Tagalog Word of the Day: PALIGSAHAN
Competition, Tournament or Contest
Ang Pistahan ay may maraming paligsahan kung saan maaaring ipakita ng mga kalahok ang kanilang talento sa pagluluto, sayaw, at sining.
Pistahan has many competitions where participants can showcase their talent in cooking, dance, and art.
February 21, 2025
Newsletter #40
The Michelin Gaze Is Here. But Where Should Our Focus Be?
Dear Readers,
The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines is both a long-awaited validation and a high-stakes moment for our food scene. The world’s most influential dining guide is finally casting its gaze on Metro Manila, Cebu, and beyond — bringing with it the weight of global scrutiny, the rush of culinary tourism, and the pressure to perform at a level we’ve never had to before.
This is an opportunity to level up. To refine, sharpen, and increase our competitiveness on the world stage. But here’s the thing: Our worth as a culinary powerhouse cannot — and should not — be measured solely by the stars Michelin may or may not give us.
According to Michelin’s official announcement:
“The culinary world is abuzz with the announcement that the prestigious Michelin Guide will release its inaugural Philippine edition in 2026, focusing on Metro Manila, its environs — including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite — and the vibrant city of Cebu.”
This development signifies a monumental leap for the Philippines’ hospitality industry, positioning it firmly on the global gastronomic map. Michelin’s presence is poised to elevate Filipino cuisine, celebrating our most talented chefs and their dedication to local flavors and traditions.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed full support, with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noting:
“The arrival of The MICHELIN Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism.”
That said, we need to ask ourselves: Who are we really cooking for?
If we look to outside validation as the ultimate benchmark, we risk diluting our flavors, bending our identity, and shaping our kitchens to fit a Western fine-dining framework. But if we operate from a place of deep self-confidence, rooted in our own culinary traditions, then this moment becomes about something bigger: showing the world what Filipino food actually is — on our terms.
A recent SWOT analysis of our culinary scene highlights both our strengths and our vulnerabilities:
👍🏽 Strengths: A dynamic, regionally diverse cuisine, chefs who masterfully blend tradition and innovation, and a hospitality culture that’s second to none.
👎🏾 Weaknesses: An underdeveloped wine and beverage culture, economic disparity in dining accessibility, and a restaurant landscape that still lacks global competitiveness.
🧡 Opportunities: Michelin could ignite a new wave of investment, culinary tourism, and a renewed focus on regional Filipino flavors.
❌ Threats: The tendency to mold ourselves for global palates instead of refining what is already exceptional, and logistical hurdles that could slow down our ability to scale.
From the Michelin Presentation and Announcement
Let’s be clear: Filipino cuisine does not need fixing. What it needs is amplification, infrastructure, and strategic execution — so that when Michelin stars land here, they reflect our true culinary identity, not a version of it reworked to fit an imported framework.
For those curious about how Michelin inspectors operate, here’s a deep dive into their evaluation process. And if you want a look at what this could mean for tourism and business, Rolling Stone Philippines has a great take on Michelin’s broader impact.
So yes, we welcome the scrutiny, the challenge, the competition. But let’s make sure our next moves aren’t about chasing approval. Let’s make them about standing taller in our own skin.
The world is watching. But more importantly, we should be watching ourselves.
Hit reply — do you see this as a moment of opportunity, a test of resilience, or both? Let’s talk.
On your marks, get set, go!
Nicole
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of Nicole Ponseca and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or individuals. The information provided is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Nicole Ponseca and associated parties are not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for any outcomes related to the use of this information.