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International Manila Food Festival: A guide to the 4-day feast of Filipino flavors

The culinary spotlight is turning to Filipino cuisine this week as the International Manila Food Festival (IMFF) is set to take place from August 7 to 10 at the Newport World Resorts. A first for the Philippines, the IMFF brings together an impressive roster of Michelin-honored chefs, James Beard-recognized culinary talents, and industry leaders worldwide in one place for cultural diplomacy, innovation, and cross-border collaboration. The IMFF, produced by Motherland Productions in partnership with GMA Network and Newport World Resorts, aims to solidify the Philippines' status as an emerging force in global gastronomy. It will feature exclusive tasting events, collaborative dinners, and a high-impact Culinary Congress exploring the future of Filipino cuisine. Among the featured chefs and thought leaders are: Monique Feybesse (California) – A "Top Chef" alum known for harmonizing Filipino heritage with French culinary finesse. Aaron Isip (Kasa Palma, Manila) – Paris-trained chef who brings ingredient-focused Filipino tasting menus to Manila. Filippo Turrini (Roots, Siargao) – Italian chef championing sustainable, island-based cuisine influenced by Mediterranean and local flavors. Stephan Duhesme (Metiz) – Celebrated for his minimalist and boundary-pushing interpretations of Filipino ingredients. Josh Boutwood (Helm) – A pioneer in conceptual dining in the Philippines, known for his avant-garde approach. Chele Gonzalez & Carlos Villaflor (Gallery by Chele) – Trailblazers in modern Filipino-Spanish fusion. Nico Santos (Celera) – Making a much-anticipated return with a concept deeply rooted in Filipino tradition and nostalgia. Nicole Ponseca (New York/Miami) – Cookbook author and James Beard finalist with a mission to mainstream Filipino food. Lordfer Lalicon (Orlando) – Owner of Kaya, the only Filipino restaurant awarded a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. Tara Monsod (San Diego) – Two-time James Beard finalist known for her Filipino-American dishes. Erica Paredes (Paris) – Culinary artist reimagining Filipino flavors through a modern European lens. Ross Magnaye (Melbourne) – Chef behind Serai, a breakout star in Australia's Filipino food scene and a Gordon Ramsay favorite. Aside from the tasting events, the IMFF will also host its Culinary Congress and Summit, a first-of-its-kind gathering co-led by top culinary institutions Center for Culinary Arts, Enderun Colleges, and Le Cordon Bleu – Ateneo. The summit will tackle critical topics such as branding Filipino cuisine for international audiences, sustainability, innovation, and preparation for the anticipated arrival of the Michelin Guide in Manila. Here is IMFF's complete schedule: August 7, Thursday A 5-course collaboration dinner at Casa Buenas by chefs Tara and Melissa featuring Filipino flavors with Italian and French twists. August 8 and 9, Friday and Saturday A dinner buffet at Kusina Sea Kitchen featuring globally inspired modern Filipino cuisine by chefs Ross, Monique, Aaron, and Filippo. August 9, Saturday From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the World Filipino Food Congress 2025 will host a series of TED-style panel discussions spotlighting Filipino cuisine's global relevance through themes like identity, innovation, and culinary diplomacy. The event is by application and for invited guests only. August 9, Saturday A 6-course dining experience of luxurious Filipino food at Yawaragi by chefs Lordfer and Danny. August 10, Sunday The IMFF will culminate on Sunday with LASA x LAHI, the festival's signature grand tasting event, featuring a curated journey through the diverse reimagined expressions of Filipino cuisine by chefs Chele, Erica, Stephan, Carlos, Nicco, Tara, Melissa, Nicole, Josh, and Francis. The tickets to IMFF are on sale via — LA, GMA Integrated News