About 100 world-renowned chefs from Asia and the Pacific will participate in the Terra Madre Asia & Pacific (TMAP) 2025 in Bacolod City on November 19 to 23.
The culinary talents will collaborate to showcase the region’s rich culinary heritage — creating dishes that elevate local food systems and celebrate the philosophy of good, clean, and fair food, a press release from the organizers said Thursday, Oct. 2.
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Among them are Filipino chefs, including from Negros Occidental, who will work alongside global and regional culinary masters in showcasing local ingredients and techniques.
More than 2,000 delegates from over 20 countries across Asia and the Pacific—including India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—will converge at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod City for the five-day event.
International Chefs joining the TMAP are Johanne Siy (Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023 – Singapore / Philippines), Wes Kuo (Michelin Green Star Chef – Taipei), Hafizzul Hashim (Fiz & Green Michelin Star Chef – Singapore), Lordfer Lalicon (Kaya, Michelin Green Star Chef – USA), Christina Rasmussen (Fura – Singapore / Denmark / USA);
Melissa Miranda (Musang – USA), Romy Dorotan (Purple Yam – USA / Philippines), William Wongso (Indonesia’s Culinary Ambassador), Chef Ross Serai (Serai – Australia), and Ardika Dwitama Tjandra (August – Jakarta), LG Han (Labyrinth– Singapore) and more, the press release said.
Filipino chefs who will be joining are Jordy Navarra (Toyo & Panaderya Toyo – Manila), Thirdy Dolatre and John Kevin “Nav” Navoa (Hapag & Aya – Makati), Miko Calo (Taqueria Franco – Manila), Chele González (Gallery by Chele and Asador Alfonso – Manila / Cavite), JP “Jepe” Cruz (Inatô – Makati), Stephan Duhesme (Metiz – Manila);
Yuichi Ito – (Crosta Pizzeria – Makati), Don Patrick “Don” Baldosano (Linamnam – Parañaque), Antonio “Tony Boy” Escalante (Antonio’s Group – Tagaytay / Manila), Aaron Isip (Kasa Palma – Manila), Patrick Go (Your Local – Makati), Angelo Comsti (Offbeat Bistro – Manila), Rhea Rizzo (Mrs. Saldo’s – Cavite), Bettina Arguelles (Manila);
Tina Legarda (Bamba Bistro – Parañaque), Inés Castañeda and Filippo Turrini + Roots Team (Roots – Siargao), Charles Montañez (Mamacita – Taguig / BGC), Datu Shariff Pendatun III (Manila / Mindanao), David Amoros (El Born – Manila), David del Rosario (CEV – Siargao);
Dedet de la Fuente (Lechon Diva – Manila), Erwan Heussaff + FEATR (Manila), Miguel “Cabel” Moreno (Palm Grill – Quezon City / Mindanao), Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco (Baguio, Manila), Gerald Montelibano (Cibo di Marghi – Manila), Andre Malarky (Wild Siargao – Siargao), Rhea Sycip (Cavite), and JayJay Sycip (Cavite).
Negrense chefs at the TMAP will be Don Colmenares (SAUMA – Hinigaran), Nico Millanes (Portiko Cafe – Bacolod City), and Mark Lobaton (Enting’s – Sagay City), and more.
Reena Gamboa, executive director of TMAP, said ”the main stars of the event will be the farmers and fisherfolk who provide our food”.
Ramon “Chin Chin” Uy Jr., Slow Food councilor for Southeast Asia, said it is “a space where grassroots wisdom can shape policy, tradition can spark innovation, and the lived experiences of communities take their rightful place in shaping our global food future. It’s time for Asia and the Pacific to take center stage in the global sustainable food conversation.”*