MARGARITA FORES, The Philippine STAR

Named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2016, Margarita Fores was the caterer of choice for visiting dignitaries. In her late 20s, she pursued her passion for cooking in Italy. Aside from Cibo, which changed Manila’s dining culture, she also ran Lusso, Grace Park, and The Loggia at Palacio de Memoria. She was knighted by the Italian government and was named United Nations Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism. A two-time cancer survivor, she was a proud mentor and mother to Amado Fores, who opened A Mano.