In a culinary landscape where husband-and-wife chef duos remain a rarity, Chef Rolando “Lau” and Chef Jacqueline “Jac” Laudico stand out not only for their dynamic synergy in the kitchen but also for their shared mission: to elevate Filipino cuisine on the global stage. Married for over two decades, their partnership—rooted in shared passion, deep respect for tradition, and constant innovation—has made them household names in the Philippines and beyond.

Recently, the duo and SM Home showcased how the Martha Stewart Collection available at SM Home can empower home cooks to reimagine traditional dishes with refined flair. With Filipino ingredients as their canvas and the renowned Martha Stewart tools at hand, Chef Lau and Chef Jac created dishes that were both comforting and elegant, redefining the art of everyday cooking.

Chef Lau took his inspiration from one of Martha Stewart’s signature steak dishes, but gave it a uniquely Filipino spin. “I saw her do a steak butter recipe,” he shared, “but I thought, why not turn it into something we can call our own?” Instead of the classic butter infused with Western herbs, Chef Lau’s version resembled a bistek-inspired compound butter, rich with calamansi, soy sauce, red onions, and black pepper.

Accompanying the steak were two side dishes that showcased his flair for elevating humble local ingredients. Instead of the usual mashed potatoes, he opted for mashed kamote. For the greens, he reimagined Martha’s classic creamed spinach using gata and a hint of ginger, infusing it with achuete.

Chef Jac, ever the pastry perfectionist, closed the meal with a mango-coconut cobbler. “Martha has many cobbler recipes, but they’re usually made with berries. I wanted something closer to home,” she explained. Her mango and coconut cobbler replaced the usual fruits with distinctly Filipino ingredients.

Behind every standout dish is reliable cookware—and the Laudicos couldn’t stress this enough. For Chef Lau, high-quality pans and pots are essential not just for consistent cooking, but for showcasing culinary skills. “Even if you’re a great cook,” he noted, “if you’re using poor equipment, your food won’t come out the way you intended.”

Among his favorites from the Martha Stewart Collection was the Forged Aluminum Grill Pan, which gave his steak perfect sear marks. The Westhaven Cutting Board and Richburn Stainless Steel Tongs also helped Chef Lau perfect his dishes.

Chef Jac, meanwhile, swore by the Gatwick Dutch Oven for baking and stewing, as well as the Bainford Silicone Brush and Richburn Stainless Steel Measuring Cups. “Pastry is precision,” she said. “You need tools that are dependable, beautiful, and built to last.”

More than just functional, the collection lends a polished, rustic aesthetic that complements both casual family meals and show kitchens. “It’s not just about how the food tastes,” said Chef Lau. “It’s about how it’s presented, how it feels in the space. These pieces make you want to cook.”

“Plating and presentation really play a big role in food because you eat first with your eyes and what plate you use also would influence the look of the dish as well,” he added.

Long before “modern Filipino cuisine” became a buzzword, the Laudicos were already exploring its possibilities. From their groundbreaking Chef Laudico Bistro Filipino in Bonifacio Global City to Guevarra’s, the couple has continuously honored traditional flavors while embracing innovation.

Their bond, both personal and professional, has been crucial to this journey. “Being a chef could be one of the toughest careers,” Chef Lau admitted. “We work long hours, weekends, holidays. It helps that we understand each other’s world. We’re partners in life and business. I don’t think I can do this career by myself. I can’t imagine doing it without Chef Jac because it’s tough and insane.”

Their differing personalities also bring balance. “We complement each other,” said Chef Jac. “He’s spontaneous and I’m more methodical. That balance is what allows us to thrive.”

Their advocacy for Filipino food goes beyond their own kitchen. The Laudicos have long believed in mentorship and collaboration over competition. After 25 years of championing Filipino cuisine, the Laudicos are now also promoting other Filipino chefs who share the same advocacy of elevating it.

“For us, that’s the most important thing, because I know Filipinos have this really bad trait called crab mentality. But Filipinos also have a beautiful trait called bayanihan. So, for me, there’s no such thing as competition,” Chef Lau said.

Just like a rising tide that lifts all boats, the Laudicos believe there’s strength in unity. “There’s room for everyone. If we help each other grow, the entire industry benefits. Filipino cuisine deserves to be as recognized as any other world cuisine,” he added.

With more Guevarra’s branches on the horizon, the Laudicos are expanding their reach, bringing their brand of modern Filipino dining to even more communities. But at their core, their mission remains unchanged: to celebrate Filipino flavors with honesty, creativity, and heart.

And with the Martha Stewart Collection from SM Home at SM Store by their side, they’re proving that every kitchen—whether run by seasoned chefs or passionate home cooks—can be a place for inspired, meaningful cooking.