Filipino celebrity chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés has passed away at age 65. Her son, Amado Forés, confirmed the news in an Instagram post on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, expressing the family’s deep sorrow over her “sudden passing.” He shared that they are mourning this “unexpected loss” and requested prayers as they navigate this difficult time. He also mentioned that more details will be shared in due course.
Forés was found unresponsive in her hotel room in Hong Kong after missing a lunch meeting, according to the Manila Standard. No official cause of death has been released.
A renowned figure in the culinary industry, Forés was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016. She built an empire in the Philippine food scene with her Italian restaurant chain Cibo, launched in 1997 and growing to over 20 locations. She later expanded her ventures to include Lusso, Grace Park, The Loggia, a catering business, a floral shop, and a culinary school.
Forés discovered her love for Italian cuisine while living in New York and later honed her skills through training in Italy. She began her culinary journey in catering before launching Cibo, a restaurant that aimed to bring “authentic” Italian flavors to a broader audience. Her vision was to create a dining experience in a “mall setting” that provided “value for money” while staying true to traditional Italian cooking techniques.
Born into a prominent family in the Philippines, Forés was the granddaughter of J. Amado Araneta, a well-known businessman who developed Araneta Center, now Araneta City. She initially pursued a degree in accountancy before switching to the culinary arts following her grandfather’s death in 1985.
Over the years, she gained recognition for elevating Filipino cuisine while maintaining a strong influence from her Italian training. She also played a role in promoting sustainable and farm-to-table dining in the Philippines.
In November 2024, 50 Top Pizza ranked Cibo 44th among the 50 Top World Artisan Pizza Chains. Earlier that year, the Philippine Daily Inquirer recognized her as one of the Women of Power awardees.
On February 2, 2025, Forés graced the cover of “Tatler Asia” with her son, Amado, reflecting on her decades-long career and her desire to “wind down a bit” after years of dedication to her craft. At 65, she acknowledged how much she had already accomplished but still had one final aspiration—to open a restaurant bearing her name before fully stepping back from the industry.
Amado, who has embraced his mother’s passion for food, shared his commitment to preserving her legacy in the “Tatler” interview. He expressed his dream of gradually taking over her restaurants while ensuring the “soul of what she does” remains intact. His goal was to honor her culinary identity while adding his touch to her renowned establishments.
Forés, a two-time cancer survivor, overcame thyroid cancer in 2006. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media from friends, colleagues, and admirers.
Cibo paid tribute to its founder, Forés, in a heartfelt Facebook statement, honoring her as their “guiding light.” The restaurant highlighted her “warmth, creativity, and unwavering spirit,” emphasizing the lasting impact she left on their team and patrons. They expressed deep gratitude for her passion for her work, affirming that she would “always be CIBO.”
Tributes poured in across social media, expressing condolences and admiration for Forés’ impact on the culinary world. One commenter reflected on her “warmth” and the “love she poured into her cooking,” emphasizing how her talent and the meals she created left a lasting impression. Her contributions were remembered with deep appreciation, as fans shared their gratitude for the joy she brought through her food.
Forés’ influence extended beyond her restaurants. She launched the Asian Campus at Casa Artusi, a culinary school in Italy, and made television appearances, including CNN’s “Culinary Journeys.”
Her legacy in her country’s culinary scene remains undeniable, and her influence will continue to be felt through the restaurants and businesses she built and through her son, Amado, who now carries forward her vision.
