Grace Libero

Article (news)

Tribute to Chef Margarita Fores

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739269781166466114140_18471106081047895_3493360883108162307_n.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Margarita Fores </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>The Philippine culinary industry will never be the same again as the news of award-winning chef and restaurateur Margarita Fores’ passing sent shockwaves to loved ones, dear friends, and colleagues. She passed away at 65.</p><p>Her son, Amado Fores, shared the devastating news on social media with a statement: </p><p>“Dear Friends and Family, It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Fores. Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time.”</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6TQOICu3U9/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=971&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A16904241.400000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="879" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" 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>The renowned chef behind dining favorites Cibo, Lusso, Grace Park, Alta, and The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria made an indelible mark in the industry through her innovative dining concepts influenced by Italian and Filipino cuisines. She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 as part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and continued to expand her portfolio in the dining and culinary scene and occasionally lent her expertise and presence to <strong>Metro Channel</strong>, where she had a show titled <strong><em>My Italy With Margarita</em></strong><em></em><strong></strong>.</p><p>Born to Raul Fores and Maria Lourdes Araneta on March 23, 1959, Gaita, as she is fondly known, pursued a degree in Accountancy but her move to Hong Kong in the early ‘80s inspired her to experiment with cooking. In 1986, Gaita went to Italy to study Italian cuisine with the help of three Italian chefs. After her training, she went back to the Philippines and kicked off her culinary adventures initially as a caterer and opened her first Cibo restaurant in 1997. And, the rest, as they say, is history.</p><p>Apart from her valuable work and contribution to the Philippine culinary landscape, Chef Gaita also served as an inspiration after battling with and surviving thyroid cancer in 2006.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ECVP5wQ9RAA?si=tn94SrYu2YSRz_dr" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photo from <strong>@margaritafores</strong></p>

<p>The nation mourns the loss of Filipina culinary icon Margarita “Gaita” Fores.</p>

The nation mourns the loss of Filipina culinary icon Margarita “Gaita” Fores.

Margarita Forés: Honoring the Life of a Filipina Culinary Legend

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

People

Margarita Forés: Honoring the Life of a Filipina Culinary Legend

Grace Diez

Published February 11, 2025 06:30 PM PHT

|

Updated February 12, 2025 12:24 AM PHT

Read More:

People

Margarita Fores

Food

Culinary

Metro Channel

Tribute

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.