A photo exhibit honoring the life, works, and legacy of Bagonhon chef, Margarita “Gaita” Araneta Fores, was unveiled at the Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum in Bago City June 4.
Dubbed “Gaita: A Life of Flavors and Legacy”, the opening ceremony for nearly a month-long tribute was led by Mayor Nicholas Yulo and mayor-elect Marina Javellana-Yao, and graced by Fores’ sister, Ma. Mercedes “Bledes” Araneta Fores Legarda, and Maria Lourdes “Ria” Araneta Roxas Ojeda, sister of Mar Roxas.
First lady Jarie Yulo, Councilor Ma. Josefa Matti, and Ramon Uy Jr. of Slow Food International-Asia Pacific Region and co-founder of Slow Food Negros, were also present at the unveiling.
Aside from the photo exhibit, there’s also a slow food grazing table and showcase by Bagonhon chefs, including Eden Cadusale of Slow Food Community in Bago, and Angeliah Gumban, former kitchen staff of Fores in Grace Park and owner of G-Cafe.
Fores, who passed away on Feb. 11 this year, was a celebrated culinary innovator and entrepreneur, credited with promoting Filipino cuisine globally, and was named as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.
That year, the city government celebrated her feats during its golden anniversary when she was conferred with the highest award it can give to its people.
A staunch advocate of slow food and organic farming, Fores was the first chef to believe in and support local organic farming in Negros, long before it became a movement, the city’s Tourism Affairs Office said.
Over 20 years ago, she took a chance on small farmers and brought their produce into her kitchens, it added.
In 2011, she co-founded Slow Food Negros, a movement dedicated to promoting good, clean, and fair food, the city said.
Last month, the internationally-acclaimed Bagonhon chef and restaurateur was posthumously conferred with the Presidential Medal of Merit by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
She was one of the four Filipina icons, who were given such a recognition for their outstanding contributions to the country’s cultural and artistic heritage. The other three were entertainment legends Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, and National Artist Nora Aunor. ||
