The culinary world is mourning the loss of a beloved figure, Chef Margarita Forés, who passed away at the age of 65. Her son, Amado Forés, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, writing, “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.” This devastating announcement has sent shockwaves through the food community and beyond, as friends, fans, and colleagues reflect on her incredible legacy.
Margarita Araneta Forés was born on March 23, 1959, in the Philippines, a country that would later become the backdrop for her culinary journey. While she achieved great success in her career, Chef Margarita remained deeply connected to her roots. Her story is one of passion, resilience, and a love for food that transcended borders. Though she never married, her personal life was filled with purpose and dedication to her craft. In 2020, she shared a touching photo of Amado’s father, Danding, on his birthday, offering a rare glimpse into her private life. Her focus, however, was always on her work and her family, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary world.
Chef Margarita’s culinary journey began far from home. In 1987, she embarked on a life-changing adventure to Italy, where she immersed herself in the country’s rich culinary traditions. For three years, she learned the art of Italian cooking from three Italian signoras, who taught her the importance of fresh ingredients, home-style cooking, and the cultural significance of food. These lessons became the foundation of her career. Upon returning to the Philippines, she spent nearly a decade sharing her newfound passion, cooking in people’s homes, and gradually building a name for herself in the food industry. In 1997, she realized her dream of opening her own restaurant, Cibo, a modern Italian caffé-paninoteca inspired by the panino places of Milan and Rome. The restaurant quickly became a staple in Manila, offering authentic Italian dishes that resonated with both locals and food enthusiasts. Over the years, Cibo expanded to multiple locations, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of the city.
Behind her success was a woman of immense strength and resilience. Chef Margarita was a two-time cancer survivor, having battled the disease on two separate occasions, including a fight against thyroid cancer in 2006. Her courage in the face of adversity inspired many, as she continued to pursue her passion for food even during her health struggles. Her determination and positivity served as a testament to her indomitable spirit, and her story continues to motivate those who knew her and those who admired her from afar.
As of now, the cause of her death has not been officially confirmed. According to reports, Chef Margarita was found unresponsive in her hotel room in Hong Kong, where she was attending an event. The suddenness of her passing has left her loved ones and fans in shock, as she was still actively involved in her culinary ventures and continued to inspire others with her work. While details surrounding her death are still emerging, one thing is clear: Chef Margarita Forés leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Chef Margarita’s impact on Philippine culinary culture cannot be overstated. Through her restaurant, Cibo, she introduced Filipinos to authentic Italian cuisine, blending tradition with modern flavors. Her commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and her dedication to preserving the integrity of Italian cooking earned her a reputation as one of the country’s premier chefs. Beyond her restaurant, she was a cultural icon, bridging the gap between Philippine and Italian cuisines and paving the way for future generations of chefs. Her legacy lives on not only through her restaurant but also through the countless lives she touched and the delicious memories she created.
As the culinary world remembers Chef Margarita, it is not just her professional achievements that are being celebrated, but the warmth, kindness, and passion she brought to everything she did. Her journey from a young woman with a dream to a celebrated chef is a story of perseverance, creativity, and love. Though her passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, her contributions to the world of food and her enduring legacy will continue to inspire chefs, food lovers, and anyone who ever had the pleasure of experiencing her culinary creations. Rest in peace, Chef Margarita. Your flavors and your spirit will never be forgotten.
