The inaugural festival launches with a global backing, gathering internationally recognized chefs and cultural leaders for a bold new chapter in Filipino gastrodiplomacy.
Motherland Productions, in partnership with Newport World Resorts, recently announced the launch of the International Manila Food Festival (IMFF): a first-of-its-kind global celebration of Filipino cuisine, innovation, and identity. Taking place from August 7 to 10, 2025, this premier event will feature a powerful lineup of acclaimed Filipino chefs, immersive culinary experiences, and a high-level industry summit.
Beyond being a festival, the IMFF is designed to be a strategic platform for gastrodiplomacy, cultural investment, and cross-sector collaboration. Set in Manila’s Newport World Resorts—home to some of the region’s top hospitality brands and most recently aligned with Gordon Ramsay—the festival aims to position the Philippines as a global culinary force ready to compete on the world stage.
“With the Philippines’s projected rise as one of the world’s largest economies by 2030 and the anticipated arrival of Michelin Guide inspectors in Manila, the timing of IMFF is both symbolic and strategic,” expresses Anton Diaz, co-founder of IMFF and founder of Our Awesome Planet. “This event isn’t just about food—it’s about building the infrastructure, visibility, and momentum to position the Philippines as a global culinary capital.”
READ ALSO: ICYMI: 7 LA Crave-Worthy New Dining Experiences In July
A Convergence Of Culinary Talent
The IMFF promises a powerhouse lineup of featured chefs and thought leaders who are leading the culinary scene both within and outside of the country. These include Philippine-based talents like Aaron Isip (Kasa Palma); Filippo Turrini (Roots Siargao); Stephan Duhesme (Metiz); Josh Boutwood (Helm); Chele Gonzalez & Carlos Villaflor (Gallery by Chele); and Nicco Santos (Celera).
International chefs will also be lending their expertise and insights. These include Monique Feybesse (California), an acclaimed chef and Top Chef alum known for her refined technique and soulful interpretations of Filipino and French cuisine; Nicole Ponseca (New York City/Miami), a James Beard finalist, industry disruptor, owner of Jeepney, and author of the bestselling cookbook I Am a Filipino; Lordfer Lalicon (Orlando), chef-owner of the world’s only Filipino restaurant awarded a Michelin Green Star; Tara Monsod (San Diego), a back-to-back James Beard finalist for Best Chef; Erica Paredes (Paris), a culinary artist redefining Filipino flavors through a modern, global lens; and Ross Magnaye (Melbourne), the trailblazing chef behind Serai and a leader in Australia’s Filipino food movement.
What To Expect
Anchored by sponsors San Miguel Beer, Philippine Airlines, and Department of Tourism National Capital Region, IMFF is set to attract global media, top investors, and forward-thinking institutions alike.
Its programming includes exclusive tasting menus and collaborative dinners that focus on sustainability, innovation, and the future of Filipino cuisine.
A cornerstone of the festival is the Culinary Congress and Summit, a grand gathering co-authored by the country’s leading hospitality institutions: Center for Culinary Arts (CCA), Enderun Colleges, and Le Cordon Bleu-Ateneo. Designed as a meeting ground for chefs, founders, government officials, and food industry leaders, the summit aims to foster open conversations and cross-border collaboration.
Topics will include global branding, innovation in Filipino cuisine, and strategies to prepare for Michelin’s anticipated entry into Manila. The resulting insights will be captured in an annual report to guide the future of Filipino culinary advancement.
“This is our collective moment,” shares Nicole Ponseca, co-founder of Motherland Productions. “The Filipino diaspora is hungry to collaborate and ready to lead. IMFF isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about unlocking opportunity, building legacy, and reminding the world that Filipino food is here to stay.”
The International Manila Food Festival runs from August 7 to 10, 2025. For event details and chef lineups, visit www.manilafoodfestival.com.
Photos courtesy of the International Manila Food Festival.
