Remembering Margarita Forés: Chefs Pay Tribute to Their Colleague and Friend | ABS-CBN
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Remembering Margarita Forés: Chefs Pay Tribute to Their Colleague and Friend
Remembering Margarita Forés: Chefs Pay Tribute to Their Colleague and Friend
Grace Libero
Published Feb 12, 2025 11:25 AM PHT
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Updated Feb 12, 2025 11:27 AM PHT
Chef Margarita Forés
Chef Margarita ForésThe Philippines is mourning the sudden death of Margarita Forés. The award-winning chef and restaurateur passed away at 65, as confirmed by her son, Amado in a social media post on February 11. Named Asia's Best Female Chef 2016, Margarita is the woman behind the catering company Cibo Di M and restaurants like Cibo, Grace Park, and Lusso.
The Philippines is mourning the sudden death of Margarita Forés. The award-winning chef and restaurateur passed away at 65, as confirmed by her son, Amado in a social media post on February 11. Named Asia's Best Female Chef 2016, Margarita is the woman behind the catering company Cibo Di M and restaurants like Cibo, Grace Park, and Lusso.
She was well-known and well-loved for her food, but the tributes pouring in to honor her memory give glimpses of how much she's also loved for her passion and positivity not just in the culinary circle locally but also internationally.
She was well-known and well-loved for her food, but the tributes pouring in to honor her memory give glimpses of how much she's also loved for her passion and positivity not just in the culinary circle locally but also internationally.
Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu of the Happy Concept Group's Pamana, Lé Chon, and Tsokolateria remembered Chef Margarita, writing, "Today, we lost an incredible soul who has inspired so many in the food and beverage industry. Your passion and dedication will live on through all of us. You have always been an inspiration to me and will always be! Your legacy will never be forgotten, dear Gaita. Rest well, my idol! Cook up a feast in heaven, and know that you will be deeply missed."
Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu of the Happy Concept Group's Pamana, Lé Chon, and Tsokolateria remembered Chef Margarita, writing, "Today, we lost an incredible soul who has inspired so many in the food and beverage industry. Your passion and dedication will live on through all of us. You have always been an inspiration to me and will always be! Your legacy will never be forgotten, dear Gaita. Rest well, my idol! Cook up a feast in heaven, and know that you will be deeply missed."
In his tribute, chef Chele Gonzalez of Galley by Chele and Asador Alfonso shared that he can't believe his friend is no longer around. "As I went through photos, I was reminded of all the amazing adventures we had— from Bacolod to so many parts of the Philippines, to Italy (your beloved Italy), and many other places around the world. You welcomed me into your life with warmth and friendship. Thank you for everything you gave me. You were deeply loved and will be so missed, but now it’s time for you to rest in peace. I will always remember your smile, your positive energy, and the joy you spread. And in this photo, I’ll cherish one more sunset with you."
In his tribute, chef Chele Gonzalez of Galley by Chele and Asador Alfonso shared that he can't believe his friend is no longer around. "As I went through photos, I was reminded of all the amazing adventures we had— from Bacolod to so many parts of the Philippines, to Italy (your beloved Italy), and many other places around the world. You welcomed me into your life with warmth and friendship. Thank you for everything you gave me. You were deeply loved and will be so missed, but now it’s time for you to rest in peace. I will always remember your smile, your positive energy, and the joy you spread. And in this photo, I’ll cherish one more sunset with you."
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Chef Miko Calo of Taquería FRANCO, lazy oeuf, and mediumwelldone said that Chef Margarita made an impact on her career and was not only a mentor but also a friend to her. She wrote on Instagram, "You have been and always will be an inspiration for Filipina chefs. We will continue what you’ve started. We are here, Chef @margaritafores and we will keep the fire burning. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Rest in power."
Chef Miko Calo of Taquería FRANCO, lazy oeuf, and mediumwelldone said that Chef Margarita made an impact on her career and was not only a mentor but also a friend to her. She wrote on Instagram, "You have been and always will be an inspiration for Filipina chefs. We will continue what you’ve started. We are here, Chef @margaritafores and we will keep the fire burning. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Rest in power."
Chef Vicky Cheng—who owns restaurants in Hong Kong such as VEA, Wing, Medora, Liz & Tori, and K—is "speechless and completely heartbroken." Chef Margarita died in Hong Kong, and Chef Vicky's last memory of her was her inviting him for a nightcap: "Why is life so not fair!!? I was just speaking to you yesterday, you asked me to go out for a night cap…. And I said I had an early morning I couldn’t come out…. I didn’t know it was the last time you were ever going to ask me. 'Oh no worries! Will always be back to see you!…' this was the last message you sent me. In our next life, I want you to feed me Filipino fruits again, cook tgt, and make you clay pot rice again. The (culinary) world just lost one of the kindest person ever existed."
Chef Vicky Cheng—who owns restaurants in Hong Kong such as VEA, Wing, Medora, Liz & Tori, and K—is "speechless and completely heartbroken." Chef Margarita died in Hong Kong, and Chef Vicky's last memory of her was her inviting him for a nightcap: "Why is life so not fair!!? I was just speaking to you yesterday, you asked me to go out for a night cap…. And I said I had an early morning I couldn’t come out…. I didn’t know it was the last time you were ever going to ask me. 'Oh no worries! Will always be back to see you!…' this was the last message you sent me. In our next life, I want you to feed me Filipino fruits again, cook tgt, and make you clay pot rice again. The (culinary) world just lost one of the kindest person ever existed."
Here are more tributes from Margarita's fellow chefs:
Pizza master Chef Stefano Canosci
"King of Carbonara:" Chef Luciano Monosilio
Chef Agustin Ferrando Balbi of Ando
Chef Marco Xodo of TESTINA
Chef Jorge Mendez of Mōdan
Chef Palash Mitra of New Punjab Club, Rajasthan Rifles, and Prince and the Peacock
Lead photo from @margaritafores
Lead photo from @margaritafores
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