A Feast Across the Philippines: CAFÉ bai Hosts a Historic 14-Hand Kitchen Takeover
bai Hotels • 4 June 2026
CAFÉ bai, the premier dining destination at bai Hotel Cebu, announces its most ambitious culinary event yet: Flavors of LuzViMinda. This landmark gastronomy showcase features an extraordinary 14-hand kitchen takeover, uniting an elite lineup of seven of the country’s most celebrated chefs. Together, they will orchestrate an elevated buffet experience that honors the rich tapestry of Filipino culinary heritage across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Leading the charge for the home team is bai Hotel Cebu’s own Chef de Cuisine, Ryan Estrada. A proud Cebuano chef with over a decade of international experience spanning luxury global brands like Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and Fairmont Dubai, Chef Ryan anchors the event by masterfully curating the heartwarming traditions of the Visayas. His technical precision and heartfelt approach will present central island dishes that are deeply rooted in heritage yet elevated by his global background.
Joining forces on one stage, the 14-hand collective promises an unparalleled, three-region culinary harmony:
- Comforts of Luzon: Representing the north are Chef Melisa Paguia Rocha, the country’s affectionately crowned “Caldereta Queen” and Culinary Director of Liam’s & Louis Gourmet Café; Chef Welly Rosales, Sous Chef of Manila Marriott Hotel and Project Director of the Culinary Arts Chef Tag Philippines Organization; and Chef Richard Gomez, Executive Chef of Chad’s Café Bar & Grill and Grand Winner of the Sarap Maging Vegan Cooking Competition 2025. Together, they bring a sophisticated harmony of heirloom comforts, modern precision, and sustainable Halal and Vegan masterpieces.
- Boldness of Mindanao: Elevating the flavors of the south are Chef Zheryl “Zhe” Jacinto, an award-winning culinary ambassador, instructor, and sought-after consultant; Chef Mac Dowell “Mackyboy” Labrador, a master of Asian and Western culinary styles renowned for his sophisticated flavor profiles; and Chef JR Royol, the grand winner of MasterChef Pinoy Edition, television host, and visionary behind Anihan Sustainable Gastronomy. This trio brings an eco-conscious, vibrant, and soulfully crafted exploration of Mindanao's deep cultural narratives.
Flavors of LuzViMinda aims to offer guests a true cultural immersion. By bringing these seven visionaries together for a historic 14-hand collaboration, the hotel bridges regional traditions and displays the absolute best of Philippine gastronomy on a single table.
Savor the symphony of world-class Filipino flavors where heritage meets modern execution.
For reservations and inquiries, please contact bai Hotel Cebu at +63 32 342 8888 or message their official social media pages.
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