Pampanga is the Philippines’ so-called “culinary capital” — but at the inaugural Michelin Guide: Manila and Environs and Cebu 2026 last 30 October in Pasay City, no Pampanga restaurant made it to the list of 108 establishments that were awarded the coveted stars, Bib Gourmand, Selected and Special Awards. 

In an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE at the recent rebranding and new menu launch of Razon’s of Guagua in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, the Pampanga restaurant chain’s president and chief operating officer (COO) Edwina Razon-Ayson shared her reaction to the alleged snubbing.

“Wala lang (It’s nothing). I’m just wondering bakit nai-snub ‘yung mga Kapampangan (why Kapampangan cooks are snubbed). ‘Di ba? (right?),” she said with a laugh. 

She recalled after knowing there is no Pampanga entry that made it to the list: “Ba’t gan’un? ‘Ni isa, walang pumasok na Kapampangan? ‘Di ba, noon pa, sinasabi nila na ang Pampanga ang food capital of the Philippines? (Why is it like that? Why not even one Kapampangan restaurant made it to the roster? Isn’t it that even then, people are saying that Pampanga is the food capital of the Philippines?).”

“Oh well, maybe next time!” Razon-Ayson sighed, hoping that next time, the global restaurant rating authority would finally recognize Kapampangan cuisine. 

Last month, Razon’s of Guagua reopened its newly refreshed flagship store at SM Mall of Asia, unveiling a cleaner and more modern look while keeping the warmth, simplicity and heart the brand has been known for.

The relaunch carried the theme “Welcome Keng Bale! (Welcome Home),” a tribute to the restaurant’s Kapampangan heritage and its commitment to serving Filipino comfort food that feels familiar and home-cooked. The updated space features refreshed interiors, new tableware, a modernized layout and an overall brighter, more welcoming atmosphere.