Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno Go: Championing Mindanao’s Heritage

Children’s author, cultural advocate, and mother Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno Go is on a mission to bring Mindanao’s stories—and flavors—into the spotlight

Much has been said about Mindanao in the news, but experiencing it firsthand reveals a richer story. From vibrant communities to distinctive cuisine, the region is full of narratives waiting to be told. Maria Isabel Cabel Moreno Go, or Isabel as she’s known to family and friends, is leading the charge to share them.

A doctor by training, Isabel’s family is behind the beloved Cabel and Palm Grill restaurants, where ZamSulta cuisine takes center stage. Together with GMA reporter Nelson Canlas and her brother, chef Miguel Cabel Moreno, she has co-authored two children’s books: Si Migoy, Ang Batang Tausug and Si Jose at ang Mahiwagang Taguri. She also supervised Ang Kuwento ni Putli Mandi, released last year.

Stepping into a Different Direction

Though medicine shaped her early life, Isabel has taken a purposeful detour.

“Medicine will always be part of who I am,” she tells Modern Parenting. “It taught me discipline, compassion, and how to see people. But I believe God was gently leading me in another direction. Choosing motherhood and family wasn’t stepping back—it was stepping into a life that feels whole and right for me.”

Isabel and her husband, Aldwin Go—an architect and marine engineer—are raising their daughters, Amelia and Athalia, in Zamboanga, though travel to Manila is part of their lives for family and work.

“We are intentional about making sure the girls feel anchored, no matter where we are. Family discussions shape our decisions, not just flights and schedules. It’s about time together, presence, and support.”

Life as a Mom

Motherhood, Isabel says, is her greatest joy. Yet like any parent, she worries about the pressures her daughters face in today’s digital world.

“I worry about the comparing culture, how early children are exposed to adult pressures,” she admits. “I want my daughters to grow up secure in who they are—not defined by likes, grades, or applause. I want them to be kind, critical thinkers—brave, but also compassionate.”

Her parenting style is “intentional and reflective,” focused less on perfection and more on presence.
“I’m learning to listen—not just to what my children say, but to what they feel, what they need, and who they’re becoming. Parenting isn’t control; it’s guidance. It’s creating a safe space where they feel seen and heard while gradually learning independence and responsibility.”

Motherhood, she adds, has also taught her the power of showing up consistently with love and willingness to grow alongside her children.

Championing Mindanao’s Cuisine

Last year, Cabel and Palm Grill were recognized by the Michelin Guide as part of the Michelin Bib Gourmand list. For Isabel, it’s more than an accolade—it’s validation for Mindanao cuisine.

“For so long, Mindanao’s flavors were overlooked. To see them acknowledged tells us our stories deserve a place in serious culinary conversations. These recipes are shaped by our parents, our lolas, our community. The recognition feels like the world saying: we see you.”

While both restaurants share the family kitchen soul, they have distinct personalities.

“Cabel is intimate and heritage-driven—a memoir. Palm Grill is bold, a cultural rallying cry. Both speak from the same kitchen, but in different tones.”

Love for Reading

Isabel also champions Mindanao’s heritage through literature. As co-founder of the Hermosa Book Club in Zamboanga City, she helps create spaces where women can gather, discuss books, and share experiences.

The children’s books she has written with Chef Miguel and Nelson are deeply personal, she says. “ZamSulta is our home. Growing up, we rarely saw our region represented in children’s literature respectfully. Writing these books was our way of saying: our stories belong here.”

This month, the three will launch Si Jose at ang Mahiwagang Taguri, co-written with actress Yasmien Kurdi and her daughter Ayesha, tackling bullying—a timely subject she hopes empowers children who suffer in silence.

“The book on bullying was also close to our hearts. Many children suffer in silence. We wanted to give them language. We wanted to tell them that what they feel is valid, and that they are not alone.”

“Every story has value, no matter where it comes from—Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi. Every voice matters.”

More Stories to Tell

With three books already released, Isabel’s mind is full of new ideas. She wants to explore identity, curiosity, science for young girls, and the quiet acts of courage and kindness children make every day.

“I want children to see themselves in stories, to discover that culture is alive—in food, lullabies, languages at home. Reading should feel like discovery, not homework. And adults must model it; if children see us reading, they understand that stories matter.”

On balancing motherhood and her passions, Isabel offers this advice: “Do not compartmentalize your passions. You don’t have to be one thing at a time. The trick isn’t perfect balance—it’s alignment. When your values are clear, decisions become easier. When you stay aligned with who you are, everything else finds its place.”

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