Bong Daza Biography: Death, Age, Wife, Children, Career, Family

Gabriel “Bong” Daza III was a well-known Filipino restaurateur, food entrepreneur and patriarch of a family who left a notable mark on Manila’s culinary and social scene.

Best known to many as the father of actress and host Isabelle Daza, Bong Daza’s life blended business, hospitality and a love for Filipino and international cuisine.

This biography walks through his family background, career highlights, personal life, and legacy.

Early life & family roots

Bong Daza came from a family with deep roots in Filipino business and public life. His family lineage includes prominent figures such as Gabriel Daza Sr., an influential engineer and entrepreneur — the Daza family name carries a legacy of civic involvement and entrepreneurship in the Philippines. These roots helped shape Bong Daza’s sensibilities around hospitality and public life.

He grew up in an environment that respected food, service and social ties — characteristics that later became central to his own career in the food industry. Several media reports emphasize the family’s connections to culinary circles and established business networks in Metro Manila.

Career: restaurateur, food entrepreneur and bon vivant

Bong Daza became widely known as a restaurateur and food entrepreneur. He was active in Manila’s restaurant and hospitality scene, often described in profiles as a bon vivant — someone who enjoyed life’s pleasures, loved food, and hosted generously. Local features and tributes describe him as both business-minded and warm-hearted, with a strong interest in culinary ventures.

While detailed public records of every business venture are not consolidated online, newspaper profiles and lifestyle pieces portray him as deeply involved in the food business and as someone who supported chefs and culinary initiatives. Those close to him remember his passion for good food, entertaining, and helping younger restaurateurs.

Personal life and family

Bong Daza’s name reached a wider public because of his family — his daughter Isabelle Daza is a well-known actress, TV host and model in the Philippines. Throughout media coverage about the family, Bong appears as a devoted father and family man, balancing public life with private warmth. After his passing, many news outlets and fans expressed condolences and shared memories, highlighting the family’s place in the public eye.

Reports around the time of his death described an outpouring of support for his family and recounted stories of his kindness and social generosity. These remembrances portray him as someone who connected easily with people and used his position to create spaces where food and conversation brought people together.

Death and public reaction

Gabriel “Bong” Daza III passed away in July 2016. His death was covered by major Philippine news outlets, which noted his contributions to food entrepreneurship and his family ties to public figures. The coverage included tributes from friends and family and highlighted the strong support the Daza family received from Manila’s social and culinary communities.

Obituaries and memorial notes emphasized his role as both a businessman and a generous host — someone who used food and hospitality to create memorable social experiences. The public reaction underlined the affection people had for him and for the cultural spaces he helped nurture.

Legacy: food, family, and Filipino hospitality

Bong Daza’s legacy is best understood in two interlocking ways:

1. Family legacy: As the father of Isabelle Daza and a member of the larger Daza family, his name remains linked to Philippine show business and civic life. The family’s story continues to be a reference point for discussions about culinary entrepreneurship and public service.
2. Culinary and social legacy: Through his restaurants, hospitality, and support of culinary initiatives, Bong Daza contributed to Manila’s evolving food culture. Friends and colleagues remember him as a mentor and generous host — someone who celebrated Filipino food alongside global cuisines.

Interesting facts & lesser-known details

• Media profiles often described Bong Daza as a “bon vivant” — a person with discerning tastes in food and life. This label stuck because he loved entertaining and celebrating with family and friends.
• Coverage after his death highlighted that the Daza family received an overwhelming show of support from Manila’s social circles, reflecting his social reach and the goodwill he cultivated.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Who was Bong Daza?

A: Bong Daza (Gabriel “Bong” Daza III) was a Filipino restaurateur and food entrepreneur, known for his hospitality and as the father of actress Isabelle Daza.

Q2: When did Bong Daza die?

A: He passed away in July 2016; his death was reported widely by Philippine news outlets.

Q3: What is the Daza family known for?

A: The Daza family includes notable figures in Philippine business and public life — including engineers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders — and has longstanding ties to Manila’s social and culinary scenes.

Q4: Was Bong Daza a chef?

A: He was primarily known as a restaurateur and food entrepreneur rather than a professionally trained chef. His role centered on hospitality, restaurant ownership and supporting culinary ventures.

Q5: Who survived Bong Daza?

A: His family, including his daughter Isabelle Daza, survived him; they received significant public support following his death.

Conclusion

Gabriel “Bong” Daza III’s life is a reminder that influence often travels through quiet, generous acts — opening a restaurant door to a friend, hosting a table full of conversation, or supporting the next generation of culinary talent. While he may be best-known to many as Isabelle Daza’s father, his own career as a restaurateur and bon vivant left a clear imprint on Manila’s social and culinary fabric. Through family memories and media tributes, Bong Daza’s legacy continues to be celebrated for its warmth, taste and hospitality.