Cover Amado Forés, who is now the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of CIBO, shares a photo of himself and his late mother, chef Margarita Forés
Amado Forés, who is now the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of CIBO, shares a photo of himself and his late mother, chef Margarita Forés
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Here’s how Amado, Carmela and Mercedes Forés intend to keep chef Margarita’s legacy alive
Chef Margarita Forés’s powerful legacy will carry on in capable hands. This was made clear when her son Amado, his wife Carmela and their cousin Mercedes Forés revealed their new roles with the group. Amado, founder of AF Hospitality (AFH)—the group behind beloved concepts like A Mano, Ramen Ron and Steak & Frice—just announced the expansion of the brand collective to now include Lusso, Grace Park and Margarita Florals.
In an intimate dining event with the press, Amado shared that the past few months have been a time for deep reflection for him and his family. “Many of you knew my mum, Margarita Forés, as a force: in the kitchen, in business, in life. Her mission was simple: to make the world more beautiful and delicious for others, and she did it best through food,” he said.
The decision to embrace his mother’s brands has understandably stirred deep emotions in the still-grieving Amado. Yet, he insisted there is profound honour in preserving chef Margarita’s mission, especially alongside trusted and dedicated family members.
“As we bring all these beloved brands together, you can expect new and exciting things, but at the heart of every decision will be one constant: my mother’s legacy. That will never be compromised.”
In case you missed it: Amado and Margarita Forés share the story behind their success in the Philippine culinary industry
Above (L-R) Carmela Forés, Amado Forés and Mercedes Forés (Photo: Jove Moya)
(L-R) Carmela Forés, Amado Forés and Mercedes Forés (Photo: Jove Moya)
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Amado, who is now serving as president and chief executive officer of CIBO, acknowledged that his mother’s confidant, Jorge Mendez remains at the helm as executive chef and will also assume the role of director of research and development. “Their relationship was built on deep trust, mutual respect and a simple shared love for food,” he explained.
He added that Margarita Signature Caterer would come under CIBO’s wing moving forward. As part of the handover, they had thoughtfully decided not to pursue the opening of Margarita, the restaurant once slated for Ayala Triangle.
“Together with the amazing team my mom built, we will carry CIBO forward while staying true to the vision and values she held close—this was not a decision we made lightly. It comes from a place of deep responsibility and even deeper love. These brands are more than just businesses; they are living expressions of who my mother was and what she stood for,” he said.
More from Tatler: Celebrating the flavourful life of chef Margarita Forés
Serving more Filipinos
Above To celebrate CIBO’s 28th year, the brand will now expand beyond Metro Manila, with new stores opening in Iloilo, La Union and Baguio (Photo: courtesy of CIBO)
To celebrate CIBO’s 28th year, the brand will now expand beyond Metro Manila, with new stores opening in Iloilo, La Union and Baguio (Photo: courtesy of CIBO)
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Mercedes, who had joined CIBO in November 2024, brought with her a rich background in the food industry, having handled sales and marketing for Hijo Fresh, a hydroponic farm that supplied select produce to hotels, restaurants and retailers across Metro Manila and Davao.
Formerly the company’s Marketing and research and development director, she was set to assume the role of chief operating officer, taking over from Edgar Allan Caper, who had stepped into the position of managing director.
“In so many ways, I grew up alongside CIBO, literally and figuratively. Funny enough, our first branch opened the same year I was born. In 2012, I spent my summer working in the kitchens of CIBO Rockwell, back when there were two branches still. It is truly a full-circle moment for me to have officially joined the CIBO family,” Mercedes said.
Related: New at Lusso: Margarita Forés launches afternoon tea service
Above Mercedes Forés said that the group will be launching Makanai, a Japanese concept developed in collaboration with Chef Mendez (Photo: Jove Moya)
Above Mercedes Forés, having worked as CIBO’s marketing and R&D director, will take on the role of chief operating officer, succeeding Caper. (Photo: Jove Moya)
Mercedes Forés said that the group will be launching Makanai, a Japanese concept developed in collaboration with Chef Mendez (Photo: Jove Moya)
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To celebrate CIBO’s 28th year in the dining industry, Mercedes revealed that the brand will now expand beyond Metro Manila, with new stores opening in Iloilo, La Union and Baguio.
She added that the group had been especially excited about the upcoming launch of Makanai, a Japanese concept developed in collaboration with Chef Mendez, set to open in August at West Gallery, BGC. The idea took its cue from the tradition of shared staff meals: honest, comforting dishes created to be enjoyed together.
“There’s so much to look forward to, and with Amado’s creative leadership and the incredible strength of our team, we’re excited for what lies ahead across all our brands,” Mercedes said.
Moving forward
Above Carmela Forés and Amado Forés
Carmela Forés and Amado Forés
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The future is bright for the rest of AF Hospitality. Carmela, its managing director, happily shared that a mano had recently claimed 9th place in the Asia-Pacific category of the World’s 100 Top Pizza Awards.
“This September, Amado and I are off to Naples. [This marks] a truly exciting moment for a mano as it continues to uphold the highest standard for Neapolitan pizza in the Philippines,” Carmela said.
Meanwhile, Grace Park, which is celebrated for its soulful take on chef Margarita’s home cooking and recipes, had recently drawn international attention with a feature on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. “We have even more exciting developments brewing for the brand soon as it continues to champion Filipino cuisine.”
Turning to Lusso, the brand marked its 16th anniversary that year, expanding its original Greenbelt 5 venue to accommodate more guests. At the same time, plans were underway for 2026, with Ramen Ron and Steak & Frice set to open their third and second locations, respectively.
“These developments truly reflect the passion that drives AF Hospitality, and we're so grateful for your continued support,” Carmela concluded.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
