Famed Filipino chef and restaurateur Margarita Forés died at age 65. Her son, Amado Forés, announced her death in an Instagram post on February 11, 2025, expressing the family’s grief over her unexpected demise. He also requested prayers as the family navigated this challenging period and stated that additional details would be provided in due time.
According to the Manila Standard, Forés was found unresponsive in her hotel room in Hong Kong after she failed to attend a lunch meeting. An official statement revealed that Forés’ sudden death was due to cardiac arrest.
Renowned in the culinary world, Forés was recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016. Her empire in the Philippine food industry began with her Italian restaurant chain Cibo, which she launched in 1997 and has since expanded to over 20 locations. She later established other ventures, including Lusso, Grace Park, The Loggia, a catering business, a floral shop, and a culinary school.
Forés developed a passion for Italian cuisine while residing in New York and later refined her skills through training in Italy. She started her culinary career in catering before establishing Cibo, a restaurant that serves authentic Italian flavors to a broader audience. She aimed to offer a dining experience in a mall setting that provided value for money while adhering to traditional Italian cooking methods.
Forés, a member of a distinguished family in the Philippines, was the granddaughter of J. Amado Araneta, a prominent businessman who developed Araneta Center, now Araneta City. She initially studied accountancy before switching to culinary arts following her grandfather’s death in 1985.
She gained recognition over the years for elevating Filipino cuisine while retaining a strong influence from her Italian training. She also advocated for sustainable and farm-to-table dining in the Philippines.
In November 2024, Cibo earned the 44th spot in 50 Top Pizza’s global artisan pizza chain rankings, and its founder received a Women of Power award from the Philippine Daily Inquirer earlier the same year.
On February 2, 2025, Forés appeared on the cover of “Tatler Asia” with her son, Amado, reflecting on her long career and her wish to “wind down a bit” after years of dedication to her profession. At 65, she noted how much she had achieved but still harbored one final goal—to open a restaurant named after her before ultimately retiring from the industry.
In the “Tatler” interview, Amado shares his mother’s love for food and voices his commitment to preserving her legacy. He expressed his aspiration of slowly taking over her restaurants while maintaining the “soul of what she does.” He aims to honor her culinary identity while incorporating his touch into her famous establishments.
A two-time cancer survivor, Forés conquered thyroid cancer in 2006. Her death has elicited numerous tributes on social media from friends, colleagues, and admirers.
In a touching Facebook statement, Cibo paid homage to its founder, praising Forés as their “guiding light.” The restaurant lauded her “warmth, creativity, and unwavering spirit,” underscoring her enduring impact on their team and customers. They expressed profound gratitude for her zeal for her work, affirming that she would “always be CIBO.”
Social media tributes have been pouring in, expressing condolences and admiration for Forés’ contribution to 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 an enduring impression. Her contributions were remembered with deep appreciation, as fans expressed their gratitude for the happiness she brought through her food.
Forés’ influence extended beyond her restaurants. She established the Asian Campus at Casa Artusi, a culinary school in Italy, and appeared on television, including CNN’s “Culinary Journeys.”
Her legacy in the culinary scene of her country is undeniable, and her influence will continue to be felt through the restaurants and businesses she established and through her son, Amado, who is now tasked with carrying forward her vision.