Insider Spotlight
The second edition of the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu recognizes 127 establishments, comprising 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, 31 Bib Gourmand recipients and 86 Michelin-selected restaurants.
The second edition of the Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu recognizes 127 establishments, comprising 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, 31 Bib Gourmand recipients and 86 Michelin-selected restaurants.
‘Growing pride in local culinary culture’
"One year after our inaugural selection, our inspectors have witnessed a Philippine dining scene that continues to evolve with remarkable energy and confidence," Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec said during the ceremony.
"Beyond its diversity, what stands out today is a growing pride in local culinary culture and a stronger expression of identity through food," he added.
Nearly 60 percent of newly selected establishments specialize in Filipino cuisine, with inspectors observing greater use of native ingredients and regional recipes across Manila, Cebu, Pampanga and Cavite.
First Michelin Star for FLOW
FLOW in Makati earned its first Michelin Star for its Peruvian-Filipino tasting menu, which draws on indigenous ingredients, landscapes and traditions from both countries. The restaurant combines Latin American and Southeast Asian influences while incorporating the work of local artisans into its dining experience.
The restaurant is led by chef Kevin Uy, who trained for five years under Virgilio Martínez and Pia León at Central in Peru, previously ranked the world's best restaurant by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. He works alongside co-executive chef Gabriel Ong, whose experience includes Michelin-starred restaurants in Macau and Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, Helm retained its two-star distinction, while eight restaurants maintained their one-star ratings: Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kása Palma, Linamnam and Toyo Eatery.
The selection also includes eight new Bib Gourmand recipients, two promotions and 18 newly selected restaurants.
Depth of talent
The Michelin Guide also recognized four professionals whose contributions reflect the growing depth of talent across the Philippine hospitality industry, from restaurant management to culinary innovation.
Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhanà in Makati received the country's inaugural Opening of the Year Award, highlighting the emergence of new dining concepts. Chef Francis Lacson of Digámo in Marikina earned the Young Chef Award, while restaurant manager Clyde Joshua Zafra of Tito Boy in Pampanga received the Service Award.
Automat bar beverage manager Ron Job Sanchez was honored with the Exceptional Cocktails Award, underscoring the range of skills gaining international recognition beyond the kitchen.
Culinary tourism
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Michelin Guide provides another avenue to promote Philippine tourism and introduce Filipino culture to international audiences.
"When we launched the Guide last year, our goal was to promote gastronomy and tourism. We wanted to express who we are as a nation, as a people, and as a culture in a language everyone can appreciate: food,” he said.
The government wants to extend the economic benefits of food tourism to destinations beyond Manila and Cebu, particularly through hospitality employment, skills development and opportunities for local enterprises.
"We also support culinary education and skills development for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals. As we strengthen our tourism industry, we hope to see more of the country represented in the international culinary scene … Our goal is to create an environment where Filipino talent and business can thrive, where culinary tourism brings more jobs and livelihoods to our communities,” Marcos added. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
