DOT, Erwan Heussaff's FEATR highlight Philippines' Michelin restaurants
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism tapped the assistance of Erwan Heussaff's digital media brand FEATR to promote the local culinary scene in a collaboration video.
The promotional video particularly focused on several restaurants that were recognized during the debut of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines last year.
Erwan interviewed the chefs behind these establishments like Chele Gonzalez, Josh Boutwood, and Jordy Navarra, with featured local dishes like Sisig, Crispy Pata, Lechon Kawali, and Linarang.
Gonzalez, the visionary behind four Michelin-recognized locations, described Manila as "one of the most exciting Southeast Asian cities to eat." Boutwood — chef of the two-starred Helm — called the Philippines "a young food hub in Asia yet to be really discovered."
"Filipino cuisine is a collection of all different regional cuisines from all over the Philippines that when you put it in one beautiful table, that's representative of who we are," said Miggy Cabel Moreno, chef of Bib Gourmand recipients Palm Grill and Cabel.
Aaron Isip of the Michelin-starred Kása Palma noted that the country is in the center of the Coral Triangle, where marine biodiversity is at its peak, which lends to the Philippines' identity.
Navarra and Don Baldonsano of other Michelin-starred restaurants, Toyo Eatery and Linamnam, respectively, meanwhile, pointed to the Filipino people being the starting point of why Filipino food is great.
A voiceover by Erwan noted how the Michelin Guide's Philippine debut saw nine establishments get stars, 25 received Bib Gourmands, and 74 get listed, and how much more around the country are still to be discovered.
"From street food to fine dining, every dish is crafted with care and passion, singing with the flavors of the nation," said Erwan. "Sour, grilled, smoke, stewed. Thousands of years of history, culture, and terroir converging with every bite."
The owners of Bib Gourmand restaurants Esmen's Carinderia and Morning Sun Eatery agreed. Esmen's JR Garcia and Morning Sun's Elizabeth Mortera said that the staple of cooking Filipino food need not be changed.
"There's so much more to see and eat in the Philippines. Hungry yet? Tara, kain tayo!" Erwan closed.
The Michelin Guide will dish out new recognitions to Philippine restaurants and establishments later this month. — Video from Tourism Philippines' YouTube channel
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