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Celebrate International Women's Day at these 5 women-led restaurants in the Philippines
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It's International Women's Day! No better way to celebrate your favorite females than where else — at women-led restaurants.
Because the unfortunate truth is women remain underrepresented in the culinary industry. A 2021 study by the International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, showed that among the many problems women face in industrial kitchens are "gender discrimination and career barriers."
So apart from celebrating women, why not use this occasion to throw support to our female chefs, as well? Ah, see what we did there? A practical and political party for our women.
1. Bianca Elizalde, The Wholesome Table
Bianca, a former model and '90s It Girl, has long advocated for health and wellness through her businesses and social media platforms.
She founded The Wholesome Table, an alternative restaurant for those looking for healthier dishes when dining out.
2. Margarita Fores, Cibo
Margarita Forés needs no introduction. The genius behind Cibo, Lusso, Grace Park Dining, and The Loggia, became the first Filipina chef to be named Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016.
In the industry, Gaita is known to really take care of her people, bringing her cooks and chefs to special dinners to learn and become better at what they do.
On Instagram earlier this week, Margarita marked 37 years of being a chef, saying it's been "37 years of doing what I love. Maraming Salamat for the blessed chance to make life and living more beautiful and delicious for you."
3. Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo, Wildflour
Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo is the president and CEO of a Metro Manila favorite cafe and bakery, Wildflour. With over nine branches in the National Capital Region alone, Wildflour continues to spread like wildfire among Filipino cafe enthusiasts.
But that's not all Ana does. She is also the restaurateur behind Pink's and Little Flour.
4. Jessy Sincioco, Chef Jessie's Place
The Philippines' first female past chef in 1990, Jessy Sincioco is popularly known as the chef who cooked for Pope Francis at the Apostolic Nunciature in 2015.
In 2017, she brought her calibre of cooking to visiting dignitaries, preparing a four-course Filipino-Asian meal for the gala dinner during the AEAN summit.
Chef Jessy currently runs two excellent restaurants, Chef Jessie's Place and Chef Jessie Rockwell Club.
5. Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, Tsokolateria
Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, a celebrity restaurateur, has been in the culinary business for over 20 years. She is the woman behind the Happy Concept Group, known for restaurants like Tsokolateria and Pamana, and bespoke catering service, Private Dining, by Happy Concept Group.
In 2023, Happy partnered with Visum Ventures, whose portfolio includes Koomi and Salt & Ice, to open Tsokolateria's first Metro Manila branch in SM Aura Premier.
— LA, GMA Integrated News
