Michelin Guide’s awarding of special honors and stars to Philippine restaurants is not only historic for the country as the restaurants in the country received their stars for the first time.
The ceremony, held in Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City last 30 October, is also “a major milestone for the Michelin Guide itself,” event host Issa Litton said at the opening of the program, in front of an audience including Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Garcia Frasco; Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino; Ambassador of France to the Philippines Her Excellency Marie Fontanel.
“It has been 125 years since its first publication in France in 1900,” Litton noted.
Michelin Guide itself, Litton stressed, marks its 125th anniversary as the world's most trusted guide for travel and gourmet dining, making the Philippine debut extra special both for the brand and the Philippine dining scene.
A total of 108 establishments were awarded, ranging from a “carinderia” and “eateries,” to luxury and fine dining restaurants — owned by both locals and expats, and by homegrown cooks with "sariling sikap" (own training) and those who schooled and trained abroad.
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 awarded with Green Star for mindful gastronomy, and three special awards were handed over for Young Chef, Service and Exceptional Cocktails.