The Beginning
Why Papi Oli Was Born
When the pandemic ground the world to a halt, Dexter Oliveros saw not a crisis but a crossroads. Friends were losing their jobs. The familiar rhythm of Katipunan — students rushing to class, barkadas gathering after exams — had gone silent. Instead of waiting, Dexter decided to build something: a simple taqueria rooted in bold flavor, honest hustle, and community.
The name carries the whole story in four syllables. "Papi" is what his wife called him — a term of endearment that became a brand identity. "Oli" is the Oliveros surname, stamped onto every taco served. It was always personal. "We started Papi Oli during the early days of our relationship," Dexter shares. "It was a way to grow together, earn together, and help friends who lost their jobs."
Tucked inside The Pop-Up Katipunan — a container-van-based open-air food park along Katipunan Avenue — Papi Oli opened its counter and started doing one thing really well: serving birria tacos people actually came back for. While other stalls cycled through the park, Papi Oli stayed. Consistency, community, and a stubborn commitment to flavor kept the lights on and the crowds coming.
