“You only live once … we should celebrate the passing of each moment.”

“For me, it’s always about connection—how food brings people together and how our craft reflects where we are and who we serve.”

“Filipino cuisine is one of the most unexplored and richest cuisines in the world.”

“His food is the future”

"I cannot believe that people still care about what I’m doing … I am so grateful for the support."

“Unlike other places I've worked, Siargao doesn’t just inspire, it grounds you. There's a rhythm to life here that reminds me of the ocean days.”

“Every chef’s experience creates their own originality…you really need to visit the Philippines. … You need to find the soul. That’s the most important part.”

“Having a quiet kitchen is beautiful, so quiet you can almost hear … precision.”

“We center our work around the Filipino value bayanihan, a spirit of communal support"

“We’re cooking food to nourish people, but more than that, we are telling and sharing a part of who we are…”

"As a Chef I know how important it is to have everything you need, especially in the Top Chef Kitchen.”

“Every dish is a dialogue between memory and invention, grounded in Southeast Asian roots and elevated by fearless technique.”

“Food is one of the last — if not the last — vestige of culture we can hold onto and claim as our own.”

“Family is the most important thing to me… Food brings different communities together and is an integral part of living life.”

“excitedly contests the boundaries of our food… diners are taken on an unexpected ride around our country.”

“This is only the beginning – we’re going to keep pushing the culture and industry forward.”