The Philippine culinary community mourned the loss of Chef Margarita Araneta Forés, who passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 65 in Hong Kong.
Renowned for introducing authentic Italian cuisine to the Philippines, Forés left behind a legacy that has profoundly influenced the nation’s gastronomic landscape.
Born on March 23, 1959, to María Lourdes Araneta and Raul Forés, she was a scion of the Araneta family. Her grandfather, J. Amado Araneta, was a prominent industrialist, while her aunt, Judy Araneta Roxas, is the mother of former Senator Mar Roxas.
Margarita was also related to First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.
Despite her distinguished lineage, it was her culinary vision that made her a household name.
Forés’ culinary journey began in 1986 when she traveled to Italy for intensive training under seasoned chefs in Florence, Rome, and Milan. Immersing herself in traditional Italian techniques, she developed a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients and simple yet refined flavors.
This experience deepened her passion for Italian cuisine and equipped her with the expertise to revolutionize the Filipino dining scene.
In 1997, she founded Cibo, a modern Italian caffé-paninoteca that offered high-quality Italian cuisine accessible to Filipinos. Its success led to national expansion and the launch of other ventures, including Lusso, a luxury champagne and gastro bar, and Grace Park, a farm-to-table restaurant emphasizing sustainability.
Grace Park gained international recognition in 2024 after ranking 12th on Opinionated About Dining’s list of the Top Casual Restaurants in Asia.
Beyond restaurants, Forés extended her influence to television. She hosted Harvest with Margarita Forés on CNN Philippines, where she highlighted local ingredients, and My Italy with Margarita on Metro Channel, where she shared Italian culinary traditions.
She also appeared on Inspired with Anna Olson and CNN’s Culinary Journeys, further cementing her role as a cultural ambassador bridging Filipino and Italian gastronomy.
Throughout her career, Forés received numerous accolades. In 2016, she was named Asia’s Best Female Chef by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. In 2018, the Italian government awarded her the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia for promoting Italian cuisine in the Philippines.
A year after, the United Nations appointed her as an Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism.
Affectionately known as “Gaita,” she was survived by her son, restaurateur Amado Forés. Her enduring influence on Filipino and international cuisine remains unparalleled, inspiring chefs and food lovers worldwide.
