HELM keeps 2 Stars as Michelin Guide recognizes 127 restaurants
THE stars were out on Thursday night as the prestigious Michelin Guide recognized 127 outstanding dining establishments in select areas in the Philippines.
HELM of Filipino-British Chef Josh Boutwood retained his Two-Star rating in the Michelin Guide for Manila and Environs, and Cebu 2027.
Nine restaurants also received a One-Star rating, with Flow in Makati, led by Chef Kevin Jonathan Uy, being the newest entrant. The eight other restaurants also received one stars in the initial Michelin Guide 2026.
These were: Asador Alfonso in Cavite of Chef Rodriguez Andres Osorio, Celera in Makati (Nicco Santos), Gallery by Chele in Taguig (Chele Gonzalez), Hapag in Makati (John Kevin Navoa/Thirdy Dolatre), Inatô in Makati (JP Cruz), Kása Palma in Makati (Aaron Isip), Linamnam in Parañaque (Don Baldosano), and Toyo Eatery in Makati (Jordy Navarra).
The awards were handed out at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernardita Angara-Mathay, and Newports World Resorts Excutive Chairman Kevin Andrew L. Tan in attendance.
‘Another reason to visit the PHL’
In his remarks before the honors were handed out, Marcos Jr. said: ‘For Filipinos, food is never just about food. It is how we welcome guests, how we bring our families together, and share a little of ourselves with others. It is how we turn a simple meal into a memory, and the stranger into a friend.’
He added: ‘Our adobo, kinilaw, sisig, and countless regional specialties tell the story of who we are. They reflect our resourcefulness and the richness of the ingredients found across our islands.’
While the Philippines is already known for its beauty, rich. history, and vibrant culture, the President expressed hope that through the Michelin Guide, ‘our cuisine can become another reason for travelers to visit, explore our regions, and to stay longer.’
The Michelin Bib Gourmand 2027 selection showcased 31 establishments, including 10 new additions. Bib Gourmand restaurants promises high-quality food at moderate price points.
The 10 new additions are Apag Marangle (Pampanga), Ato-Ah (Cebu; Promoted), Azela (Manila), Balay Dako (Cavite), Bawai’s Vietnamese Kitchen (Cavite), Butcher Boy (Las Pinas; Promoted), CHE Bacolod Chicken House Express (Makati), Kalipay (Cebu), Tatang’s Lechon (Cebu), and Tito Boy (Pampanga).
Eighteen establishments were added to the Michelin-Selected restaurants, raising the total to 86. The total list includes old reliables restaurants like Cirkulo (Makati), China Blue (Pasay), Summer Palace (Mandaluyong), Carmelo’s Steakhouse (Makati), Sala (Makati), Lore (Taguig), Blackbird (Makati), People’s Palace (Makati), Abe (Taguig), Haliya (Parañaque), to name a few. The full list at https://tinyurl.com/ym87r8f7
Special awards
Special awards were also handed out at the top of the ceremony:
Michelin Opening of the Year Award: Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhanà (Makati);
Michelin Young Chef Award: Chef Francis Lacson of Digámo (Marikina);
Michelin Service Award: Restaurant Manager Clyde Joshua Zafra of Tito Boy (Pampanga); and
Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award: Ron Job Sanchez, Bar Beverage Manager of Automat (Makati).
In a news statement, International Director of the Michelin Guide Gwendal Poullennec said: ‘The Philippines continues to impress with the way its culinary scene is evolving while remaining deeply connected to its roots. Our Inspectors found chefs expressing a growing confidence in showcasing local ingredients, traditions and regional flavors, while bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to their craft. The result is a dining landscape that is increasingly diverse, distinctive and reflective of the country’s rich gastronomic heritage.’
The Michelin Guide, founded in 1900 as a reference in France to encourage car travel and boost tire sales, is now a globally recognized restaurant and hotel evaluation publication. It employs anonymous, full-time inspectors to assess and review said establishments, with a Michelin Star system in place, with Three Stars as the highest accolade.