Bago City in Negros Occidental mourned the death of Chef Margarita Araneta Forés who has roots from Negros on Monday, Feb. 12.

BAGO City, Negros Occidental Mayor Nicholas Yulo with the late Chef Margarita Araneta Forés. (Photo via Citybridge)
“We join the rest of those who loved and cherished her in mourning,” Mayor Nicholas Yulo said.
Yulo recalled that the city celebrated Forés’ achievements during its golden anniversary in 2016 when the city conferred its highest award to its people.
“We will remember Gaita as a trailblazing woman who, despite her accomplishments in life and her hectic schedules, never forgot her hometown of Bago,” said Yulo who recalled Forés as saying that it was the biggest advice that she received from her grandfather, Don J. Amado Araneta.
“Together with the people of Bago, her kasimanwas, we offer our prayers and extend our profound condolences to the family of this remarkable woman. You will be forever in our hearts,” Yulo said.
Forés, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, passed away at the age of 65 in Hong Kong. She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.