Margarita Fores 

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.

Her son, Amado Fores, shared the devastating news on social media with a statement: 

“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.”

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 Metro Channel, where she had a show titled My Italy With Margarita.

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.

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.

Lead photo from @margaritafores