Margarita Forés, daughter of Maria Lourdes Araneta and Raul Forés, was a renowned chef who left a lasting mark on the culinary world.
She was one of the greatest Filipino chefs, known for bringing the flavors of real Italian cuisine into the Philippines, as well as for the innovation behind it.
Highlights
- Margarita Fores was a renowned Filipino chef who brought the flavors of real Italian cuisine into the Philippines.
- She was raised by her parents, Dr. Raul Fores, a prominent surgeon, and Baby Fores, a socialite.
- The news of Fores’s death was released by her son, Amado Fores, who is continuing her legacy in the culinary world.
At first, she trained in Italy, where she learned to cook according to the traditional methods of local chefs and families. After returning home, Fores started catering.
She possessed a talent for using fresh, organic ingredients, along with her unique twist on traditional recipes. She also introduced innovative hybrids, such as the “Batchony Ramen.”
Fores was featured on shows like “Inspired With Anna Olson” and “Culinary Journeys” outside her restaurants, and in 2016, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants made her Asia’s Best Female Chef.
The Roots of Margarita Forés: Raised by a Surgeon and a Socialite
Margarita Fores was born to her parents, Dr. Raul Fores and Maria Lourdes “Baby” Araneta in Manila.
Her father, Dr. Raul Fores, was a renowned surgeon in the Philippines, while her mother, Baby Fores, was a socialite and the youngest child of industrialist J. Amado Araneta, who founded the Araneta Center in Quezon City.
Margarita Fores, the restaurateur-chef and founder of Cibo, has passed away. Her son Amado Fores confirms the restaurateur’s passing. Our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/IHnu3MdThJ
— Official PEP.ph (@PEPalerts) February 11, 2025
Moreover, the culinary expert was always grateful to her mother for supporting her culinary dreams.
Her mother once lent her the money to start her dream restaurant, the Italian chain Cibo.
She had faith in me. Mommy was real. She never held back to find her joy. She taught us how to live and to make the most of our lives. That was the biggest gift for us.
Additionally, the chef welded on her mother’s contribution saying:
She wanted us to have the best of everything. Though the five of us had different challenges growing up, she always understood us. She supported us when we weren’t sure of what we wanted, and when we made choices that were not the best for us. Her nature was very giving. She and my dad made sure we lived not for ourselves, but for everyone who was around us. Mommy taught us how to live with open hearts.
The Late Culinary Master, Margarita Forés’ Family: A Son and Life of Single Motherhood
Margarita Fores, the late chef, was never married, though she was the mother of a son named Amado Fores.
Moreover, her son is the founder and CEO of AF Hospitality, which operates many successful restaurants in the Philippines, such as A Mano, Ramen Ron, and Steak and Fries.
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Little is known about the star’s personal life, but on February 23, 2020, she briefly released a photo of Danding, the father of Amado.
Sadly, her son broke the sad news with a social media post that said:
Dear Friends and Family, it is with a heavy heart that I share the sudden passing of my Mom, Margarita A. Forés. Our family is mourning this unexpected loss, and we kindly ask for your prayers during this time. We will be able to share more in due time.
Additionally, her son continues to honor his mother in the culinary world, furthering her legacy as her passion and work ethic live on in him.
Additional Information
- Margarita Fores’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million as of 2025.
- She grew up with her siblings: Veana, Bledes, and Oye Fores in Manila.
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Fores, a two-time cancer survivor who overcame thyroid cancer in 2006, passed away due to a heart attack.
