Filipino Michelin Bib Gourmand chef Miguel Cabel Moreno is set to enhance the visibility of Philippine gastronomy through a unique partnership with Manila Marriott Hotel during Filipino Food Month.

Moreno, hailing from the Tausug community, is joining the hotel’s Marriott International Sinagtala Philippine Culinary Arts Programme with a kitchen takeover at the Marriott Cafe, showcasing the culinary diversity of the ZamBaSulTa region.

As he stated during the launch on March 19, “Our biggest struggle for the better part of eight years was about being heard and being discovered… “. His aim has always been to highlight Mindanao’s unique culinary offerings, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the region’s heritage.

Sharlene Zabala-Batin from the Philippine Department of Tourism emphasized the significance of food as an integral part of cultural identity, highlighting how collaborations like this not only enrich Philippine cuisine but also positively impact tourism.

For Cabel Moreno, this initiative signals progress in showcasing Tausug heritage, aiming for dishes like tiyula itum and piyanggang manok to tell Mindanao’s rich stories. The collaboration with Marriott is a step towards changing the often narrow perceptions of Filipino food on the global stage.

Key Highlights:

• Chef Miguel Cabel Moreno advocates for Mindanao cuisine at Marriott.
• His collaboration coincides with Filipino Food Month this April.
• Sharlene Zabala-Batin speaks on the cultural significance of food.

The involvement in such initiatives indicates a promising trend towards recognizing and celebrating the diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines while building a stronger culinary tourism sector.