Margarita brought the flavours of Italy to the Philippines and her infectious obsession for Italian cuisine seasoned every tasty creation. As the Cibo and catering empire grew, and as Pepato broke into the scene, her status and rise to chef were cemented. As a child, I remember Tita Margarita catering in our home and seeing her toiling away in the kitchen throughout the night. Later on, I recall her bursting through the kitchen doors of Pepato (a brilliant concept that was ahead of its time) in her chef-whites, as she would go around the room to greet guests. At every wedding I’ve attended where she handled the food, not once did I notice her sitting down. Instead, she was continuously checking preparations, tasting and ensuring that everything was to her standards. Her hands-on nature is the secret sauce that energised all of her projects and had people flocking back, time and time again.

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Beyond her Italian love affair, she grew curious and became totally enchanted by our very own country. Today, she is known as a pioneer for modern Filipino fare and fine dining as a champion for local produce and the slow food movement. Margarita elevated how our cuisine was perceived not only by us Filipinos but also by the world. Through her elegant catering services, she prepared stunning tasting menus, charming tablescapes, and breathtaking floral arrangements that set new standards. By doing what she loved most, she taught diners about the endless possibilities of what could be done with local produce, and new ways to experience our flavours. The remarkable growth of new-Filipino cuisine would not have been possible without the bricks she laid. Chef Margarita travelled around the country to learn about heritage ingredients and the nuances of our people in order to create the most meaningful food. As a proud Filipina, she eagerly combined a taste of home with her beloved Italy, presenting innovative dishes with toothsome twists and turns.

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As a culinarian, she broke down barriers and paved the path not only for what Filipino food would become today, but also for all chefs wanting to test new waters or dip their toes into the F&B industry—especially for women. In a male-dominated field, she persevered. Margarita did not stop at making her presence felt—challenges be damned, she came out on top. So much so that she was crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016 and celebrated worldwide for her accomplishments. She touched the lives of many, both here and abroad, from the deep friendships she formed within the F&B world to her countless diners who have made lasting milestone memories over her food.

When it came to the F&B community, she was the queen. Margarita was known to love a great collaboration, not just to get to work and bond with her peers but also to feed her continuous pursuit of knowledge. She happily and wholeheartedly shared her learnings and her resources, mothering our tight-knit community. From dear friends to complete strangers, without question, Margarita would lend a hand in the name of food. By nature, she was a giver. She’d take it upon herself to tour foreign guests around the city and was always a graceful ambassador for our culture. In fact, whenever she travelled, Margarita would always bring bottles of her favourite taba ng talangka as a gift for chefs and new friends to share a taste of the Philippines. 

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However she was much more than just a chef, she was also a mother, a sister, and a greatly cherished friend. Her exuberant laugh captivated a room. Her optimistic outlook on life enriched those around her. Ultimately, her goal was to help others and to make people happy, and she did just that. This is exactly why she loved F&B and hospitality so much: to put it simply, it made her happy to make us happy. Thank you for making us all smile and inspiring greatness. I hope you knew how much you meant to so many people. Every time we pour a glass of white wine or chance upon a funky pepper mill, we will think of you, fondly. We promise to stay hungry and to eat with gusto. You’ll always have a seat at the table.

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