in what the family can only describe as His amazing grace. Instead of losing customers, demand for Godo’s products grew significantly, making the bakery and restaurant busier than ever. The family views this as a testament to God’s ability to provide in times of crisis, lifting them up and blessing them in ways they hadn’t anticipated.
Godo’s Beliefs and Values
Beyond food, Godo’s has also become a channel for giving back to the community and spreading Jesus’ love and free gift of salvation. The family’s firm belief that Jesus is “…the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through (Him) Me.” (John 14:6) and “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)- inspired them to use the success of their business to support ministries, pastors, and families in their hometown of Antique and beyond, providing assistance to those in need and creating employment opportunities locally.
For 26 years, Godo’s Bakery and Restaurant has stood as a pillar of faith, family, and Filipino heritage. It’s a legacy built on the unwavering belief in God’s provision, inspired by a father’s vision, and realized through the family’s dedication to sharing God’s love and Filipino flavor with the world.
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