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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider Future-proofing a culinary legacy

Future-proofing a culinary legacy

The Araneta-Fores family charts a new course for AF Hospitality and CIBO while honoring the vision of the late Margarita Forés.

Published Jul 11, 2025 07:54 am
Lusso at the Podium was the location for a small conclave of media friends organized on behalf of AF Hospitality and the Araneta-Fores family. The agenda that lunchtime was to deliver several business-related moves concerning AF Hospitality (AFH), which was founded by Amado Fores. Prior to the lunch, AFH counted a mano, Ramen Ron and Steak & Frice as their food brands. Founded by Amado’s mother, the late Margarita Forés, Lusso, Grace Park and Margarita Florals will now transition to be part of AFH.
CIBO, which was also founded by Margarita Forés, will now be led by Amado, with the existing established leadership team, and this includes Margarita Signature Caterer. At its essence, the moves honored the legacy of Margarita while positioning the food group for a dynamic tomorrow, future-proofing her legacy within the Philippine culinary landscape.
Carmela and Amado Fores
Carmela and Amado Fores
As Amado succinctly remarked, “This has been a time of deep reflection, and I carry with me not only grief, but also the profound honor of continuing what she built.” As Amado was visibly stressed and holding back tears as he gave his speech, one couldn’t help but find it heart-breaking that this had come to pass just a few months ago. Our celebrated Filipino cuisine advocate and restaurateur, Margarita Forés, unexpectedly passed away on Feb. 11, 2025.
The key updates are as follows: Amado Fores is now president and CEO of CIBO. Chef Jorge Mendez remains executive chef and director of research and development. Edgar Allan Caper is now managing director of CIBO, while Bledes Fores Legarda and Oye Fores continue as managing director and executive vice president, respectively. Mercedes Fores will now take on the role of chief operating officer.
The key players of AF Hospitality and CIBO
The key players of AF Hospitality and CIBO
Within AF Hospitality, Amado’s wife, Carmela Fortuna Fores, will join as managing director, bringing her wealth of experience in retail and marketing — a great way to bring in a fresh perspective, plus established operational expertise.
A string of Lusso “greatest hits” were served that lunch, a fitting tribute to how Margarita had nurtured the brand for 16 years. In my mind, Lusso is a worthy, more manageable successor to her Pepato — which I loved, but was ahead of its time.
Mercedes Fores, the new CIBO COO
Mercedes Fores, the new CIBO COO
Beyond the expansion news of the various brands, what got me truly excited was the announcement that the CIBO brand would soon open a new Japanese concept, Makanai. Created by Chef Jorge Mendez, August 2025 was mentioned — and that’s just around the corner.
What was touching was seeing the family united and gathering around Amado. It was an afternoon of honoring his mom’s memory and legacy while looking forward to the future of what she had started. Somewhere, Margarita must be smiling and wishing Amado the best.
Araneta-Fores family picture of the day — two generations represented.
Araneta-Fores family picture of the day — two generations represented.
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