Margarita “Gaita” Forés, the celebrated chef and restaurateur, left an enduring legacy on Filipino and Italian cuisine. Known for her pioneering work with Cibo, Grace Park, and Lusso, as well as her catering business, Cibo di M., she was a true champion of local ingredients and culinary artistry.
Margarita Forés Passes Away at 65
According to reports, Chef Gaita, 65, was found in her hotel room in Hong Kong after missing a lunch appointment and failing to respond to calls, leading authorities to forcibly enter her room. Her son, Amado, confirmed the unfortunate news on February 11, sharing a heartfelt statement on social media:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time.”
As the culinary world mourns her passing, here are 10 things to remember about Margarita Forés and her remarkable legacy:
Who Was Margarita Forés? Facts About the Iconic Filipina Chef
1. She was a multi-awarded chef.
In 2016, Gaita was named Asia’s Best Female Chef as part of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, under The World's 50 Best Restaurants umbrella. She was instrumental in bringing Italian cuisine to the Philippines while incorporating Filipino ingredients. Her first restaurant, Cibo, opened in 1997 and quickly grew into one of the country’s most prominent Italian dining chains.
2. She was a cancer survivor.
Chef Gaita was a two-time cancer survivor, overcoming thyroid cancer in 2006. Her resilience and passion for life remained unwavering throughout her health battles.
3. She hailed from the prominent Araneta family.
Born on March 23, 1959, to Raul Forés and Maria Lourdes Araneta, Margarita Forés was a scion of the influential Araneta clan. Her grandfather, J. Amado Araneta, was the visionary behind the 35-hectare Araneta Center in Cubao. On the Forés side, her grandfather, Dr. Jose Y. Forés, was a pioneering surgeon and one of the founders of Makati Medical Center.
4. She had a background in fashion.
Before fully embracing her culinary path, a young Margarita Fores worked in New York's fashion industry, including a stint at the Italian brand Valentino. Her time there deepened her love for Italian culture, which later influenced her cooking. “Working for such an iconic Italian brand taught me a lot about building a brand, and it also made me fall in love even more with Italian culture and the Italian sensibility,” she once shared in an interview with Esquire Philippines.
5. She was once honored by the Italian government.
In 2018, Chef Gaita was appointed Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia by the Italian government, recognizing her efforts in promoting Italian culture abroad.
6. She had a degree in Accountancy.
Gaita attended Marymount School of New York and Mount Holyoke College before returning to the Philippines, where she earned her accountancy degree from Assumption College.
7. She also worked in the finance sector.
After graduation, she worked in finance as a trainee for Axona Holdings in Hong Kong before realizing her true calling was in the culinary world.
8. She had appeared on TV shows.
Beyond her restaurants, she also made appearances on international television, including Inspired with Anna Olson and CNN’s Culinary Journeys, where she showcased her culinary expertise to a global audience.
9. She discovered her culinary passion at 24.
At 24, she realized her love for cooking outweighed her interest in fashion. She often prepared pasta for friends after work, igniting her passion for the kitchen. After the EDSA People Power Revolution, she convinced her mother to let her pursue a culinary career. She traveled to Florence for a cooking course and spent months immersing herself in Italian food, language, and culture—even driving solo from Rome to Milan to deepen her understanding of Italian cuisine.
10. Her son continues her culinary legacy.
Amado Forés, following in his mother’s footsteps, is carving his own path in the culinary world. He runs restaurants such as Amano, Ramen Ron, and Steak and Fries, ensuring that the Forés family's love for food and hospitality continues to thrive.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Chef Gaita. May she rest in peace.
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