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.
Fueled by determination and camaraderie, Team bai Hotel Cebu celebrated a successful run at the HRRACI Sportsfest 2026 with a gold medal, multiple podium finishes, and strong performances across various competitions, proudly showcasing the passion, teamwork, and excellence that define the bai spirit. Throughout the tournament, Team bai brought energy and enthusiasm to every event, representing bai Hotel Cebu with pride both on and off the playing field. The competition culminated on July 12 in a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie among Cebu’s hospitality community, where Team bai's achievements reflected the dedication and unity of its athletes, performers, and support team. The final day also featured a meaningful tribute to the late Alfred Reyes, former Vice President for Operations and General Manager of bai Hotel Cebu. At the heart of the commemoration was the Alfred Reyes’s Cup, a basketball exhibition match between the City All-Stars and Island All-Stars, honoring his enduring legacy and contributions to the hospitality industry. Among Team bai's notable achievements were a championship finish in Mixed Badminton, second-place honors in Cheerdance and Ms. HRRACI, and a third-place finish in Table Tennis. The team likewise advanced to the semifinals in Men’s Volleyball and the quarterfinals in Mobile Legends, demonstrating competitive excellence across a diverse range of events. More than the medals and accolades, Team bai’s participation embodied the values of unity, resilience, and teamwork that continue to drive bai Hotel Cebu’s culture of excellence. As the curtains closed on another successful HRRACI Sportsfest, Team bai once again proved that the bai spirit shines brightest when people come together with a shared goal and unwavering support for one another. Organized by the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI), the Sportsfest is a biennial gathering that brings together hospitality professionals from across Cebu through friendly competition, fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and camaraderie beyond the workplace. Below are the winners from team bai Hotel Cebu:
bai Hotel Cebu is once again proving why it sits at the top of Philippine hospitality. The ultra-modern property has officially been nominated for Philippines' Leading Business Hotel at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2026.
Classic wine rules were written for French or Italian food—dishes built on mild herbs, butter, and cream. Filipino food, on the other hand, is a loud, beautiful riot of heavy vinegar, intense wood smoke, garlic, and rich fats. In the wine world, it’s playfully known as the sommelier’s nightmare because those bold flavors can easily make a million-peso bottle of wine taste bitter, metallic, or completely flat.
The journey to "I do" is filled with excitement, but the endless checklist can get overwhelming fast. This weekend, bai Hotel Cebu is stepping in as the ultimate wedding ally to bring seamless magic to the preparations. From June 27 to 28, 2026, bai Hotel Cebu will showcase its exclusive, limited-edition packages at the Kasalan 2026 Cebu Wedding Expo in the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu.
True luxury means never having to leave your family behind. bai Hotel Cebu is delighted to officially open its doors to your beloved four-legged companions. Guests no longer have to leave their hearts at home. Your fur babies can now experience the ultimate vacation right by your side.
This Father’s Day, skip the traditional neckties and give Dad what he truly deserves: a day of pure relaxation, heartfelt appreciation, and an unforgettable culinary journey. On June 21, 2026, bai Hotel Cebu invites families to say "Thank You" to the incredible men in their lives with a spectacular lineup of dining promos across its signature restaurants, designed to give Dad the ultimate day off.
bai Hotel Cebu and Cebu Food Bank of Simply Share Foundation, Inc. officially forged a meaningful partnership through a contract signing ceremony held on June 8, 2026, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and community development.
Motherhood is a journey worth celebrating. bai Hotel Cebu believes Moms deserve to be celebrated with unforgettable moments. Whether she prefers a buffet feast or an intimate fine-dining experience, the hotel is set to transform its dining outlets into havens of celebration, offering everything from lavish buffets to intimate, special set menus.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, bai Hotel Cebu, in partnership with The POP Sugbo, proudly presents Blooms & Bazaar, a special Mother’s Day weekend event happening May 8 to 10, 2026.
Marble + Grain Steakhouse, the city’s premier destination for artisanal meats and fine wines, is proud to announce its new bespoke private dining packages. Perfect for executive board dinners, intimate celebrations, and milestone anniversaries, these offerings bring the restaurant’s signature elegance to a private setting.
