Chef Jam Melchor breaks silence on controversial cookbook
Chef Jam Melchor has addressed the controversial cookbook, stating he welcomes "constructive feedback or criticism." He emphasized that despite the concerns raised, the project was ultimately born out of a passion for promoting Filipino food and culture.
In a statement sent to PhilSTAR L!fe, Melchor clarified that he personally authored and funded the cookbook before donating it to the Department of Trade and Industry as part of efforts to promote the Philippine creative industries through its "Malikhaing Pinoy Program."
"For clarity, I personally authored and produced the manuscript of the book using my own resources. I later offered it to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as a contribution aligned with efforts supporting the Philippine Creative Industries. Through its 'Malikhaing Pinoy Program', DTI supported the printing of one thousand (1,000) copies, all of which were distributed free of charge to the public in celebration of Philippine Creative Industries Month in 2025," he said.
He emphasized that the cookbook was never sold and was never intended for profit.
Melchor noted that his appointment as a member of the Philippine Creative Industries Council in January was "purely advisory and non-compensatory" and that it happened before the book was published and distributed. He said that after the announcement, the discussions about the book surfaced.
He went on to lament that conversations about his book led to accusations of poor research and fund mismanagement, which he said escalated into attacks on his integrity and character.
"Alarmingly, social media, as amplified by certain self-proclaimed journalists, content creators, and public personalities, associated my book with corruption, transforming what could have been healthy discourse into personal attacks against my integrity, competence, and moral character," Melchor said.
He added that months of sustained public attacks across social media caused both professional harm and personal distress, prompting him in February 2026 to seek resolution through legal channels.
"Again, I am not and was never, against any constructive feedback or criticism with respect to the concerns raised about the book, specifically those involving ingredients, terminology, and processes. As with any publication, the possibility of revisions is recognized, and I remain open to addressing such matters constructively. In fact, a more direct and collaborative approach could have allowed for timely corrections and even proper acknowledgement of contributions," he said.
He stressed that while the experience has been personally challenging due to attacks that went beyond the work itself, he remains committed to correcting errors in the book out of his passion for promoting Filipino food and culture.
Melchor added that he is now working with a new editorial team on a revised edition and will personally fund the reprinting of 1,000 copies for donation to the DTI for public distribution.
He also called out cyberbullying and online mob behavior, stressing that criticism should remain professional and respectful, and urging the public to focus on supporting farmers, food producers, chefs, and cultural advocates in preserving and uplifting Filipino culinary heritage.
"Criticism should always remain rooted in professionalism, fairness, and respect. The focus must remain on the advocacy, the work, and the broader goal of uplifting any community, not on destroying individuals through personal attacks and public humiliation," he said.
"May we continue to champion Filipino talent, support our local culinary communities, and inspire the next generation to pursue excellence with humility, courage, and purpose. At the end of the day, our legacy will not only be measured by what we create, but by how we choose to support, empower, and stand for one another as a nation," he concluded.
This came a month after the cyber libel complaint against Lokalpedia founder John Sherwin Felix, was dismissed by the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office for lack of basis.
The complaint stemmed from Felix receiving a copy of the DTI-published book, which he later flagged in a September 2025 Facebook post for errors and inaccuracies in ingredients, cooking methods, and dish origins.
Aside from the called-out post, Felix also sent emails to DTI, as well as the representatives of the Malikhaing Pinoy Program and the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council on Sept. 18 and 23, 2025, regarding the matter.
Felix said that the Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati found his statements do not provide sufficient basis to establish libel, and that it constituted fair commentary on matters of public interest, "particularly food heritage, involving a limited public figure and the use of public funds. The complainant failed to establish that my statements were made with malice."
