Internationally acclaimed Bagonhon chef and restaurateur Margarita “Gaita” Fores will be posthumously conferred with the Presidential Medal of Merit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Malacañang announced today, April 23.
Fores is one of four iconic Filipino figures to be given this recognition for their outstanding contributions to the country’s cultural and artistic heritage.
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed a report that celebrated screen legend and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, renowned singer and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, cinema icon Gloria Romero, and Fores will receive the presidential award in a ceremony at Malacañang on May 4, 2025.
The Presidential Medal of Merit is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service or achievement in their fields that bring honor to the country.
Fores, who died on Feb. 11, was a celebrated culinary innovator and entrepreneur, credited with promoting Filipino cuisine globally and named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.
Earlier, the City Government of Bago led by Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres mourned the passing of Fores.
“We will remember Gaita as a trailblazing woman who, despite her accomplishments in life and her hectic schedules, never forgot her hometown of Bago, the biggest advice according to her that she got from her grandfather, Don J. Amado Araneta,” the mayor said.
