IN reiterating MICHELIN Guide’s announcement of its arrival in the Philippines on Tuesday (Feb 18), Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco took a moment to pay tribute to the late Chef Margarita Forés, honoring her lasting impact on Philippine gastronomy.
“We make this announcement today, also of course having in mind the deep sadness that all of us felt because of the sudden passing of an industry leader, maverick, and visionary we all love, Chef Margarita Araneta Forés,” the DOT chief said.
“We take this moment to honor the late Chef Margarita, whose pioneering work reshaped the landscape of Filipino cuisine. Chef Margarita Forés was a true champion of our culinary identity, and her unwavering efforts to elevate local ingredients and promote Filipino food on the world stage have left an indelible mark upon all of you, I’m sure, and the rest of the country. Chef Margarita’s legacy will live on in every dish that tells the story of our heritage and in every chef who continues to carry the torch she so brightly lit,” she added.
Hailed as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, the late chef Margarita Araneta Forés has played an instrumental role in the DOT’s efforts to integrate gastronomy as a pillar of the country’s tourism strategy, most notably through the United Nations Tourism Regional Gastronomy Tourism Forum hosted by the Philippines in Cebu last year.
Representing the Forés family at the event were Raul and Jose Forés, nephews of the late Chef. Also in attendance was Jorge Mendez of MŌDAN.MNL, who served as her corporate chef.
“You embody the continued spirit of Chef Margarita’s remarkable influence, and we are so grateful for your contributions to the legacy she created,” the DOT chief said.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Facebook Page.
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