Cover (From left to right) Antonio “Tony” Co, Chef Margarita Forès, Carlos Co, and Chris Co (Photo: EAT Public Relations)
(From left to right) Antonio “Tony” Co, Chef Margarita Forès, Carlos Co, and Chris Co (Photo: EAT Public Relations)
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If you ever find yourself in the south, take a gastronomic detour to Arete Tagaytay, a luxury hotel and resort with bespoke catering services by none other than chef Margarita Forés
Arete is the Greek term for ‘excellence’ and ‘virtue’, concepts that resonate deeply with the services Arete Tagaytay aims to offer its future guests (as the property is set to have its grand opening later this 2025). Press members were flown to preview this newly established luxury hotel in the south on a 20-minute helicopter ride, excited to explore the property and be introduced to their culinary programme which will be headed by none other than chef Margarita Forés.
The group behind Arete Tagaytay are Antonio Co (president and CEO), and his sons Carlo Co (COO) and Christopher Co (director of marketing). As a team, they strive for innovation and individual empowerment to ensure that their latest project, Arete, will be Tagaytay’s prime getaway destination. As seasoned players in the hospitality industry, we asked Antonio what makes for an excellent hotel experience: “An outstanding resort or hotel experience seamlessly combines superior accommodations, exceptional service, and a serene, picturesque setting. To uphold these high standards, we are currently offering our event spaces exclusively for celebrations and events. This ensures we deliver an unparalleled experience during our grand opening. We are dedicated to providing a premier experience that exceeds expectations,” he states.
“What truly sets us apart is our unparalleled, uninterrupted view of Taal Volcano and Lake, which offers a captivating experience. Guests can indulge in a world-class gastronomic journey crafted by renowned chefs like Margarita Forés, seamlessly blending natural beauty with exceptional cuisine for an elegant dining experience,” shares Antonio.
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Above Arete Tagaytay resort’s F&B will be headed by Chef Margarita Forès (Photo: EAT Public Relations)
Arete Tagaytay resort’s F&B will be headed by Chef Margarita Forès (Photo: EAT Public Relations)
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Antonio explains that he had always been keen on working with Forés. In fact, the group had previously met with her to discuss the possibility of her joining their luxury beachfront property, Aqua Boracay, but logistical challenges prevented the collaboration from proceeding. This time, the pieces are falling together seamlessly and showing signs of quite a tasty future.
With Arete, they wanted to announce their partnership with chef Margarita Forés before the 2025 opening to build excitement for what guests can expect from this new destination. Not only will they be a resort primed for serene and relaxing getaways but one that turns the spotlight to excellent F&B. “The partnership underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional services to our guests and setting the stage for what the guests can expect from us come 2025,” Antonio comments.
For decades, Forés’s catering company has remained consistently delicious as it masterfully brings people’s biggest milestones and special moments to life with the support of her showstopping food. Her many restaurants (Grace Park, Lusso, and Cibo) have stood the test of time and have become staples in our industry. This chef’s seasoned hand, expertise, and keen handle on Filipino and Italian flavours have cemented her name in the history books of our country for her pioneering work in pushing the narrative of Filipino food forward, combined with her deep-rooted passion for Italian culinary ethos. In fact, Forés has been celebrated globally as she was dubbed Asia’s Best Filipino Chef in 2016.
Above Chef Margarita Forés welcomes guests at Arete Tagaytay
Chef Margarita Forés welcomes guests at Arete Tagaytay
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“After experiencing the space myself, Arete was a revelation. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of catering many events in Tagaytay at various venues. The opportunity to work exclusively in a property that I consider one of the most beautifully constructed in Tagaytay is truly a priceless opportunity,” Forés explains.
This celebrated chef will focus on event catering at Arete, taking care of their banquet operations for all their special events. The stunning property (designed by architects Ed Ledesma and Brian Tan), offers a variety of open and closed spaces suitable for all types of getaways, experiences, and events from the intimate to the extravagant. Their style blends modern luxury with Filipino architecture and nature too, making use of what Tagaytay has to offer. This ties in quite seamlessly with the food that chef Forés is lauded for: her expertise in refined and nostalgic Filipino fare and delicious Italian creations. However, now she is even adding to her wheelhouse: “The cornerstone menus of Margarita Signature Caterer will always be available for our event clients. However, at Areté, we can offer a broader selection of menus, including traditional Italian and Spanish cuisine, modern Filipino-Italian dishes, and even Japanese options,” she shares.
Above Arete Tagaytay provides a scenic view of the Taal lake
Arete Tagaytay provides a scenic view of the Taal lake
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“Arete Tagaytay seamlessly combines natural beauty with an exclusive gastronomic experience. Every detail is meticulously crafted for unforgettable celebrations, epitomising exclusivity and elegance,” Antonio remarks.
The resort will have its grand opening this 2025 and is set to partner with top architects like Felino Palafox and Ed Calma for its expansions and developments. “With the changing times, Arete welcomes innovations and transformations, making it a ‘stand-out’ in the market. In the near future, we aim to offer more personalised services, where the guest can splurge into a wellness retreat and healing haven too,” Antonio adds.
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Above Pili-crusted hojaldres, smoked Laguna cheese foam, langka and pink guava, Philippine cinnamon and vanilla creme anglaise by Margarita Forés
Above Braised and grilled Angus short rib adobo white balsamico adobo jus, papaya and nata de coco atchara, heirloom brown rice sinangang ang dried mango in banana leaf cones, kalabasa flowers and sigarilyas guisado by Margarita Forés
Pili-crusted hojaldres, smoked Laguna cheese foam, langka and pink guava, Philippine cinnamon and vanilla creme anglaise by Margarita Forés
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“Looking forward to its grand opening in 2025, Arete is opening its doors to partnering with the nation’s top architects, such as architects Felino Palafox, and Ed Calma for its expansions and developments,” Antonio reiterates.
On top of that, we learned that once the development is fully open, chef Margarita Forés and her team will begin developing restaurant concepts and in-room dining options for Arete too. Margarita Signature Caterer sees its collaboration with Arete Tagaytay as an opportunity to push the boundaries of its creativity and eagerly anticipates the chance to design unique services unlike any it has done before.
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About
Isabel loves to learn, and see things from different perspectives. Connecting with people and engaging in new experiences to broaden her horizons is what inspires this storyteller, keeping her constantly curious, and excited for what's to come. An absolute love for all things F&B ignited a hunger to devour content from this world and keeps her jumping into tasty adventures around the globe. From the beauty of simple bites, to nuanced fine dining tasting menus, street food, and the art of entertaining, the multi-faceted nature of the dining experience is something she can't get enough of. A good cup of coffee or a glass of wine paired with a dash of witty conversation is a quick way to win her over. This editor loves travelling, food, music, skincare, fitness, and is only friends with people who love dogs. Guilty pleasure?: Binge-watching TV shows and movies she has already seen.
Work
Concept creation is the name of the game and branding takes centre stage in Isabel's day-to-day schedule. From producing shoots, conceptualising bespoke projects for our partners, relationship management, to cooking up features and events for Tatler Dining, this editor is a tried and tested foodie at heart. She mainly writes content for Tatler Dining, engaging in captivating discussions with restaurateurs, chefs, producers, and food enthusiasts to tell must-know stories. Aside from that Isabel manages Tatler Dining's flagship events like Off Menu, or Cocktail Festival and puts together the Tatler Dining Guide, our annual listing of the best eats around town.
Follow her on Instagram @isabelvmf.
