Regina Troy Barrios

Article (news)

Margarita Fores

THE FORÉS FAMILY. Margarita was born into the wealthy Araneta family that owns The Araneta Group, which includes real estate, food service, hospitality and leisure. She would later remember her grandfather, J. Amado Araneta, as a visionary who built business concepts like the New Frontier Supermarket and the Matsuzakaya Department Store that were ahead of their time.

Margarita Fores' family

ASIA’S BEST FEMALE CHEF. Margarita was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in the 2016 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List—which is part of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. She later admitted to being surprised at winning the award and compared it to winning the Miss Universe.

Best Female Chef in Asia 

CASA ARTUSI. In 2013, Margarita opened Casa Artusi Philippines in Manila. It is the first offshore campus of the Italian culinary institution in Forlimpopoli. The school offered pasta-making classes taught by acclaimed chefs, special dinners in collaboration with respected chefs, and a chance to learn traditional Italian culinary techniques.

Casa Artusi

CIBO’S FIRST BRANCH. Margarita outside the first branch of Cibo in Glorietta. With seed money from her mother, she opened Cibo the goal of offering Filipinos traditional Italian food with good value for money. It was a hit. In 2024, Cibo ranked 44th in the Top World Artisan Pizza Chain.

The first Cibo

KULINARYA. Published in 2018, “Kulinarya: A Guidebook to Philippine Cuisine” was the definitive book on classic Filipino cuisine. Margarita was part of a team of six leading Filipino chefs who collaborated on the recipes. The book later sparked a dinner series

Kulinarya

MADRID FUSION MANILA. In 2015, Margarita and Myrna Seguismundo were the first Filipino chefs to represent the Philippines at the Madrid Fusion in Spain. They presented the Filipino dish kinilaw. She later spearheaded the first Madrid Fusion Manila which brought the biggest gathering of global chefs to Manila. It was the first edition of that gastronomic event outside Spain.

Madrid Fusion

FARMERS. She was a champion of farmers, organic agriculture and the slow food movement.

Farmers

Farmer

MARIETTA AWARD. Casa Artusi awarded her the Honorary Marietta Award for her contribution in spreading Italian cuisine to the Philippines. Did you know she was also a knight? Yes, Margarita was knighted by the Italian government in 2018 as Cavaliere dell'Ordine della Stella d'Italia, or Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy for promoting Italian food, wine and service.

Marietta award

Market in Italy

Market in Italy 2

in italy 3

green week

salon de gusto

at lolla singapore

filipinas at metronome

gallery by chele

with amado

with Amado 2

harrys bar

<p>Margarita Forés lived an extraordinary life. The highly-respected chef and restaurateur who was one of Asia’s most acclaimed chefs and a true global ambassador who brought Italian cuisine to the Philippines, and Filipino cuisine to the world. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:505px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739783799092portrait.4.jpeg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Margarita Forés</span></span></span></div><p>A scion of the wealthy and prominent Araneta family, she could have embraced a life of comfort and privilege. Instead, she forged her own path, opening restaurants—Cibo, Lusso by Margarita Forés, Grace Park, Museya Kafe, and The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria—that reflected her love for the dolce vita but also her dedication to showcasing Filipino ingredients and culinary culture.</p><p>Margarita was an early champion of Philippine cuisine and spoke frequently on the subject. Her efforts helped raise the profile of Philippine cuisine abroad and cultivate a deeper appreciation of it at home. She often brought together fellow chefs to promote cultural exchange and culinary diplomacy. She was a dedicated mentor, and her guidance helped nurture a new wave of culinary talent that celebrated and showcased Filipino heritage in kitchens across the Philippines and beyond. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:505px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739783852195Gallery by Chele X.1.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">With chef friends who collaborated at Gallery by Chile</span></span></span></div><p>She also parlayed her success into wider spheres, advocating for gastronomy to boost tourism and support local economies. She worked with the Philippines’ Departments of Agriculture and Tourism to establish and promote the Slow Food Movement. Additionally, she served as a UN Tourism Ambassador for Gastronomy.</p><p>Her talent and efforts have been widely recognized, earning her numerous accolades, including the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, the Cavaliere dell&#x27;Ordine della Stella d’Italia in 2018, and an honorary doctorate in entrepreneurial management from the Far Eastern University in 2023. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739783924372IMG_5293.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Beyond the cultural force that she was, Margarita will be remembered as a mother to Amado Fores, a doting caretaker to her many rescued cats, a loving sister, and a steadfast friend. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:505px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739783954813margarita &amp; amado.1.jpeg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">With son Amado</span></span></span></div><p>“My mom touched so many lives. Thank you all for the love and support you have given me and my family during this difficult time. Your kindness and the memories you&#x27;ve shared about my mom give me comfort and strength,&quot; says Amado Forés.</p><p>Her passion, precision, and generosity defined her. The flavors she loved, the standards she set, and the lives she touched will endure because Margarita never just cooked; she transformed. </p><p>Click through the gallery for glimpses of her extraordinary life.</p><div>[[PHOTO ALBUM]]</div>

<p>Margarita Forés lived an extraordinary life. The highly-respected chef and restaurateur who was one of Asia’s most acclaimed chefs and a true global ambassador who brought Italian cuisine to the Philippines, and Filipino cuisine to the world. </p>

Margarita Forés lived an extraordinary life. The highly-respected chef and restaurateur who was one of Asia’s most acclaimed chefs and a true global ambassador who brought Italian cuisine to the Philippines, and Filipino cuisine to the world.

IN PHOTOS: The Extraordinary Life Of Margarita Forés

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IN PHOTOS: The Extraordinary Life Of Margarita Forés

Metro.Style Team

Published February 15, 2025 12:25 AM PHT

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Updated February 18, 2025 10:11 AM PHT

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cibo

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