About - Mang Larry's Isawan | Our Story Since 1984

Mang Larry at his original UP Diliman stall

The Man Behind the Grill

Lauro "Mang Larry" Condencido Jr. was a janitor at LVN Pictures Inc. when he decided to try his luck selling grilled isaw on the streets of UP Diliman in 1984. With just P40 — roughly three times his monthly salary at the time — he bought nearly 3 kilos of intestines.

He had no stall, no equipment, and no business plan. What he had was an old baby stroller he converted into a makeshift table, a small charcoal grill, and the determination to make something better for his family.

The UP students loved his isaw. They started calling him "Mang Larry," and the name stuck. Word spread through the campus, and soon, long lines became a daily sight along E. Jacinto Street.

Our Journey

Over four decades of grilling excellence

1984 — The Beginning

Lauro Condencido Jr. starts selling grilled isaw at UP Diliman with P40 capital and a baby stroller as his cart. He works as a janitor by day and grills by afternoon.

1995 — Going Full-Time

After over a decade of growing his isaw business alongside his janitorial job, Mang Larry resigns from LVN Pictures Inc. to focus entirely on grilling. He officially names the business "Mang Larry's Isawan."

2000s — Campus Institution

Mang Larry's becomes a landmark at UP Diliman. No campus tour is complete without a stop at his stall. The business puts all of his children through college.

2010s — Expanding the Brand

With growing demand, Mang Larry's Isawan expands beyond UP Diliman, opening branches in Maginhawa, Magiting, and other locations across Quezon City.

2018 — Featured on National TV

Mang Larry's Isawan is featured on ABS-CBN's "My Puhunan," sharing the inspiring rags-to-riches story with the whole nation.

2022 — UST Branch Opens

The brand crosses to another university community, opening a branch near the University of Santo Tomas in Sampaloc, Manila.

2026 — New Chapter

The original E. Jacinto Street branch inside UP Diliman closes following a court order related to property matters. Mang Larry's continues to serve loyal customers at its other branches.

What We Stand For

The values that have kept us grilling for over 40 years

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Cleanliness First

Mang Larry became known for his meticulous cleaning process. Every piece of intestine is thoroughly washed and prepared, setting a new standard for street food hygiene.

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Community

Born in the heart of UP Diliman, we've always been part of the community — from students cramming for finals to alumni coming back for a taste of nostalgia.

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Hard Work

From janitor to entrepreneur, Mang Larry's story is proof that persistence and honest work can build something extraordinary from nothing.

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Family

Everything Mang Larry built was for his family. His children, all college graduates, now help run and grow the business he started with P40.

Our Story