Margarita Fores: 'Being a woman in the culinary world wasn"t a limitation; it was a strength'

Margarita Fores, was set to deliver a speech at the International Women's Day Summit: Inspiring Women, Inspiring Women in March 2025.

But as we all know, the beloved chef and founder of restaurants like Cibo, Grace Park, and Lusso, died in February 2025.

Her public relations team shared her speech, which we found so inspiring, we thought to share it with you below.

Nurturing Strength: A Culinary Journey of Empowerment and Heritage

Good afternoon, everyone.

I remember a moment in September 1986 as though it was yesterday. I was 27 years old, standing outside the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence with a suitcase in hand, feeling the crisp autumn air and wondering what lay ahead. I had traveled halfway across the world, unsure if I had the courage or skill to take on what I’d set out to do.

At that time, I didn’t realize that stepping into the unknown was an act of empowerment in itself—a
declaration that I was willing to pursue my passion, even without knowing where it would lead me.

My time in Italy wasn’t just about learning how to cook; it was about discovering my strength. I learned from three incredible women in Florence, Rome, and Milan. These women taught me not just recipes but how to connect with food deeply and intuitively. They embodied the quiet power of women who preserve traditions and shape legacies, even if their work often goes unrecognized.

When I returned to Manila, I brought back more than recipes—I returned with a sense of purpose and a belief in the transformative power of food. In those early years, I entered a male-dominated industry and faced countless challenges. Yet, through each step, I discovered that being a woman in the culinary world wasn’t a limitation; it was a strength.

Over the years, I’ve built restaurants like CIBO, Grace Park, Lusso, and Margarita, each one a reflection of my journey. These weren’t just businesses—they were platforms to challenge norms, to innovate, and to show that women could lead with both creativity and resilience.

As a woman, I’ve always seen food as a universal language of care. In Filipino and Italian traditions alike, cooking is how we express love, celebrate milestones, and nurture those we hold dear. It’s no coincidence that many of the most cherished culinary traditions in the world are passed down by women.

But food is also a tool for leadership. Through the years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing Filipino cuisine on global stages—whether cooking for world leaders, collaborating with chefs internationally, or mentoring the next generation of talent. In these moments, I’ve seen how food can open doors, spark conversations, and build bridges between cultures.

One of my greatest joys has been mentoring young chefs, especially women, and encouraging them to find their voice in the kitchen. In a male-oriented industry, it’s vital that we create opportunities for women to succeed because when one woman thrives, she lights the way for others to follow.

To the next generation of women, I want to say this: don’t be afraid to carve your own path. Trust yourinstincts. Follow your passions. And know that your voice and your perspective are needed— not just in kitchens but in every space where creativity and leadership matter.

Looking back, I didn’t know that stepping off that train in Florence would mark the beginning of a lifelong journey—not just in food but in self-discovery, growth, and connection. Today, as Filipino cuisine begins to take its place on the global stage, I am proud to see the world finally recognizing the richness of our heritage and the incredible contributions of women who preserve it.

As women, we hold the power to nurture and nourish. Not just through the meals we create but through the communities we lead and the legacies we shape. Let us continue to celebrate one another, inspire the next generation, and make every table we touch a testament to the strength and creativity of women.

Thank you.