Manila and Cebu Take the World Stage: The Philippines Joins the Michelin Elite

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Filipino cuisine has long been a "best-kept secret" in the global culinary world—a vibrant tapestry of 7,641 islands where sweet, sour, and salty notes collide in a way that is both adventurous and deeply comforting.

In late 2025, this gastronomic identity reached a historic turning point with the inaugural arrival of the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026. This wasn't just a win for fine dining; it was a global validation of the "Linamnam" (umami/deliciousness) that defines the Filipino soul.

The Flavors That Defined the Debut

The Michelin inspectors recognized 108 establishments across Manila and Cebu, proving that Filipino food is as diverse as the archipelago itself.

The Modern Vanguard: Helm, led by Chef Josh Boutwood, made history as the country's first and only Two-Star restaurant. It blends British-Filipino heritage with Spanish techniques, showing that local ingredients can headline world-class tasting menus.

The Guardians of Heritage: One-star recipients like Toyo Eatery and Hapag have become global beacons by reimagining everyday "soul food"—turning fermented flavors (bagoong) and heirloom rice into elevated art.

Sustainable Gastronomy: Gallery by Chele earned a Green Star, spotlighting the Philippines' shift toward mindful, farm-to-table dining that respects biodiversity and local artisans.

Why Filipino Cuisine Deserves the Spotlight

The global recognition is overdue because Filipino food is more than just a menu; it is a narrative of resilience and community.

1. The Power of Sour

While many Southeast Asian cuisines lean heavily on spice, Filipino food is anchored by Asim (sourness). From the tangy batuan fruit in Kansi to the fermented vinegar in Adobo, this "brightness" is a sophisticated palate cleanser that defines the local identity.

2. The Culture of "Salo-Salo" (Sharing)

The Michelin Guide recognized several Bib Gourmand spots, like the roadside Morning Sun Eatery, for their excellence at a great value. This reflects the heart of the culture: the Kamayan or Boodle Fight, where food is laid out on banana leaves and eaten with hands, emphasizing equality and connection.

3. A Fusion Centuries in the Making

Filipino gastronomy is a "remix" of history. It blends:

Indigenous roots: Using coconut milk and tropical fruits.

Spanish influence: Techniques like slow-stewing (Caldereta) and roasting (Lechon).

Chinese trade: The introduction of noodles (Pancit) and soy-based umami.

The "Michelin Effect"

The arrival of the guide has done more than award stars; it has ignited a "reverse brain drain." Young chefs are returning home to open restaurants, confident that their grandmother’s recipes—refined with modern technique—can compete on the world stage. As Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco noted, the guide is a mirror showing the world what Filipinos have known all along: Every plate tells a story of community and care.

Filipino Scientist Receives Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award Under Egypt’s Presidential Auspices

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Laureate’s Acceptance Speech Moves Audience in Egypt, Emphasizing Kindness, Compassion, and Service as True Measures of Greatness




L-R: Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Bibliotheca Alexandrina Laureate Glenn Banaguas, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research





The Bibliotheca Alexandrina has announced the winners of the prestigious Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award 2025, conferred under the auspices of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi of Egypt. In its inaugural edition, the Award honors individuals whose work exemplifies the transformative power of science, culture, and diplomacy.

Among the first Laureates is Glenn Banaguas, a world‑renowned Filipino science diplomat and multi‑awarded scientist, recognized for his pioneering leadership in climate resilience and sustainability, disaster risk reduction, and science diplomacy. He joins Prof. Hassan Shafik Abdullah, a British national of Egyptian origin, in receiving this historic distinction.

The Award carries a monetary value of one million Egyptian pounds, along with a gold medal and an official certificate of excellence. It reflects the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s mission to rekindle the spirit of its ancient predecessor, a beacon of knowledge and dialogue, and to inspire global collaboration in addressing humanity’s greatest challenges.

In his acceptance speech, delivered at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina before distinguished leaders and colleagues, Banaguas moved the audience with words that transcended triumph and spoke to humanity’s higher calling. He began with humility:

“To be recognized as the first laureate of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award is a moment of deep honor, one that I accept not for myself alone, but on behalf of all who believe in the power of science and diplomacy to transform lives.”

He offered heartfelt thanks to Egyptian leaders and organizers, including His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi, Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Minister Yousri El Gamal, Head of the Jury Committee, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as well as Mr. Mohamed Salmawy and Dr. Mahmoud Hashem, distinguished members of the Supreme Committee of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina International Award. In his words, he recognized their tireless commitment to advancing science and education as pillars of progress, their dedication to ensuring that the award reflects excellence and service, their visionary leadership in sustaining the Bibliotheca Alexandrina as a global lighthouse of knowledge, and their wisdom in shaping this recognition. His gratitude set the tone for a speech that blended ceremonial dignity with profound moral reflection, elevating the moment into one of shared honor and collective purpose.

Banaguas shared lessons from his journey, reminding the audience that success and failure alike shape resilience. He spoke of the choice between striving to be the best and choosing to be kind:

“To be the best may win applause for a moment, but to be kind ensures that our impact endures across generations. Kindness is the true measure of greatness.”

He highlighted two initiatives that defined his path: Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service, which evolved into the Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient ASEAN, and the Science Diplomacy Program, which expanded from the Philippines to ASEAN, Asia, and the world. These efforts, he emphasized, belong not to him alone but to communities and institutions united by the belief that knowledge must be transformed into service, and service into unity.

Banaguas concluded with a call to action, urging leaders and future generations to embrace compassion, humility, and forgiveness as enduring virtues:

“Greatness fades, but kindness endures. Achievements are remembered, but compassion is never forgotten. Titles may be lost, but humility and forgiveness live forever in the hearts of those we touch. May kindness be our legacy, compassion our language, and forgiveness our gift to the world.”

The ceremony, marked by orchestral music and seamless coordination, became more than an awarding event, it was a celebration of humanity, of knowledge, and of hope. For Banaguas, it was a defining moment that inscribed his name into the living history of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a sanctuary of wisdom and a beacon of humanity’s eternal quest for knowledge.

“With tears of gratitude, I embrace my place in the Bibliotheca Alexandrina family, a home of knowledge, culture, and humanity where I will belong forever.”



The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern “Library of Alexandria”, plays a vital role in the global scientific community. It serves as a cultural and intellectual hub, hosting the Arab Regional Office of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and collaborating with the International Science Council (ISC) to advance science, knowledge, and diplomacy worldwide. This positioning underscores the institution’s role not only as a guardian of heritage but also as a modern platform for scientific cooperation and dialogue.

DepEd champions TVET, stronger alignment of education, training, and industry at 16th ASEAN meet

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MANILA, 20 February 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) underscored the importance of stronger alignment among education institutions, training providers, industry partners, and government agencies as it represented the Philippines at the 16th ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework Committee (AQRFC) Meeting.


DepEd emphasized that building a future-ready workforce requires a common framework that connects basic education, technical-vocational training, higher education, and employment, ensuring learners can transition more smoothly from school to work.


Education Secretary Sonny Angara stressed that strengthening alignment across sectors remains central to preparing Filipino learners for evolving workforce demands.

 


"Our biggest asset is our people. Under President Marcos Jr.'s leadership, we are envisioning a more creative and innovative Filipino learner, which will be a significant boost to the industry," Angara said.


This shared direction is reflected in ongoing updates to the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), which helps define clearer pathways for learners and ensures that skills gained in school and training are recognized and valued across sectors.


The updated PQF now features eight levels aligned with the ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework, with clear vertical, horizontal, and diagonal pathways between technical-vocational and higher education. Senior High School is mapped to Level 3, while micro-credentials have been formally integrated to support lifelong learning and give learners more flexible opportunities to build skills over time.


DepEd also underscored the need for stronger coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to address persistent gaps between education and employment outcomes. The Department reiterated its support for a unified labor market information system and the expansion of enterprise-based training and industry-led upskilling programs.


These efforts aim to ensure that learners are better supported throughout their education and training, and are more prepared as they transition into technical-vocational programs and, ultimately, into the workforce.


The ASEAN meeting also followed the formal turnover of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) Final Report and the National Education and Workforce Development Plan (NatPlan) 2026–2035 to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reinforcing the government’s whole-of-system approach to education and workforce development.


The revised PQF and ongoing legislative reforms, including the proposed Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act of 2025, expanded recognition of prior learning, and strengthened distance education policies, are expected to further support alignment across education, training, and employment sectors.


Angara emphasized that while the roadmap is now clearer, sustained coordination and shared accountability among institutions will be essential to ensure successful implementation.


"We already see alignment under President Marcos' leadership. The challenge now is execution—staying the course, aligning budgets and incentives, and holding ourselves jointly accountable for learning outcomes," he said.