• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bago Mayor Nicholas Yulo said he is “deeply saddened and heartbroken” over the untimely passing of Bagonhon Margarita Araneta Forés, who was named as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.
The renowned Filipino chef, founder of popular restaurant chain “Cibo” and other businesses, has passed away in Hong Kong, her son, Amado, confirmed on social media Feb. 11.
She was 65.
“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,” Yulo said in a statement.
He recalled that, back in 2016, “we celebrated her feats during our golden anniversary when we conferred on her the highest award our city can give to its people.”
“We join the rest of those who loved and cherished her in mourning. Together with the people of Bago, her kasimanwas, we offer our prayers and extend our profound condolences to the family of this remarkable woman,” the mayor added.
In 2022, Forés opened Cibo Bacolod at Ayala Malls Capitol Central, the first branch outside Metro Manila.
In February that same year, she hosted an intimate cocktail reception at the Bantayan Park riverfront, in celebration of Don Amado Araneta’s 115th birth anniversary and the J. Amado Araneta Foundation’s (JAAF) 20th anniversary, as per the Bago City Tourism Affairs post.
Forés, a JAAF member of the Board, together with her sister Bledes Forés Legarda and JAAF’s executive director Diane Romero also turned over a symbolic check for P100,000 as the foundation’s donation for the restoration of the Balay ni Tan Juan Community Museum, the BCTA added. | CGC
