Remembering Chef Gaita: Celebrities and culinary peers pay tribute to Margarita Forés
Celebrities are paying tribute to Margarita Forés after the renowned restaurateur and chef died on Feb. 11. She was 65.
"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," her son, Amado, confirmed on Instagram.
News of her passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from industry peers on social media platforms.
Her restaurant CIBO shared a message on social media: "We honor the life and legacy of our founder and guiding light, Chef Margarita Forés. Her warmth, creativity, and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire us all. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Chef Margarita. You will always be CIBO."
"Your mom is an icon, we all love her. I'm so sorry," Jess Wilson commented on Amado's post.
China Cojuangco also wrote, "Amado... tight hugs... Prayers for Chef Gaita's journey to the heavens and for your strength and comfort during this difficult time. Your mom will always be remembered and loved."
A great supporter
Kiko Torno, owner of 7Hectares in Bacolod, remembers Chef Gaita with deep gratitude. He was saddened by her passing, saying she was "the first who believed in the advocacy of 7Hectares when no one did."
"My heart breaks. She was the first who believed in the advocacy of 7Hectares when no one did. She kept inspiring me and challenging the farm to push its limits. She placed the Philippines in the culinary industry and did so with unrelenting determination and passion. 7Hectares will continue the flame that you ignited in me and bring it to where it should be. We will carry that inspiration onwards. Miss you tremendously madame Margarita Fores," he wrote on Facebook.
The founder of the non-government organization ShoeBox Project, Julianne Gonzaga Asetre-Moises, also shared a tribute on her account.
"The pride of Bago City. We are all saddened by the passing of Chef Margarita Forés. You will always be remembered. Last time we met, we had the privilege to honor you as we expressed our gratitude for the support you gave through the years in our community in Brgy. Ilijan especially in ShoeBox Project. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten. Thank you for always remembering Bago City. You are loved by many," she wrote.
Chef Jackie Ang Po called the award-winning chef an "idol," saying, "When [I] see her, parang gusto parati mag bow. She has done so much to make our country known to the world, achieved so much for herself and family… beyond any chef can ever do.. The entire chef community is saddened by this immense loss. Rest in Peace po Chef Gaita. Thank you for all that you have done for the food industry."
Cookbook author Vicky Veloso-Barrera, meanwhile, recalled their time together at Fitness International during the 90s.
"Gaita you painted our culinary landscape with your passion for Filipino ingredients and your incredible restaurants! I remember our days in the 90s at Fitness International. Happy was able to see you in person last August for the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s special collab with Chef Vicky Cheng and have my final interview with you just last September. May the Lord comfort your son and all the loved ones you left too early," she wrote.
Joel Binamira, the man behind Market Manila, wrote that Chef Gaita will be "very, very sorely missed."
Margarita's culinary journey began in 1986 when she traveled to Italy to study under three renowned chefs.
Upon her return, she launched Cibo Di M, a catering company that ultimately led to the opening of her first Cibo restaurant in 1997. The brand now has more than 20 locations across the Philippines.
She ran a variety of restaurants in the country and was named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016. In 2019, she was named a United Nations Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism.
In addition to the Cibo chain, Margarita also controlled the restaurants Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta.
