Cebu Upcoming Events #CUE

CAFÉ bai Launches ‘Flavors of LuzViMinda,’ Bringing Top Filipino Chefs Together for Month-Long Culinary Showcase

CEBU CITY, Philippines — CAFÉ bai is set to spotlight the diversity of Philippine cuisine this June through “Flavors of LuzViMinda,” a month-long culinary program featuring acclaimed chefs from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in a celebration of regional flavors, culture, and Filipino hospitality.

The culinary showcase officially begins with a special Kitchen Takeover on June 6 and 7, 2026, during the restaurant’s lunch and dinner buffet service. The event will be followed by themed buffet offerings every Friday to Sunday throughout June at CAFÉ bai in Mandaue City.

Organizers said the initiative aims to bring together the country's distinct culinary traditions under one roof, allowing diners to experience the flavors of the three major island groups without leaving Cebu.

At the center of the program is a roster of award-winning chefs whose careers have helped shape contemporary Filipino cuisine.

Among them is Chef JR Royol, the grand winner of MasterChef Pinoy Edition, known for championing indigenous ingredients and sustainable, farm-to-table cooking rooted in his Igorot and Bicolano heritage. Royol will present dishes inspired by Mindanao's diverse culinary landscape, highlighting local produce and traditional cooking methods.

Representing Luzon is Chef Welly Rosales, sous chef of Manila Marriott Hotel and project director of the Culinary Arts Chef Tag Philippines Organization. Rosales is expected to showcase elevated interpretations of northern Luzon classics while maintaining the authenticity of regional flavors.

Joining him is Chef Richard "Chad" Gomez, an advocate of sustainable gastronomy whose accolades include winning the Sarap Maging Vegan Cooking Competition 2025 and earning a gold award at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2025. Gomez has built a reputation for transforming traditional Filipino dishes into innovative Halal and vegan creations.

Chef Melisa Rocha, widely recognized as the "Caldereta Queen," will also bring her signature approach to heritage Filipino cooking. Known for her celebrated Wagyu Caldereta, Rocha's dishes are rooted in family traditions and recipes passed down through generations.

Mindanao's culinary heritage will also be represented by Chef Mac Dowell Labrador, known in culinary circles as "Mackyboy." Drawing from years of experience in local and international kitchens, Labrador combines traditional southern Filipino flavors with modern culinary techniques.

Representing the Visayas is Chef Ryan Estrada, whose expertise in Central Philippine cuisine has earned recognition for highlighting the bold and vibrant flavors of the region. His dishes focus on storytelling through food, emphasizing the cultural influences that shape Visayan cooking.

Completing the lineup is Chef Zheryl Jacinto, whose work celebrates Mindanao's rich culinary traditions through dishes that blend authenticity, creativity, and contemporary presentation.

The event is being mounted in collaboration with 7 Flames and reflects a growing interest among hospitality establishments in showcasing regional Filipino cuisine at a time when local food traditions are gaining wider recognition among both domestic and international diners.

Industry observers note that culinary festivals centered on regional Philippine food have become increasingly popular as consumers seek deeper connections to local culture and heritage through dining experiences.

For CAFÉ bai, the month-long program offers more than a buffet experience. It serves as a platform to highlight the country's diverse culinary identities while bringing together some of the nation's most respected culinary talents.

The “Flavors of LuzViMinda” themed buffet runs Fridays through Sundays throughout June, with the special Kitchen Takeover scheduled for June 6 and 7.