• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, in an official statement, said “I am deeply saddened and heartbroken over the untimely passing of Margarita ‘Gaita’ Araneta Forés.”
The world-renowned Negrense chef, hailed as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, was found unresponsive on February 11 in a hotel room in Hong Kong. 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.
The mayor recalled that back in 2016, they celebrated her feats during their golden anniversary when they conferred on her the highest award their city can give to its people.
“Today, 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,” Yulo said adding “You will be forever in our hearts.”
Forés initially worked in catering before launching the restaurant chain Cibo, as well as several other restaurants.
She was the daughter of socialite Maria Lourdes “Baby” Araneta Forés and surgeon and Makati Medical Center co-founder Raul Forés, both deceased.*
