Every Philippine restaurant that won a Michelin star last year kept it, and a Makati newcomer joined them. The Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027 was unveiled on Oct. 29 at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts, Pasay City. It is the guide's second Philippine edition, and it covers Metro Manila, Cavite, Pampanga and Cebu.
The guide's official site lists 127 establishments, up from 108 in the first edition. There are 10 starred restaurants, 31 Bib Gourmands and 86 Michelin Selected restaurants. The ceremony also marked the 100th anniversary of the Michelin star.
One New star, Nine Retained
Helm in Makati, led by chef Josh Boutwood, kept its two stars. It remains the only two-star restaurant in the country. No Philippine restaurant holds three stars.
Eight restaurants kept one star: Asador Alfonso in Cavite, Celera, Hapag, Inatô, Kása Palma and Toyo Eatery in Makati, Gallery by Chele in Taguig and Linamnam in Parañaque. The guide classifies five of them as Filipino cuisine.
The newcomer is Flow, on Chino Roces Avenue in Makati. Chef Kevin Jonathan Uy runs it with co-executive chef Gabriel "Gato" Ong. The restaurant serves a tasting menu that links Filipino and Peruvian cooking. In its citation, Michelin said Flow celebrates the ties between the two cultures with a contemporary approach. In his acceptance speech, Uy thanked mentors including Virgilio Martinez and Pia Leon of Central in Lima.
Ten New Bib Gourmands
The Bib Gourmand list, which marks good cooking at moderate prices, grew from 25 to 31. Ten names are new. ATO-AH in Cebu and Butcher Boy in Las Piñas moved up from the Selected list. The first-time Bib Gourmands are Apag Marangle and Tito Boy in Pampanga, Azela in Manila, Balay Dako and Bawai's Vietnamese Kitchen in Cavite, C.H.E. Bacolod Chicken House Express in Makati, and Kalipay! and Tatang's Lechon in Cebu.
Eighteen restaurants joined the Selected list. Among them are Cebu's Cyria's Kandingan, Kokeek's Manokan, Marjo's Pochero and Kumedor, and Pampanga's Mila's Tokwa't Baboy and Souq.
Special Awards
Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhanà in Makati won Opening of the Year. Chef Francis Lacson of Digámo in Marikina won the Young Chef award. Clyde Joshua Zafra, restaurant manager of Tito Boy in Pampanga, won the Service award, and Ron Job Sanchez, beverage manager of Automat in Makati, won Exceptional Cocktails.
What The Inspectors Saw
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, spoke through a recorded video message. He said inspectors saw more consistency and refinement in fine dining. He pointed to a new generation of chefs and to Filipino chefs who return from work abroad and bring new finesse to local ingredients and regional cooking. He also named the mix of savory, sour, salty and sweet flavors as a defining trait of Philippine cuisine.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay. In his speech, Marcos said Filipino food is how the country welcomes guests and brings families together. He called it a reason for travelers to visit and stay longer.
