Winner will appear in Taste of Home magazine, cook with Carla Hall, and take home $25,000
I grew up in my Lola’s kitchen, learning the soul of Filipino food. Fav Chef means sharing our flavors, stories, & heritage with the world
You decide who will appear in Taste of Home magazine, and win $25,000!
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My Lola was my first teacher in the kitchen. In Manila, she showed me that food isn’t just about taste—it’s about love, tradition, and bringing people together. I cook to honor her, to keep Filipino flavors alive, and to share our culture with the world. Seeing someone discover the warmth of Filipino food for the first time inspires me every day
What's your all time favorite dish to make?Kare-Kare, a rich Filipino peanut stew. I still remember my Lola grinding rice into flour and peanuts into butter—the sound of the stone grinder, the aroma filling the kitchen. It was an all-day affair, but magical to watch. Made with oxtail, peanut sauce, and vegetables, it’s a dish of love and tradition. Every time I make it, I’m back in her kitchen, honoring her and sharing a taste of my childhood.
What would you do with the $25,000?I would fund a scholarship for women in the Philippines to attend culinary school and start food businesses. Cooking gave me opportunities, and I want to help other women gain the skills to support themselves, their families, and keep Filipino food traditions alive. This would empower the next generation of Filipina chefs and entrepreneurs to share our cuisine with the world.
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