Margarita Forés, Chef and 2-Time Cancer Survivor, Dies at 65

Mar. 15, 2025

Margarita Forés.Photo:Margarita Fores/Instagram

Margarita Fores/Instagram

Prolific Filipino chef Margarita Forés has died. She was 65.

Margarita Forés outside Cibo.Margarita Fores/Instagram

Forés was born in the Philippines and moved to New York City with her family as a teenager. Her education in the U.S. and the Philippines blended with her love and travels to Italy came to fruition in Cibo, an Italian restaurant Forés opened in the Philippines in 1997. Cibo has since grown into a pasta and pizza chain with 30 locations across the Philippines.LussoandGrace Parkare two of Forés’ other restaurants. Forés also launched a catering business,Margarita Signature Caterer, and floristry business,Margarita Floralscapes.

Per Manila Standard, Forés was a two-time cancer survivor and beat thyroid cancer in 2006.

Just last week, Margarita and Amado graced thecover ofTatler. In the Feb. 2 feature, she said of her son, “Amado has very clear ideas about how to make my existing concepts better. For me it’s a real blessing because in the end, succession planning comes naturally to all Filipino families.”

She also spoke about her career and her plans to “wind down a little bit,” cater Amado’s upcoming wedding and open a joint project of an “Italian brand highlighting Filipino ingredients” with her son.

source: people.com