Celebrity chef Marvin Agustin was shocked to win a Michelin award at last night’s Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 awarding ceremony in Pasay City.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE prior to the awards, Marvin admitted that he did not know what would happen or what to expect and was merely invited to attend, meaning, he did not have prior knowledge that he would win.

“We’re invited here but we don’t know what’s going to happen yet,” he said.

Although he admitted that having a Michelin star is his dream, when asked if he is near that goal, he said: “I don’t know!”

A restaurant with a Michelin award, he said, is “Exceptional.”

Later that night, Marvin’s Cochi was named as among the 25 restaurants – 19 in Manila and Environs and six in Cebu – honored with Bib Gourmand, an award, said Michelin, for “offering good food at moderate prices.”

Located at the corner of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, Cochi, said Michelin, has been awarded for bringing “typical Filipino flavors into a modern setting.”

In an Instagram post, Marvin dedicated the award “to every person who has poured their heart into this home we built.”

“To our Cochi family, especially Chef Aldie and Maru, thank you for the care, hard work, perseverance and love for food and people,” Marvin said in Filipino.

“To our kitchen, service and bakery teams — Cochi will not become what it is if not for you. To our guests — thank you for believing in us, for celebrating with us, for coming home to Cochi again and again.

“This is not the destination. This is a reminder to keep cooking with soul. Just continue. We love you.”

Sharing the same honor as Cochi is the karinderya or carinderia Morning Sun Eatery in Quezon City, a modest roadside eatery honored for serving “authentic Ilocano comfort food.”

“Presented with a rich flavor, home-style classics such as Kilawin, Sweet Pork Skewers, Pinakbet and the standout Laing,” the award-giving body adds in a statement.