NAME: Alvin Cailan
AGE: 34
HOMETOWN: Pico Rivera, California
TWITTER: @AlvinCailan / INSTAGRAM: @AlvinCailan
How do you introduce yourself?
I always say, "Hello, I'm Alvin... like the chipmunk." I grew up beating people to the punch.
What inspires you?
I get inspired by plenty of things. When it comes to food, I find inspiration when I eat at various ethnic restaurants/street food. I taste the different flavors and admire the technique and execution. Then I apply the inspiration into a dish that I create.
What challenges you?
Coming from a humble town like Pico Rivera, CA... I wake up every morning challenging myself to work harder than the day before.
SEE THE LIST: NBC Asian America Presents: A to Z - The 26 Emerging Voices of 2017
Tell us about the biggest risk you ever took.
The biggest risk I've ever taken was gambling my life savings on a food truck. If it weren't [for] taking that risk... I guess I wouldn't be answering these questions.
What are you reading/watching/listening to these days?
Listening to: "DAMN." - Kendrick Lamar
Watching: "Bob's Burgers," all day, everyday
Reading: "On Vegetables" by Jeremy Fox
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what job would you want to have?
I would hands down be a custom hot rod designer/mechanic. I love cars and love building engines.
What’s your motto?
If it ain't hard to get, I don't want it.
I celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month because…
...I'm proud of who I am (AMBOY), where my family came from (Philippines), and the way our culture has influenced America.
Follow NBC Asian America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.