At the Michelin Ceremony 2027, Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana shares a powerful message to the LGBT+ community

Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana is among of the four special awardees of the Michelin Ceremony 2027, taking home the Michelin Opening of the Year Award, a recognition new to the Philippines.

She opened her speech with a joyful declaration saying, "First of all, as a proud lesbian Filipino chef — yo it's 2026" before introducing herself to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos as an OFW who worked 23 years abroad.

Chef Frances made sure to point out her humble beginnings in Sampaloc Manila, before delivering a powerful message to the "young, lesbian chefs around the world."

"To all young, lesbian chefs around the world, LGBTQIA, you have a place in the kitchen. You have an opportunity and you deserve all the respect in the world. It's 2026, I'm so proud to be Filipino right now, let's go," Chef Frances said.

Speaking to GMA News Online after the awarding ceremony, Chef Frances said "when I started by career, it was so hard for me to belong. I always had to prove myself to everyone that I belong."

"Growing up a lesbian in the Philippines, they always think you're a clown, you're so kalat. Nobody takes you seriously," she continued before turning her attention to OFWs.

"I want them to be inspired. As much as we love our families, we also have a dream. And I want you guys to believe that your time will come. Don't chase money. Money will come," Chef Frances said.

Tadhana was born in New York City and came home to the Philippines, opening in Makati just five months ago. Apart from its team bagging the Michelin Opening of the Year Award, it also received recognition as among the 18 newcomers of the Selection list.

Says Frances she was so "nervous for the team" ahead of the ceremony because "they were expecting a lot too."

"The team — these are all young chefs who want to champion Filipino cuisine," she tells GMA News Online. "Of course, I wanted to give them something they will take for the rest of the their lives. A Michelin Select is a good start but we've only been open for five months. So a lot of things to see," she continued.

The Michelin Opening of the Year Award recognizes "individuals and teams behind successful openings of a dining venue within the past 12 months, honoring the creative dining concept and culinary approach that has made a notable impact in the local gastronomic scene."

In introducing Chef Frances, host Issa Litton said Tadhana "introduces a fresh international perspective in Manila" as it "channels the chef's global experience into a deeply personal reimagining of Filipino cuisine expressed through refined techniques and creative presentation."

"By elevating the Philippines culinary traditions through contemporary lens the restaurant has inspired new possibilities for the city's dining scene," she said. — with reports from Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA News