Michelin Guide in the Philippines: What’s next?

“It’s a big win for the Philippines.”

Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Garcia Frasco, in an exclusive recent interview with this writer at DAILY TRIBUNE office, shared such remark when asked how successful the inaugural Michelin Guide: Manila and Environs and Cebu 2026 had been in promoting Filipino cuisine since the distribution of awards and stars last 30 October in Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.

After handing out the first ever honors to Filipino and Philippine-based chefs and restaurants, the Department of Tourism’s (DoT’s) next step is to “institutionalize” the giving of Michelin stars and awards in the country.

“For reference, we’re here to support the gastronomy, tourism and culinary industry of the Philippines. So, we hope to be able to institutionalize the presence of Michelin, and we are determined to continue to prioritize gastronomy tourism, knowing how many Filipino chefs, cooks and farmers, suppliers that this program helps,” Garcia Frasco said.

“Well, for an inaugural issue with 108 establishments being selected by Michelin, it’s really quite an affirmation of a vote of confidence in the country’s culinary industry. So it’s a big win for the Philippines for Michelin to have arrived.”

One restaurant was awarded with the country’s first ever two Michelin stars, while eight got one Michelin star, 25 got the Bib Gourmand distinction, 74 are Michelin selected, one has been honored with Green Star for mindful gastronomy and three special awards were handed over for Young Chef, Service and Exceptional Cocktails.

Garcia Frasco, in her speech during the awarding ceremonies, said that the awarding was “a moment that celebrates not only our cuisine, but the heart of our people.”

“The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines marks a milestone in our journey to transform tourism through culture and Filipino identity,” she said. “It reflects the strength of Filipino talent and the collective effort to bring our cuisine and those who crafted it to the world… It celebrates four pillars that define our identity, our biodiversity, our award-winning islands and emerging destinations, our culture and heritage, and our gastronomy. Together, they tell the story of a country whose beauty is matched only by the heart of its people.”