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From restauranteurs to chefs and bakers, these men and women have made an indelible mark on the culinary scene
It would come as no surprise to realise that you've come across these people before. Maybe not in person, but the talents of these exceptional tastemakers have truly left their mark on the sensorial palates of most in the metro. Meet the 2024 Tastemakers that have made their way onto the prestigious Asia's Most Influential List. From restauranteurs to chefs and tech innovators, these are the people who have touched the lives of many through delicious food and extraordinary service. Who knows? You may even have celebrated some of life's most precious moments with their team or their menu.
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Antonio Escalante
Above Much of Antonio Escalante's charm undoubtedly comes from the sincere appreciation of his roots (Photo: Sonny Thakur)
Much of Antonio Escalante's charm undoubtedly comes from the sincere appreciation of his roots (Photo: Sonny Thakur)
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Those who frequent Tagaytay City are undoubtedly familiar with Antonio Escalante’s many successful dining concepts. From the inimitable Antonio’s, a verifiable gold standard for fine dining in the Philippines, to Filipino favourite Balay Dako and brunch mainstay Breakfast at Antonio’s, diners find themselves purposefully driving down to Tagaytay to taste the revered chef and restaurateur’s delightful menu. They come for the food but stay for the experience of sampling the restaurant’s signature dishes in a relaxed and nostalgic space.
Much of the chef’s charm undoubtedly comes from the sincere appreciation of his roots. Growing up in the province of Bacolod has given him an appreciation for the idylls that are rarely seen but often sought after in the city. In 2023, he opened the doors to Antonio’s at PGA Cars his flagship dining destination to Mandaluyong City. Breakfast at Antonio’s followed suit with a new outlet at Robinsons Magnolia, while Pedro the Grocer swiftly expanded with recent locations at White Plains and Robinsons Magnolia.
Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo
Above Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo is behind Wildflour Hospitality Group is aiming for greater heights
Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo is behind Wildflour Hospitality Group is aiming for greater heights
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The female entrepreneur behind Wildflour Hospitality Group is aiming for greater heights. Even with her impressive portfolio—which includes Wildflour Restaurant, Wild Flour Italian, George and Onnie’s, Little Flour Café + Bakery, Pink’s, Pizza Sisters, Hotel Bar and Farmacy Ice Cream—the acclaimed restaurateur is setting up a Japanese dining concept. She also shares that the group is strengthening its partnerships with women-led community farms.
Still soaring from recent successes, de Ocampo further emphasises her group’s commitment to sharing and creating fresh takes on locally beloved cuisine that emulates a home-cooked meal’s comfort, love and care.
Jordy Navarra
Above Jordy Navarra, head chef and owner of Toyo Eatery and Panaderya Toyo
Jordy Navarra, head chef and owner of Toyo Eatery and Panaderya Toyo
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Being a chef comes with a unique set of challenges. Still, Jordy Navarra, head chef and owner of Toyo Eatery and Panaderya Toyo, manages to overcome them and remain triumphant. To champion both sustainability and Filipino cuisine, Navarra has earned a name for himself by helming one of Asia’s finest dining concepts. Toyo Eatery entered the orbit of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, first in 2018 when it earned a special mention as One to Watch. Since then, his restaurant has become a regular feature on the body’s annual lists. In 2023, it cemented its title as the country’s best (for the fourth time) now, impressively ranking at No. 42 in Asia and taking home the Flor De Caña Sustainable Restaurant Award 2023.
Navarra instils a sense of pride through every bite with a genuine passion for respect for local flavours, ingredients and artisans, inviting guests to learn more about the country’s rich history and culinary tradition.
Eric Thomas Dee
Above Foodee Global Concepts COO and co-founder of Kravers Canteen Eric Thomas Dee
Foodee Global Concepts COO and co-founder of Kravers Canteen Eric Thomas Dee
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Foodee Global Concepts COO and co-founder of Kravers Canteen Eric Thomas Dee incorporates modern innovations to elevate the food and beverage industry. By adapting to the industry’s dynamic environment, Dee navigates his company throughpost-pandemic times with finesse.
Dee continuously seeks the following growth strategy after establishing Kravers Canteen, a pioneering cloud kitchen in the Philippines. Since the re-opening of the Philippine economy after the pandemic lockdowns, the Kravers concept has grown to include Kravers Food Hall, the Philippines’ first virtual food hall, offering a diverse menu in self-heating containers to deliver a unique dining experience. The next phase for Dee’s businesses is sustaining growth for his newest acquisition: The Six Pack Chef service.
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Margarita Manzke
Above Margarita Manzke and husband, fellow chef Walter Manzke, are making waves in the US, even earning a Michelin star along the way
Margarita Manzke and husband, fellow chef Walter Manzke, are making waves in the US, even earning a Michelin star along the way
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After being nominated for the James Beard award eight times, this Filipina pastry chef finally brought home the bacon in 2023. Margarita Manzke was among those recognised for achievements in the culinary industry, earning the title Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker by the James Beard Foundation. Though she could not attend the awards ceremony—also called “the Oscars of Food”—in person, Margarita holds her accolade dearly, representing the Philippines and her talented family through her many food ventures in the US and the country.
She and husband, fellow chef Walter Manzke, are making waves in the US, even earning a Michelin star along the way; while in the Philippines, Margarita and sister Ana Lorenzana-De Ocampo established Wildflour Café + Bakery. The Wildflour Group, a top player in the country’s F&B industry, has not only built a diversified portfolio but looks forward to creating, executing and maintaining several cloud kitchens and new restaurant concepts.
Margarita Forés
Above Margarita Forés has earned prestigious accolades that have brought pride to herself and the country
Margarita Forés has earned prestigious accolades that have brought pride to herself and the country
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Margarita Forés, who brought us cult favourites such as Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park, is a multi-faceted chef and entrepreneur who began her journey in the dining industry in 1997 with Cibo. The restaurant has branches throughout the country, offering patrons comforting Italian cuisine in a modern yet cosy atmosphere.
Decades later, Forés has earned prestigious accolades that have brought pride to herself and the country. She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 and was granted the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) in 2018. She also became the United Nations Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism in 2019.
Chele González
Above Chele González, the chef and owner of the namesake deli and restaurant Gallery by Chele, and Deli by Chele
Chele González, the chef and owner of the namesake deli and restaurant Gallery by Chele, and Deli by Chele
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This Spanish-born chef has become a favourite among Filipino fine diners. Chele González, the chef and owner of the namesake deli and restaurant Gallery by Chele, and Deli by Chele has honed his craft in some of the world’s best kitchens, including El Bulli, Mugaritz, and El Celler de Can Roca. Since then, he decided to share his knowledge in the Philippines, perfecting his craft while catering to the local palate.
In recognition of his numerous accomplishments, González was awarded Tatler Dining’s highly coveted Chef of the Year title in 2023. Restless and vibrant as ever, the charismatic personality celebrated the ten-year milestone of Gallery by Chele in November 2023.
Chris Po
Above Chris Po, executive chairman of Century Pacific Food, Inc. and chairman of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc.
Chris Po, executive chairman of Century Pacific Food, Inc. and chairman of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc.
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Chris Po, executive chairman of Century Pacific Food, Inc. and chairman of Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., is finding ways to ensure his brands remain relevant amidst the changing times. Helming two of the most familiar culinary brands in the Philippines, Po maintains that the quality of their products must be consistent with catering to the many Filipino families who have come to know and love their offerings.
Diversifying while remaining true to their values, Century Pacific Food’s core products and the inclusion of vegan offerings in Shakey’s menus meant to satisfy the appetites of those cutting back on animal products have proven Po and his team’s willingness to embrace the dynamic habits of the Filipino consumer.
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Tony Tan Caktiong
Above Tony Tan Caktiong is the founder, executive chairman, chairman of the board and chief taste officer of Jollibee Foods Corporation
Tony Tan Caktiong is the founder, executive chairman, chairman of the board and chief taste officer of Jollibee Foods Corporation
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The beloved Filipino fast food brand Jollibee is more than just a familiar name—it has become a cultural icon. Tony Tan Caktiong— founder, executive chairman, chairman of the board and chief taste officer of Jollibee Foods Corporation— transformed a little burger-and-ice cream parlour in Cubao into one of the biggest food-and-beverage success stories in the world. Shaping and catering to the Filipino palate, Tan Caktiong has proved that he has mastered the Filipino palate at home and abroad.
As of 2023, the Jollibee Group now encompasses 18 brands across 34 countries, making it a world leader in the F&B sector. Aside from beloved local chains like Jollibee, Chinese fast food purveyor Chowking, barbecued chicken brand Mang Inasal, and Greenwich Pizza, the group includes globally known entities like dim sum chain Din Tai Fung, Seattle-based coffee bar The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Japanese udon chain Yoshinoya.
