International Manila Food Festival 2025 Shines Global Spotlight on Filipino Cuisine

The International Manila Food Festival (IMFF) is set to debut from August 7 to 10, bringing together culinary masters, global food leaders, and Filipino food lovers for a four-day celebration at Newport World Resorts. Spearheaded by Motherland Productions and Newport World Resorts, the event is not only a showcase of flavors but also a platform for diplomacy, innovation, and global opportunity.

A Festival Rooted in Culture and Innovation

IMFF blends food with advocacy. Festivalgoers can expect tasting stations, bar takeovers, chef collaborations, and a local producer market, all spread across the Newport property. A Sustainability Corridor and Innovation Lab will explore solutions in food tech and responsible sourcing, aligning with the anticipated arrival of Michelin Guide inspectors in Manila.

“This is our collective moment,” said Nicole Ponseca, co-founder of Motherland Productions. “IMFF is not just about showcasing talent—it’s about building legacy and unlocking global opportunity.”

The Culinary Heavyweights

This inaugural event brings together Michelin-recognized chefs and industry icons who will present progressive takes on Filipino food. The all-star lineup includes:

Lordfer Lalicon (Kaya, Orlando)
Monique Feybesse (Tarts de Feybesse, San Francisco)
Aaron Isip (Kasa Palma)
Stephan Duhesme
Chele Gonzalez and Carlos Villaflor
Josh Boutwood, Nico Santos, Ross Magnaye, Erica Paredes, and more

These chefs will host events that celebrate how Filipino heritage can coexist with modern, global flavors.

Festival Highlights and Schedule

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August 7: TITA BABY Dinner

Location: Casa Buenas
Price: ₱10,000
Chefs: Tara Monsod (Animae, San Diego) and Melissa Miranda (Musang, Seattle)

Explore how two Filipina-American chefs interpret modern Filipino cuisine through a North American lens.

August 8 & 9: FLVRS 1 & 2 Chef Station Takeovers

Location: Kusina Sea Kitchens
Price: ₱6,000
Chefs: Ross Magnaye, Monique Feybesse, Aaron Isip, Filippo Turrini

Interactive buffet-style dinners spotlight rising stars of Filipino cuisine with bold takes and unexpected pairings.

August 9: World Filipino Food Congress

Partners: Center for Culinary Arts Manila, Enderun Colleges, Le Cordon Bleu–Ateneo
A day of talks and workshops featuring chefs, educators, and policymakers discussing culinary diplomacy, brand storytelling, and building a sustainable global food identity.

August 9: RISING SONS Gala Dinner

Location: Yawaragi, Hotel Okura Manila
Price: ₱10,000
Chefs: Lordfer Lalicon (Orlando) and Danny Cancino (Toronto)

A rare collaboration between two leading Filipino chefs based abroad, highlighting a new generation of culinary visionaries.

August 10: LASA x LAHI Grand Tasting

Location: Marriott Grand Ballroom
Price: ₱8,000
Featured Chefs: Tara Monsod, Francis Ang, Melissa Miranda, Nicole Ponseca, Erica Paredes, Stephan Duhesme, Josh Boutwood, Chele Gonzalez, Carlos Villaflor, Nicco Santos

An all-star tasting event with curated dishes, cocktails, and vibrant presentations—where innovation meets tradition, plate by plate.

More Than Just a Festival

One of the central goals of IMFF is to position the Philippines as a culinary powerhouse in the global arena. A key feature of the festival is the development of an annual “playbook” for the Philippine food industry, offering strategic guidance for chefs, entrepreneurs, and tourism stakeholders.

The inclusion of major culinary institutions and the emphasis on Michelin readiness marks a significant shift for the Philippines—from underdog to contender in global gastronomy.

How to Join the Celebration

Tickets, chef lineups, and full schedules are available at www.manilafoodfestival.com. Each event has limited capacity, so early booking is encouraged.

Are you ready to taste the world, Filipino style? Which event are you most excited to attend? Share your thoughts below.

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