Amici PH founder Father Gianluigi Colombo passes away
Fr. Gianluigi Colombo, the founder of Italian restaurant Amici di Don Bosco, has passed away.
In a social media post on Monday, Dec. 22, Amici Philippines announced the death of the Italian Salesian priest.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Fr. Gianluigi Colombo, the founder of Amici di Don Bosco. He passed away yesterday, December 21, in Italy," the post read.
It was Colombo's vision that began Amici, the post continued, detailing how he "believed deeply in the power of friendship, faith, and gathering around the table."
"He taught us that food is more than nourishment; it is a way to welcome, to accompany, and to build community—especially for the young and the forgotten," wrote Amici PH.
At a young age, Colombo travelled to the Philippines with other Italian missionaries, and stayed for 40 years to carry out his mission work with the Salesians serving the youth. He spent some years in Cebu with Boys Town, a center for disadvantaged youth, then moved to Don Bosco Makati, where he oversaw operations of the Don Bosco Press.
It was during his time in Makati that Colombo set up a small canteen that served Italian coffee and gelato to the printing press employees. This was Amici di Don Bosco (friends of Don Bosco) in its early stages.
Eventually, the employees-only canteen got bigger and opened to the public. Its menu also grew to include wood-fire oven-baked pizzas and homemade pastas. Because of Colombo's authentic Italian cooking techniques, Amici di Don Bosco's Italian pizza, pasta, and gelato became crowd favorites. Years later, its gelato section branched off with its own brand: Caramia Cakes & Gelato.
"Fr. Colombo lived the spirit of Don Bosco with humility and joy, reminding us that kindness, presence, and service can quietly change lives," Amici Philippines said. "We carry his legacy forward in every meal shared, every guest welcomed as a friend, and every act of generosity done in love."
