Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco presented Michelin plaques to 53 restaurants on Friday. The ceremony was part of the Department of Tourism’s Resto‑Run Caravan. It first took place at the Novotel Manila Araneta City. The event marked the first handover of plaques after the launch of the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs. The guide named 74 establishments as Michelin‑selected.
Secretary Frasco walked through the convoy of restaurants. She met chefs and owners at each stop. She handed each plaque personally. She listened to stories of how the recognition has lifted businesses. The ministry said the ceremony highlights its efforts to promote food tourism.
Morning Sun Eatery received the Michelin Bib Gourmand plaque. The humble carinderia sits on J.P. Rizal Street in Project 4, Quezon City. It opened in 1996. It is known for “turo turo” service and Ilocano dishes such as kilawin, pinakbet, laing, and dinakdakan. Lyn Mortera, who now runs the eatery, accepted the plaque from the secretary. The Bib Gourmand award highlights quality cooking at great value, a distinction first introduced by Michelin in 1997.
Pilya’s Kitchen at The Grid, Powerplant Mall, also earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand plaque. Chef Kriza Palmero accepted the award. The restaurant is praised for its chewy ribbon‑style noodles and crispy pork‑and‑shrimp wontons. Chef Palmero’s style reflects the training he received in New York City. The plaque was presented by Secretary Frasco during the same caravan stop.
Gallery by Chele in Bonifacio Global City received three recognitions. The venue holds a Green Michelin Star. Its sister restaurant, Asador Alfonso, earned a Michelin Star. Cantabria by Chele Gonzales was listed as Michelin‑selected. Chef Chele Gonzales guided the secretary on a short tour of the garden and sustainability spaces. The restaurant is celebrated for its terroir cuisine that showcases Filipino produce. Its awards reflect the chef’s aim to lift local flavors onto the global stage.
Taupe Restaurant also got its plaque. Chef Rambo Nuñez and owner‑chef Francis Tolentino took the award from the secretary. The venue blends New York training with Filipino heritage. It offers inventive dishes that recall classic flavors. The Michelin guide recognized the restaurant for quality ingredients and well‑cooked meals.
The Resto‑Run Caravan visited six additional Michelin‑recognized spots. Those stops included Underbelly, Toyo, Inato, Metiz, and Automat. Each venue displayed how the Michelin label has sparked growth. Owners reported higher bookings and new partnerships. Chefs said the honor fuels creative risk‑taking.
Secretary Frasco said this shows the government’s faith in homegrown talent. “Filipino cooking can draw visitors from around the world,” she said. “Our chefs are world‑class. Their stories deserve a platform.” The department plans to weave these successes into a broader tourism campaign. It hopes to position the Philippines as a top culinary destination. The guide’s recognition can turn a local eatery into a tourist magnet.
The plaque handover highlighted a shift in the country’s food narrative. It moves from street fare to fine dining without losing authenticity. It also proves that value‑driven concepts can stand beside haute cuisine. The DOT aims to keep the momentum alive. It will continue supporting chefs, promoting local ingredients, and boosting the nation’s culinary reputation.
The 2026 Michelin Guide list includes 74 establishments across Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. The Resto‑Run Caravan is the first of many events planned by the tourism bureau. It will travel to more regions later this year. The goal is to spotlight regional specialties and bring tourists to lesser‑known food hubs.
For now, the 53 restaurants proudly display their new plaques. They stand as symbols of Filipino ingenuity. They also serve as beacons for travelers seeking authentic taste experiences. The Department of Tourism and its secretary will keep championing this culinary renaissance.
