Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at Compass Group

Join Compass Group in celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, recognized each May to honor the history, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities. May was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first known Japanese immigrants to the United States in 1843 and the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, a project made possible in large part by the labor of Chinese immigrants.

Across our organization, AAPI associates bring creativity, innovation, and deep cultural traditions that enrich the way we work. Throughout the month, we are proud to share the stories of associates whose experiences and perspectives help shape our culture and community.

Meet Manuel R. Manansala, Regional Director of People Strategy for Restaurant Associates, where he has spent the past six years. Born in the Philippines, Manuel moved to the United States as a child and was raised in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

He began his career in operations before transitioning into human resources, where he found an opportunity to make a broader impact on both people and the business. Inspired by his mother, a registered nurse whose resilience and dedication as a care provider shaped his values, Manuel has always been drawn to supporting others. His operational background allows him to approach HR with a practical, business-minded perspective.

“I most enjoy bridging the gap between operations and HR to drive performance and create meaningful value,” he states.

One of Manuel’s strongest connections to his heritage is through his mother’s cooking, especially her Chicken Adobo, a staple of his childhood and a symbol of family and tradition. That connection came full circle during his time as an HR manager supporting a high-profile legislative branch of the federal government,
where he partnered with the culinary team to prepare and serve a Filipino menu inspired by her recipes.

“Sharing these dishes with the community was a proud moment that reinforced the importance of cultural representation and inclusion in the workplace,” adds Manuel.

Being part of the AAPI community, Manuel says, means “embracing resilience, family, and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift others.” One value that continues to guide both his personal and professional life is bayanihan, a Filipino concept that reflects community, unity, and helping others without expecting anything in return.

Throughout May, we will continue to highlight the voices of AAPI associates across Compass Group, including Chef Ngan Tran (Compass Group Canada), Andy Choi (Wolfgang Puck Catering), and Onyou Lee (Restaurant Associates).