Meet: Thea Jeramie
Creative
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Join us as we chat with Thea about MANANG, upgrading the little things in your life, controversial food opinions, and more!
Before we start, for those who don’t know you, can you share with us what you do and where you’re based?
Hi! I’m Thea — a mechanical engineer turned creative who posts all things related to eating good food and sitting in pretty places as MANANG on socials and currently based between Asia and California.
Can you share a little more about MANANG GROUP and the inspiration in starting it?
My parents have always loved traveling, and through this I was lucky enough to experience beautiful stays and amazing eats around the world that gave me a specific feeling that i still think about to this day. That feeling inspired me to find a way to introduce little luxuries in my everyday life and ways I can also spread that feeling in some form to others.
Your brand name, MANANG GROUP, feels so specific—what’s the story behind it?
Within the first year of starting college thousands of miles away from my family, I lost my lola (grandma in Filipino) and went through a blindsided break up, I was really lost at that time and remember wishing I had an older sister I could come to for advice. So I decided I was going to start a blog that people could turn to and named it MANANG which means ‘older sister’ in my mom’s mother tongue. It has been several years now but I’d love any future projects to still relate with the older sister analogy.
Your food styling is so chef’s kiss—what are your top three non-negotiables when making a dish look good?
Thank you so much! I’m still learning every single day but my non-negotiables so far have been:
The plate must have a strong color contrast with at least one thing in the dish.
Toppings are placed so that every bite can be ‘the perfect bite.’
Everything on this dish is edible + actually helps compliment its taste.
What’s the most visually stunning meal you’ve ever had, and where was it?
Everything I ate in Copenhagen was so stunning, that city just knows how to do it right! I left that trip so inspired.
If MANANG GROUP had to create a signature dish that captures its whole essence, what would it be?
I would love for it to be a breakfast plate with filipino flavors to represent my roots, old fashioned pancakes (because it’s classic), and plated like it’s from Atelier September.
You seem to have a deep love for both food and aesthetics. How do you think the space you eat in affects the way a meal tastes?
The feeling a space gives can definitely accentuate the flavors — for example: an old school diner that hasn’t been renovated in 20 years makes you feel like you’re back in the earlier days where simple food was made with quality ingredients and no frills — you know that burger you ordered is going to hit the spot and you don’t need any additional condiments on it.
Any underrated food spots or hidden gems you’re obsessed with right now?
I’m currently spending time in Japan right now, and i go to this converyor belt sushi chain called Sushiro at least once a week. It’s where locals go for a quick dinner, you get decent quality sushi starting at $0.86 for two pieces of nigiri.
What would you say your dream travel destination is—solely for the food scene?
Right now, it’s CDMX!! It really seems like you can get a flavorful bite that was made with quality ingredients from anywhere between a food cart to a four dollar sign restaurant.
You’ve got 24 hours in a city you’ve never been to—what’s your game plan for eating well and exploring?
I’ve probably watched at least 3 vlogs on that city, after bookmarking what catches my eye from the videos I pin it on Google Maps and then zoom in on the areas and click on everything in between that is marked as a cafe, place to eat, or shops (crazy? maybe lol).
You can have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, at the restaurant of your choice. Who’s at the table and where are you eating?
My late lola Dominga, my 12 year old self (Who was really going through a tough time), and the late Margarita Fores (celebrated Filipino chef and restaurateur) and we’re eating at my future restaurant named DOMINGA’S (manifesting).
What’s your ultimate comfort meal that never fails you?
There’s just something about two fried eggs cooked over medium with crispy edges of steaming hot white rice drenched in chilimansi sauce that reminds me of home and it’s super quick and easy.
What’s the most controversial food opinion you have?
No food is worth waiting for you if you have to physically wait in line for more than 45 minutes…
MANANG GROUP already feels like an entire lifestyle—where do you see it going next?
My dream for MANANG GROUP has always been to build and nurture a community. I’m working on two projects right now that I hope lead the way — Jeramie’s Studio (a pop-up culinary gathering space, @jeramies_studio) and relaunching my blog!
If someone wants to fully embrace the MANANG GROUP lifestyle, what’s step one?
Upgrade the little everyday things! I live by elevating the simple things in life — for example: treat yourself to a nice plate that is aesthetically pleasing to you. It will make you feel like you’re eating at a cute cafe or a casual wine bar at home.
Before we let you *almost* go, where can we find more of you?!
All things food related — tiktok: @manangstable instagram: @manangroup and personal instagram: @tjrmb
Let’s Get Deep
What’s your theme song?
Why Not — Hilary Duff (just taking a lot of crazy chances right now haha)
Night In or Night Out?
Night out — but by that I mean spending time with friends at a natural wine bar with the best tasting small plates and we’re all home by 10pm
When do you feel most you?
Anytime spent together with my sister and cousins
What’s something you’re obsessed with right now?
Spreading the “eat good food, sit in pretty places” bug to everyone
Call or Text?
Call! I’m a horrible texter
When was the last time you cried?
Today! A lot of big changes
When’s the last time you laughed (like a big belly laugh)?
It was a week or two ago, I remember wanting to write it in my notes so I wouldn’t forget what it was about..but I forgot to
Current favorite follow on social media?
Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self?
That Marilyn Monroe quote you wouldn’t shut up about on MySpace still holds true to this day — “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together”
Find More of Thea here:
Instagram: @manangroup
TikTok: @manangstable
Listen to Thea’s Playlist: Here
