Delish Philippines Is Now Officially in Print With Its First-Ever Issue

If there’s one thing that’ll always pair perfectly with a good meal, it’s great company—and the Delish Philippines Grand Launch had no shortage of that.

Held last July 15 at The Elements at Centris in Quezon City, the evening brought together a lively mix of celebrities, chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, food content creators, media personalities, and longtime industry partners. Before long, the venue was buzzing with familiar faces, new introductions, and conversations that effortlessly bounced from one’s favorite dishes to another’s unforgettable dining experiences.

How Three Chefs Turned the Launch Dinner Into a Tour of the Philippines’ Three Island Groups

Soon as guests arrived at Elements at Centris in Eton Centris, Quezon City, they were greeted with booths serving coffee, cocktails and snacks such as tarts, bread, cheeses and cold cuts. The curtains then parted, revealing the LPU Dance Troupe garbed in their colorful outfits leading guests to their designated tables.

Once seated in their comfortable corner of the room, the dance group again performed folk dances before revealing the three chefs who prepared a Filipino feast for the night. Representing the country’s three main regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, celebrated chefs Bettina Arguelles, Francis Lacson, and Miggy Moreno were introduced as the talents behind the evening’s regional feast. Each would showcase the distinct flavors and traditions of their home region, offering guests a delicious preview of the diversity Delish Philippines hopes to champion with every story, in every issue.

Why Delish Philippines Put Binungor—Not Adobo—on Its Maiden Issue Cover

But before guests could dig in, Editor-in-Chief Angelo Comsti served up something even more satisfying. He shared the publication’s vision of going beyond the typical recipes and restaurant recommendations to actually celebrate the people, places, and traditions that keep every dish flavorful.

He spoke about the farmers who grow local ingredients, the families preserving heirloom recipes, and the chefs finding new and creative ways to celebrate Filipino cuisine. More than a food magazine, he emphasized, Delish Philippines hopes to become a space where every story is just as memorable as the meal itself—setting the table perfectly for the evening’s biggest moment.

The maiden issue was officially unveiled, revealing Binungor, a humble Kalinga dish cobbled together from snails, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, chilis, and various other edible plants, on its very first cover. While unfamiliar to many, it captures Delish Philippines’ belief that some of the country’s most remarkable flavors are also its least familiar, making it the perfect introduction to an issue that journeys through the Cordilleras, explores the culinary traditions of Bulacan and Iloilo, revisits Philippine history through the favorite dishes of beloved heroes, and shines a spotlight on the personalities helping Filipino food reach new heights.

A Launch Night Built Around the People Shaping Filipino Cuisine

With the maiden issue finally served, the rest of the evening unfolded exactly as good meals often do. Conversations lingered, pages were eagerly flipped through, and the feast inspired by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gave everyone plenty of reason to gather around the table.

It’s a fitting ending to a night that wasn’t just about launching a magazine, but about celebrating the people who continue to shape Filipino cuisine—from chefs and restaurateurs to content creators, storytellers, and passionate diners alike.

If the maiden issue is the first serving, it’s safe to say everyone left looking forward to the next course.

In partnership with Security Bank. Special thanks to Konjac Zero, LuxeSlim, Euro Spice and The Maya Kitchen.

Paolo Elwick

Paolo is a food writer and storyteller exploring the intersections of food, culture, and identity through thoughtful, people-centered storytelling. He believes that, second only to language, food is one of humanity's most powerful expressions of culture—a medium for preserving history, expressing identity, and coming to understand ourselves and connect with others. Drawn to the histories, traditions, and personal experiences behind every dish, his writing combines curiosity with emotional honesty, highlighting diverse voices and celebrating the communities that shape our food landscape. Influenced by writers and artists who embrace vulnerability and introspection, Paolo uses a reflective, metaphor-rich approach to uncover the deeper meanings found in everyday meals and shared tables. He is passionate about creating stories that foster empathy, preserve cultural narratives, and invite readers to see food as more than sustenance—as memory, identity, and belonging. Through his work, Paolo hopes to amplify underrepresented perspectives and spark meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the plate.

See Full Bio

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Delish Philippines Grand Launch held?

The Delish Philippines Grand Launch took place on July 15 at The Elements at Centris in Quezon City.

Paolo Elwick

Paolo is a food writer and storyteller exploring the intersections of food, culture, and identity through thoughtful, people-centered storytelling. He believes that, second only to language, food is one of humanity's most powerful expressions of culture—a medium for preserving history, expressing identity, and coming to understand ourselves and connect with others. Drawn to the histories, traditions, and personal experiences behind every dish, his writing combines curiosity with emotional honesty, highlighting diverse voices and celebrating the communities that shape our food landscape. Influenced by writers and artists who embrace vulnerability and introspection, Paolo uses a reflective, metaphor-rich approach to uncover the deeper meanings found in everyday meals and shared tables. He is passionate about creating stories that foster empathy, preserve cultural narratives, and invite readers to see food as more than sustenance—as memory, identity, and belonging. Through his work, Paolo hopes to amplify underrepresented perspectives and spark meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the plate.

See Full Bio

What was unveiled during the Delish Philippines launch?

The event officially unveiled the maiden print issue of Delish Philippines, featuring Binungor, a traditional Kalinga dish, on its cover.

Paolo Elwick

Paolo is a food writer and storyteller exploring the intersections of food, culture, and identity through thoughtful, people-centered storytelling. He believes that, second only to language, food is one of humanity's most powerful expressions of culture—a medium for preserving history, expressing identity, and coming to understand ourselves and connect with others. Drawn to the histories, traditions, and personal experiences behind every dish, his writing combines curiosity with emotional honesty, highlighting diverse voices and celebrating the communities that shape our food landscape. Influenced by writers and artists who embrace vulnerability and introspection, Paolo uses a reflective, metaphor-rich approach to uncover the deeper meanings found in everyday meals and shared tables. He is passionate about creating stories that foster empathy, preserve cultural narratives, and invite readers to see food as more than sustenance—as memory, identity, and belonging. Through his work, Paolo hopes to amplify underrepresented perspectives and spark meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the plate.

See Full Bio

Who attended the Delish Philippines Grand Launch?

Guests included chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, celebrities, food creators, media personalities, and industry partners.

Paolo Elwick

Paolo is a food writer and storyteller exploring the intersections of food, culture, and identity through thoughtful, people-centered storytelling. He believes that, second only to language, food is one of humanity's most powerful expressions of culture—a medium for preserving history, expressing identity, and coming to understand ourselves and connect with others. Drawn to the histories, traditions, and personal experiences behind every dish, his writing combines curiosity with emotional honesty, highlighting diverse voices and celebrating the communities that shape our food landscape. Influenced by writers and artists who embrace vulnerability and introspection, Paolo uses a reflective, metaphor-rich approach to uncover the deeper meanings found in everyday meals and shared tables. He is passionate about creating stories that foster empathy, preserve cultural narratives, and invite readers to see food as more than sustenance—as memory, identity, and belonging. Through his work, Paolo hopes to amplify underrepresented perspectives and spark meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the plate.

See Full Bio

Who prepared the food for the launch?

Chef Bettina Arguelles (Luzon), Chef Francis Lacson (Visayas), and Chef Miggy Moreno (Mindanao) created the regional menu.

Paolo Elwick

Paolo is a food writer and storyteller exploring the intersections of food, culture, and identity through thoughtful, people-centered storytelling. He believes that, second only to language, food is one of humanity's most powerful expressions of culture—a medium for preserving history, expressing identity, and coming to understand ourselves and connect with others. Drawn to the histories, traditions, and personal experiences behind every dish, his writing combines curiosity with emotional honesty, highlighting diverse voices and celebrating the communities that shape our food landscape. Influenced by writers and artists who embrace vulnerability and introspection, Paolo uses a reflective, metaphor-rich approach to uncover the deeper meanings found in everyday meals and shared tables. He is passionate about creating stories that foster empathy, preserve cultural narratives, and invite readers to see food as more than sustenance—as memory, identity, and belonging. Through his work, Paolo hopes to amplify underrepresented perspectives and spark meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the plate.

See Full Bio

Why was Binungor chosen as the cover?

The Kalinga dish reflects Delish Philippines’ mission to spotlight lesser-known regional Filipino dishes and the stories behind them.

Paolo Elwick

Paolo is a food writer and storyteller exploring the intersections of food, culture, and identity through thoughtful, people-centered storytelling. He believes that, second only to language, food is one of humanity's most powerful expressions of culture—a medium for preserving history, expressing identity, and coming to understand ourselves and connect with others. Drawn to the histories, traditions, and personal experiences behind every dish, his writing combines curiosity with emotional honesty, highlighting diverse voices and celebrating the communities that shape our food landscape. Influenced by writers and artists who embrace vulnerability and introspection, Paolo uses a reflective, metaphor-rich approach to uncover the deeper meanings found in everyday meals and shared tables. He is passionate about creating stories that foster empathy, preserve cultural narratives, and invite readers to see food as more than sustenance—as memory, identity, and belonging. Through his work, Paolo hopes to amplify underrepresented perspectives and spark meaningful conversations that extend far beyond the plate.

See Full Bio