Celebrating Filipinas who made a mark in the Food Industry
In the male-dominating food industry, some women proved that we are not just female, but they can level up too to make a great contribution to the food industry. March is Women’s Month Celebration, so we are not letting this month go without showcasing the Filipina ladies who stood out to make a big impact in the Philippine Food Scene.
In this article, we’re championing women who made a huge step forward in the field of food.
Cristeta Comerford
Cristeta Comerford made history as the first-ever woman and Filipino-American to work as Minority Executive Chef in the White House. A University of the Philippines Diliman and Manila Science High School alumnus, Comerford was personally handpicked by former US first lady Michelle Obama and was the first Asian to achieve this post.
Pilar Valdes
Pilar Valdes is Drew Barrymore’s private chef, who’s also been a friend of the American actress. Valdes also owns a catering company in New York City (NYC) and has been a regular on the cooking segment of The Drew Barrymore Show.
Glenda Barretto
A famed restauranteur and author, did you know that Glenda Barretto invented adobo flakes? She started a seafood restaurant in her hometown in Samar and since then she’s been known to innovating Filipino dishes, serving presidents and princesses. Definitely, a high-profile chef to look up to.
Margarita Fores
Margarita Fores is known as the owner of Cibo, which she opened in 1997. Named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016, she also had a television show on CNN Philippines titled “Harvest,” where she travels around the country and engages with farmers. Fores now owns five restaurants, a culinary school, catering services, and a florist shop.
Johanne Siy
Hailing from Dagupan in Pangasinan, Johanne Siy received formal education at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. With her dedication and passion for cooking, she was later honored as Female Chef of the Year at the World Gourmet Awards (WGA) in Singapore. The said accolade recognizes exceptional people who perform outstanding service in the food and beverage industry.
Erica Paredes
A former gymnast, beauty editor, and writer, Erica Paredes started her culinary career in Michelin-starred restaurants. Her love for food made her decide to open a business called Reyna, a 32-seater Filipino restaurant in Paris, France, in 2022. Aubergine Kare-kare, Spatchcock quail with rosemary-calamansi sauce au Poivre, Sisig with truffles, Hainan Burrata with kecap manis, and Sinigang with scallops are only among her signature dishes.
Sylvia Reynoso-Gala
Sylvia Reynoso-Gala founded Reynoso Cooking School in Malate in 1963, and it still is open culinary art school up to this day. Well, only among her students are the founders of Goldilocks, Red Ribbon, and Purple Oven, which makes the Sylvia Reynoso- Gala Culinary Art Studio legendary.
Reggie Aspiras
Reggie Aspiras has definitely made a name for herself in the food industry. From owning Reggie’s Bistro, Aspiras also became a Chef Consultant for The United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Trade Office in Manila and is a member of the Council of Chefs under the USDA’s Fil-Am Food Heritage Foundation.
Jessie Sincioco
Owner of Chef Jessie’s Restaurants, Jessie Sincioco has already come a long way in the field of food for decades. One of her most remarkable services was being chosen as Pope Francis’ chef during his Manila visit in 2015.
Bettina Arguelles
Last but definitely not the least is Bettina Arguelles, who became the first-ever executive chef of a five-star international brand hotel at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. After pursuing her exemplary culinary career all over the world for 14 years, she came back to the famous world-class hotel in Manila.
It’s a pleasure for us to share some of the most amazing Filipinas in the food industry, both local and international, who thrived on being the best versions of themselves to deserve special honors.
Whether you received an award from a prestigious culinary organization, an average cook, a professional chef, or a stay-at-home mom, we’re proud of you! Cheers to all women around the world. We hold up half the sky. Happy Women’s Month, ladies!
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