"Our foodie hearts are beaming with pride and joy!"
These were the words of Gabbi Garcia as she and her boyfriend Khalil Ramos attended the "Michelin Guide Ceremony: Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026" on Thursday, October 30, a historic event marking the first time Filipino restaurants received distinctions from the prestigious Michelin Guide.
"We finally have our very own MICHELIN GUIDE in the Philippines!!! 😭As huge fans of the guide, we were so honored to be invited to the inaugural Michelin Guide Ceremony. This is HUGE, guys. Our country was just awarded 108 restaurants (!!!) spanning from humble street food stalls and karinderyas to world-class fine dining establishments," she wrote on Instagram.
Gabbi expressed her excitement for the world to be further introduced to Filipino cuisine. "This is the beginning of a new chapter where the world finally gets a taste of what Filipino food truly is: soulful, diverse, and deeply personal," she said.
The actress-host also shared that she had previously dined at several of the newly awarded Michelin-starred restaurants.
"Over the years, we've been blessed to witness the brilliance of our very own Filipino chefs firsthand. Swipe left to see our photos from the 9 restaurants that are now proudly Michelin-starred!!" she posted.
Gabbi went on to express how proud she was of the chefs-turned-friends who were awarded during the ceremony.
"It was priceless seeing the smiles on our Filipino chefs and some who we’re lucky to call our friends! As a fan of the @michelinguide, this truly feels like a historic moment for Philippine cuisine!!" she said. "Huge congratulations to everyone!!!"
There were 108 establishments across Manila, its Environs, and Cebu that received the Michelin distinction including, 1 Two MICHELIN Star, 8 One MICHELIN Star, 25 Bib Gourmand and 74 MICHELIN Selected restaurants, which showcased "a remarkable diversity of culinary traditions, techniques and innovations" as per guide.michelin.com.
"We are honored to present the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines," stated Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide as per press release.
He added: "This selection pays tribute to a new generation of Filipino chefs — and international chefs who have embraced the Philippines — drawing inspiration from local heritage, bold flavors and heartfelt hospitality. Whether in fine dining rooms or at street-side eateries, our inspectors were deeply impressed by the culinary authenticity and creativity found across the country."