A thriving food scene
“Your body is not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” – Anthony Bourdain
Let’s talk about food for a change. We all know that the belly rules the mind. Food becomes common ground to settle any dispute, celebrate all occasions, and enjoy with good company.
With so many new restaurants opening in the city, many of my social events include special menu offerings, home-cooking options, extensive buffet at a themed party or catering services. Some events also have programs to help create a more sustainable world.
After hosting so many lunches at his home, food innovator Ricco Ocampo decided to officially open House of O. This by-invitation only setup offers a very unique dining experience that includes shopping as its dessert. Ricco cleverly infuses Kapampangan dishes with Nomad Caviar and other tasty creations.
Food is truly part of any milestone. Manila House set up their buffet beautifully for the 80th birthday of true gentleman Gerry Lane. The Gatsby theme party was a delight with all the guests all dressed in theme.
If “surf and turf” is your choice, head to Wolfgang’s Steakhouse for the ultimate lobster and prime rib and Tomahawk steak combo that includes soup, salad, and dessert! Their special menu was truly enjoyed by my travel buddy Pepper Teehankee. It was even more memorable because they greeted me in advance for my upcoming birthday.
Cater to you
To celebrate my birthday and my son Bryan Prieto, PR genius Sunny Ku offered to have multi-awarded chef Chele Gonzalez cater my celebration at home. Chef Chele is embarking on an exciting new journey by taking dining events to the next level with Chele Catering.
This latest venture applies Gonzalez’s decades of expertise in hospitality to private events, corporate gatherings, launches, weddings, and other catering requirements through two distinct branded experiences—Chele Catering (innovative and refined dining) and Deli by Chele Event Catering (bespoke casual dining). Since the grand launch last March 2025, Chele Catering and Deli by Chele Event Catering are proud to have partnered with some of the most eminent events venues, including Rockwell The Fifth.
Best known as the mind behind critically-acclaimed restaurants such as Gallery by Chele, Asador Alfonso, and Deli by Chele, Gonzalez’s earlier requests for catering private and corporate events are from loyal patrons in his restaurants who want to bring the same level of culinary expertise and impeccable service that they experience in his establishments.
Aside from Gonzalez’s success in the culinary scene, he brings his past experience as head of catering and events for the Guggenheim Museum in Spain, where he once served King Juan Carlos I at one of their functions. He also found his start locally working in some of the five-star hotels such as Shangri-La and Sofitel where he handled high-profile banquets and celebrations.
For his premium catering brand Chele Catering, Gonzalez aims to bring innovation and refined dining to the catering world while impressing guests with beautifully plated dishes and innovations in dining done in Gonzalez’s signature style. Clients are encouraged to work with chef Chele and team for personalized experiences, with contemporary takes on continental cuisine and Spanish favorites as well as a finessed approach to buffet service and live stations. Exceptional food will be paired with seasoned and efficient service from on-site chefs, waitstaff, bar servers, and coordinators.
For more information on Chele Catering and how we can take your next special event to the next level, please reach out through events@chelecatering.com or 09171602382 and follow them on social media at @chelecatering.
Dine and give
As the newest Globe ambassador, I am excited to be part of Globe Platinum’s Gastronome Giving, a signature dining series in partnership with Fine Dining Club Philippines.
The first run in 2025 wrapped up on Aug. 31, showcasing six culinary gems: Goxo and Kasa Palma in Makati, Taupe in BGC, Anzani in Cebu, Mrs. Saldo’s in Silang, Cavite, and Roots in Siargao. Each venue highlighted the rich diversity of Filipino dining, turning every plate into a celebration of place, passion, and purpose. Along the way, familiar faces such as TV hosts Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Karen Bordador, actress and content creator Arianne Bautista, and theater talent Gian Magdangal and world-class soprano Lara Maigue joined the experience, amplifying its story of taste with impact.
Building on this success, Gastronome Giving’s second run starts on Sept. 1 until Nov. 30, 2025. Once again, Globe Platinum, together with Fine Dining Club Philippines, partners with some of the country’s most celebrated chefs and destination restaurants to transform intimate dinners into opportunities for impact—supporting a singular mission: fighting involuntary hunger through the Hapag Movement.
Here, indulgence meets intention. Each seat at the table helps bring meals and sustainable livelihood to Filipino families in need. “Gastronome Giving is purpose on a plate,” says Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s chief sustainability and corporate communications officer. “It’s a beautiful reminder that what nourishes us is also an opportunity to nourish others.”
For Globe Platinum, it’s about deepening the meaning of luxury. “Our customers value experiences that are not only rare and refined but also resonate with their values,” shares Mark Pasaylo, head of Globe Platinum.
On the menu are curated tasting journeys from a diverse selection of culinary gems. Whether it’s the homestyle elegance of Chef Jessie Rockwell Club in Makati, the free-spirited brightness of Restaurant Idalia in Salcedo Village or the modern Filipino artistry of Metiz in Makati, every venue offers a deeply personal experience. The heartfelt luxury of Finestra at Solaire gives each bite a celebration of place, passion, and purpose. For added ease, Globe Platinum customers may book through THEA, their 24/7 digital assistant, available anytime.
Happy eating! The ‘ber months are coming up soon!
