For the Gomez family of three, each of whom are busy excelling in their own fields, quality time revolves around the dinner table. Luckily, deciding where—or what—to eat rarely involves negotiation. “We have a growing list of our favorite restaurants, so when it’s time to eat, we just run through that list and take it from there,” says national team fencer and the Philippines’ no.1-ranked women’s épée athlete Juliana Gomez. “We have the same taste, so it’s always easy.”
Home-cooked meals have the same comfort and ease. Groceries are usually done at least once a month, and meals at home tend to lean on Filipino cuisine, composed mainly of three constants: soup, rice, and a protein.
The grocery run itself is more than another household errand. “I 100% enjoy it,” she says. “It’s actually how my dad and I bond.” Even when traveling abroad, visiting a local supermarket is a non-negotiable as it’s a chance for them to browse the aisles together and, hopefully find something new to bring to their next meal.
Q: Favorite supermarket shortcut?
JG: I do love the Ghirardelli brownie mix because it’s just so easy to make. A low-effort, high-reward dessert that can be whipped up last minute.
Q: Biggest supermarket splurge?
JG: Either Fage 0% yogurt, or a big block of fancy cheese.
Q: Favorite checkout line treat?
JG: Sugar-free gum.
Q: Most surprising thing in my cart?
JG: Tong Garden Broad Beans. So underrated.
Q: Favorite junk food?
JG: My favorites have always been BBQ V-Cut, Crunchy Cheetos, and Red Chippy. White chocolate Toblerone also has a special place in my heart.
Q: One item thats always on my list?
JG: Bulla high protein cottage cheese.
Q: Ingredient I’d drive the farthest for?
JG: Still Fage 0% yogurt because there are times when it’s impossible to find!
Q: What I’d stock up on in the event of an apocalypse?
JG: Delimondo corned beef and shirataki rice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Juliana Marie Beatriz T. Gomez is an accomplished Filipina national fencer and the only child of prominent actor-politicians Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez.
In terms of junk food, Juliana reaches for chips like BBQ V-Cut, Crunchy Cheetos, and Red Chippy, and chocolate like White chocolate Toblerone.
Items like Bulla high protein cottage cheese, Delimondo corned beef, and Tong Garden Broad Beans can be found in Juliana’s shopping list.
If available, Juliana splurges on Fage 0% yogurt and a good-quality block of cheese.
Juliana Gomez’s favorite junk foods are BBQ V-Cut, Crunchy Cheetos, and Red Chippy, along with white chocolate Toblerone, which she says holds a special place in her heart among her go-to grocery indulgences.
