Flonique Guimary

Judy Ann Santos, Marvin Agustin, and more personalities who champion Filipino cuisine

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>Some Filipino celebrities and social media personalities have found a second home in the kitchen, where they explore their passion for cooking and share their love for Filipino food. </p><p>As the country observes <em>Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino</em> or Filipino Food Month this April, it is also a time to look at personalities who continue to champion local cuisine in their own spaces.  </p><div>  </div><div><strong>Judy Ann Santos </strong></div><p>The Queen of Pinoy Soap Operas has long been admired for her versatility as an actress, effortlessly moving from drama to comedy, horror, and action. Off-screen, she brings that same passion and discipline into the kitchen, where she has built a reputation as a skilled and dedicated cook. </p><p>Her culinary journey took a serious turn in 2006 when she enrolled at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies in San Juan, graduating with honors. Her husband, Ryan Agoncillo, later followed in her footsteps, making cooking a shared passion in their household. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-3" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV9LcaQE3Gz/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A3%2C%22os%22%3A368049.59999990463%2C%22ls%22%3A95951.69999980927%2C%22le%22%3A96298.39999985695%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1104" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-3" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Through her popular YouTube channel, Judy Ann’s Kitchen, and her personal social media accounts, she welcomes viewers into her cooking space, preparing dishes ranging from comforting Filipino classics to more refined creations.</p><p>She also ventured into the restaurant business with Angrydobo, a name inspired by one of the country’s most iconic dishes. With two branches already established, the restaurant serves well-loved Filipino favorites such as lumpia, okoy, sisig, sinigang, crispy pata, adobo, and more, reflecting her deep appreciation for local flavors.  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP7_wYGk4KJ/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A368055.2999999523%2C%22ls%22%3A95951.69999980927%2C%22le%22%3A96298.39999985695%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1131" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><div><strong>Marvin Agustin </strong></div><p>Marvin has successfully carved out a name in the culinary world, evolving from a celebrated actor into a respected chef and entrepreneur. Known for his expertise in cochinillo and modern Filipino cuisine, he continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in tradition. </p><p>He operates various food and beverage businesses, including MARVIN (Kitchen &amp; Bakeshop) and Cochi, while also sharing recipes and cooking tips with millions of followers online. His dishes often highlight Filipino comfort food like sinigang and pork binagoongan, elevated with contemporary techniques and influences. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DW5nhq-CSRm/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A368068.89999985695%2C%22ls%22%3A95951.69999980927%2C%22le%22%3A96298.39999985695%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1419" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>His restaurant Cochi earned international recognition after being included in the Michelin Guide Philippines and receiving the Bib Gourmand award, given to establishments that offer excellent food at a reasonable price. Through offerings like kare kare, corned beef sinigang, escabeche, and local desserts such as ensaymada, halo-halo, and saging con yelo, among many others, Marvin continues to present Filipino cuisine in fresh and exciting ways. </p><div>  </div><div><strong>Erwan Heussaff </strong></div><p>Filipino-French Erwan has become one of the most influential advocates of Filipino cuisine, using his platform to highlight local ingredients, regional dishes, and food traditions. Through his media company FEATR, he focuses on elevated home cooking and accessible recipes that promote both health and sustainability. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW3h2FbCZjx/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A368606.09999990463%2C%22ls%22%3A95951.69999980927%2C%22le%22%3A96298.39999985695%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1077" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>His connection to Filipino food deepened while living abroad, where he often cooked dishes like adobo, afritada, nilaga, and bulalo to ease homesickness. What began as a personal practice eventually turned into a platform where he shared these recipes and stories with a wider audience.</p><p>Today, he is known for elevating Filipino dishes into world-class creations while staying grounded in their roots. He travels across the country to feature regional specialties and often highlights local ingredients such as asin tibuok, palm vinegar, and others. His efforts were recognized globally in 2023 when he received a James Beard Media Award, further solidifying his role in bringing Filipino cuisine to the international stage. </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CtDF3dkydUk/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A368677.89999985695%2C%22ls%22%3A95951.69999980927%2C%22le%22%3A96298.39999985695%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1023" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div> </div><div><strong>Ninong Ry </strong></div><p>Ryan Morales Reyes, also known as Ninong Ry, rose to fame during the pandemic with his entertaining and straightforward cooking videos. His humorous, no-nonsense approach quickly resonated with viewers, making him one of the most followed food content creators in the country today. </p><div><br/></div><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@ninongry/video/7632522399606377736" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7632522399606377736" id="v23378087764069920" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px"><section><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ninongry?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="@ninongry">@ninongry</a><p>mahal ang gasul??</p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Ninong-Ry-7632522472025361173?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound  - Ninong Ry">♬ original sound - Ninong Ry</a></section><iframe name="__tt_embed__v23378087764069920" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7632522399606377736?lang=en-US&amp;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com%2F%23%2Fworkspace%2Fmonitoring%3Fitem%3Durn%3Anewsml%3Aod2-workbench-api.abs-cbn.com%3A2026-04-27T12%3A32%3A09.699263%3Ac829a887-975c-47e5-9f07-34b4eb7f2c12%26action%3Dedit" style="width:0px;height:0px;display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Based in Malabon, he has built a massive online community, where he shares easy-to-follow recipes that make cooking approachable for everyone. His content often proves that good food does not have to be expensive or complicated. </p><div><br/></div><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@ninongry/video/7616254344291224852" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7616254344291224852" id="v99265327117500220" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px"><section><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ninongry?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="@ninongry">@ninongry</a><p>Petsa de peligro meals ASC code: P0058P030526S</p><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Ninong-Ry-7616254428802288391?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound  - Ninong Ry">♬ original sound - Ninong Ry</a></section><iframe name="__tt_embed__v99265327117500220" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7616254344291224852?lang=en-US&amp;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com%2F%23%2Fworkspace%2Fmonitoring%3Fitem%3Durn%3Anewsml%3Aod2-workbench-api.abs-cbn.com%3A2026-04-27T12%3A32%3A09.699263%3Ac829a887-975c-47e5-9f07-34b4eb7f2c12%26action%3Dedit" style="width:0px;height:0px;display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>He regularly features Filipino favorites such as kare kare, crispy pata, bistek, sinangag, pansit, and classic merienda like palitaw, pansit, and more. From cooking one dish in multiple ways to experimenting with budget meals, Ninong Ry continues to make Filipino cuisine fun, relatable, and accessible to everyday Filipinos. </p><div>   </div><div><strong>Abi Marquez </strong></div><p>The Lumpia Queen has become one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent food creators, using her platform to celebrate Filipino cuisine through creativity and innovation. </p><div><br/></div><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailfmarquez/video/7441569925153475848" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7441569925153475848" id="v16519350937774202" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px"><section><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailfmarquez?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="@abigailfmarquez">@abigailfmarquez</a> How many lumpias can you eat in one sitting? 😂 In our family, it&#x27;s a race to see who can grab the most before they&#x27;re gone. This Christmas version packed with hamon, keso de bola, a splash of Knorr Liquid Seasoning, and all the love that only big-batch lumpia can bring. It&#x27;s a family affair from wrapping to that crispy first bite. 🌲 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/food?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="food">#food</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodlovers?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="foodlovers">#foodlovers</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodlover?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="foodlover">#foodlover</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodieph?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="foodieph">#foodieph</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodie?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="foodie">#foodie</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/delicious?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="delicious">#delicious</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/typ?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="typ">#typ</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tiktokfood?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="tiktokfood">#tiktokfood</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodtok?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="foodtok">#foodtok</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/recipe?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="recipe">#recipe</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/cooking?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="cooking">#cooking</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/foodlover?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="foodlover">#foodlover</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/delicious?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="delicious">#delicious</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/yummy?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="yummy">#yummy</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/knorrpasko?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="knorrpasko">#KnorrPASko</a> @Knorrph <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/abimarquez?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="abimarquez">#abimarquez</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lumpiaqueen?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="lumpiaqueen">#lumpiaqueen</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Abi-Marquez-7441569944036608769?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound  - Abi Marquez">♬ original sound - Abi Marquez</a></section><iframe name="__tt_embed__v16519350937774202" sandbox="allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-scripts allow-top-navigation allow-same-origin" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed/v2/7441569925153475848?lang=en-US&amp;referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com%2F%23%2Fworkspace%2Fmonitoring%3Fitem%3Durn%3Anewsml%3Aod2-workbench-api.abs-cbn.com%3A2026-04-27T12%3A32%3A09.699263%3Ac829a887-975c-47e5-9f07-34b4eb7f2c12%26action%3Dedit" style="width:0px;height:0px;display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>She first gained popularity through her viral lumpia series, where she introduced both classic and inventive versions of the dish. From unique takes like sisig lumpia, quesadilla lumpia, and tikoy lumpia to a wide range of dishes and desserts, like leche flan, maja blanca, puto creme brûlée, and even a chicken adobo meat pie, her creations showcase the versatility of Filipino flavors.</p><div><br/></div><blockquote cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailfmarquez/video/7461907175527550226" class="tiktok-embed" data-video-id="7461907175527550226" style="max-width:605px;min-width:325px"><section><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailfmarquez?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="@abigailfmarquez">@abigailfmarquez</a> Replying to @gordonramsayofficial WILL CHEF APPROVE? 🥩 🇵🇭 BEEF WELLINGTON LUMPIA, coming right up! <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/beefwellington?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="beefwellington">#BeefWellington</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lumpia?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="lumpia">#Lumpia</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lumpiaqueen?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="lumpiaqueen">#LumpiaQueen</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/gordonramsay?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="gordonramsay">#GordonRamsay</a> <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/abixgordon?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="abixgordon">#AbixGordon</a> @Newport World Resorts @Gordon Ramsay Bar &amp; Grill PH <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-Abi-Marquez-7461907217193683728?refer=embed" target="_blank" title="♬ original sound  - Abi Marquez">♬ original sound - Abi Marquez</a></section></blockquote><script async="" src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Her growing influence has led to collaborations with international culinary figures such as Lennard Yeong, Josh Scherer, Uncle Roger, and Andy Hearnden, where she introduced Filipino classics like sinigang, adobo, and dynamite. In January 2025, she reached another milestone by working with Gordon Ramsay, presenting a beef wellington wrapped in a lumpia wrapper, a creative take that impressed the world-renowned chef. </p><p>As Filipino Food Month shines a spotlight on the country’s rich culinary heritage, these personalities continue to prove that Filipino cuisine is more than just food. Through their passion, creativity, and dedication, they are helping bring local flavors to a wider audience, inspiring pride in Filipino cooking both at home and on the global stage.</p>

<p>Let us look at five celebrities who champion Filipino cuisine as the country celebrates Filipino Food Month this April. </p>

Let us look at five celebrities who champion Filipino cuisine as the country celebrates Filipino Food Month this April.