The food industry has lost one of its brightest stars.
Margarita Forés, the celebrated Filipino chef known for bringing authentic Italian cuisine to the Philippines, has passed away at the age of 65.
She was found unresponsive in her Hong Kong hotel room after missing a scheduled lunch meeting, as reported by the Manila Standard.
Her sudden passing has left the culinary world in mourning.
A Son’s Heartfelt Tribute
Forés’ son, Amado, confirmed the heartbreaking news through a social media post.
“Dear Friends and Family, it is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. 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. With gratitude, Amado.”
From Accounting to Award-Winning Chef
Margarita Forés did not start her career in the kitchen.
Initially trained as a public accountant, she later found her true passion in cooking.
She developed a deep love for Italian cuisine while working in New York and decided to pursue culinary training in Italy.
That decision led her to a remarkable career that earned her the title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.
The Legacy of Cibo and Beyond
In 1997, Forés opened Cibo, an Italian restaurant that quickly became a household name in the Philippines.
What started as a single establishment grew into more than 20 locations across the country.
She had a clear vision—to bring authentic yet affordable Italian food to the Filipino dining scene while keeping it a homegrown brand.
A Life of Passion and Hard Work
Forés’ love for food was evident in every dish she created.
She once shared in an interview with Tatler Asia that as she reached 65, she was considering winding down after decades of dedication to her craft. “I have worked so hard already.
So, what I really want to do is wind down a little bit and travel more,” she revealed.
A Journey That Started in New York
Born into a prominent family, Forés pursued her studies in the United States, attending the Marymount School and Mount Holyoke College in New York.
Although she initially pursued a career in finance, she felt unfulfilled and eventually returned to New York City, where she found herself surrounded by influential figures, including John F. Kennedy Jr.
Her decision to switch careers was influenced by personal loss. Following the death of her grandfather in 1985, she felt a calling to make a change in her life.
She traveled to Italy to study Italian cuisine, an experience that would shape her future in the culinary world.
Competing with Global Restaurant Chains
When Forés launched Cibo, she was determined to prove that a Filipino-owned restaurant could compete with international franchises like TGIFriday’s and Hard Rock Cafe.
She wanted to create an establishment that offered quality food at a fair price while keeping the business within the country.
“I remember when I started Cibo in 1997, I was very clear: I wanted it in a mall setting.
I wanted it to offer value for money, and I wanted the food to be truly authentic—the way it’s done in Italy,” she once shared in an interview. “At the same time, I also wanted it to be a Filipino creation.”
A Community in Mourning
Since news of her passing broke, tributes have poured in from fans, colleagues, and fellow chefs.
One supporter wrote, “Your mother’s warmth and the love she poured into her cooking touched so many lives.
Her incredible talent as a chef, and the meals she shared, will always be remembered with fondness and appreciation.”
Another added, “I’m at such a loss for words.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Amado. I am so sorry.”
A Son Carrying on Her Legacy
Amado Forés has followed in his mother’s footsteps, working at the Filipino restaurant Jeepney in New York City after completing his college education.
In a recent Tatler Asia interview, he expressed his desire to continue his mother’s work.
“One of my biggest dreams is to translate my mom’s vision more, to slowly take over her restaurants while keeping her identity, or rather the soul of what she does, but adding my touch.”
A Lasting Impact on the Culinary World
Margarita Forés’ contributions to the food industry will never be forgotten.
She not only transformed the Philippine dining scene but also inspired countless aspiring chefs to follow their passion.
Her journey from finance to fine dining serves as a testament to the power of reinvention and dedication.
Though she is gone, her legacy will continue to thrive through the flavors she introduced, the restaurants she built, and the family she inspired.
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