In true Tamayo tradition, the wedding of Christopher Tamayo, heir to the renowned Tamayo’s Catering legacy, was more than a celebration of love. It was a culinary masterclass, a deeply personal expression of heritage and creativity, plated for close friends and loved ones.

On the afternoon of July 4, 2025, Christopher wed his longtime, long-distance girlfriend, Zarina Zapata, in an intimate ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Silang Junction, Tagaytay. The reception followed shortly after at Windsong Tagaytay, where guests were treated not just to a picturesque venue, but to an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

As the son of Steve Tamayo, founder of Tamayo’s Catering and one of the most respected names in the Philippine food industry, Chef Christopher has always carried both the weight and honor of continuing a legacy. But instead of simply inheriting the brand, he’s dedicated his life to elevating it. Educated at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and mentored by celebrity chef Tyler Florence in the US, Christopher has developed a culinary identity that fuses technique with tradition.

That identity took center stage at his own wedding.

Together with his father, Christopher personally curated and prepared the reception menu, a vibrant spread that showcased both local flavors and refined international flair. The dinner featured a salad bar, Porchetta Filipina, Beef Vin Rouge, California-style Herb Confit Chicken, and Baked Salmon with Fennel Gremolata. For dessert, guests indulged in Rouge Brûlées and Isla Citron Meringue, each bite a celebration of elegance and ingenuity.

The feast began with a signature Tamayo-style banquet parade, a tradition the family has long been known for, evoking festive grandeur and timeless Filipino hospitality.

“The food at our wedding was inspired by our favorite dishes,” Christopher said, describing them as “comforting, personal, and meaningful.” He added, “We didn’t treat our wedding as a formal event, but more like a heartfelt family gathering. We only invited the people who truly matter to us—those closest to our hearts. That’s why I cooked, because I wanted to share a part of myself with the people we love most.”

Beyond the plated courses, the couple added playful personal touches to the evening. Guests snacked on fries and tacos, sipped signature cocktails, and grabbed coffee and refreshments from Café Intramuros, a brand Christopher launched in 2022. The seamless blending of upscale dining and casual indulgence reflected the couple’s shared style, which was polished, warm, and inclusive.

The evening also carried a surprise twist! Just days prior, Christopher had turned 32 on July 1. The Sy family honored the milestone with a surprise birthday cake during the program. Adding to the delight, his younger brother Ezekiel joined him on stage for a touching moment of shared celebration, the two Tamayo brothers happen to share the same birthday.

But the night’s most heartwarming performance came from none other than the father of the groom. Steve took the mic and serenaded the couple with a soul-stirring rendition of Florante’s “Handog,” complete with a nostalgic ‘90s-style music video playing in the background. As he reached the emotional line “dahil minsan tayo’y nagkasama,” guests couldn’t help but sing along, many with misty eyes and proud smiles. Truly, it was a love letter from father to son, from mentor to heir.

Among the crowd were colleagues-turned-close friends from Christopher’s culinary journey in the US, who flew in to witness the milestone. Their presence speaks volumes about how far he’s come, not just as a chef, but as a man.

In his vow to Zarina, Christopher said, “I’ll be your forever chef and forever comedian.” A simple line, but one that revealed the depth of his heart for his bride: Committed, nurturing, and always ready to serve joy—in the kitchen and in life.