I’m happy the Michelin Guide finally looked our way. Sa tinuod lang, nalingaw ko which food hubs made the cut from Bib Gourmand picks, and plenty of “Selected” restaurants in between. The debut came with nine starred restaurants in total, including one with two stars, across a first-ever Philippine selection of over a hundred establishments, Cebu included.
What really made me smile: value picks weren’t an afterthought. The list even includes humble eateries, with a few coming from Cebu. That sends a clear message: great food isn’t only about linen tablecloths. It can be a simple recipe, a short menu, and a lot of heart.
But here’s the real lesson I can’t ignore: every post celebrating a win came with a string of angry people trying to rain on someone else’s moment. Naa jui mga unnecessary comments nga “Why them?” “Mas lami diri.” “Only lumad Cebuanos know the real deal.” Grabe ka-toxic.
Let’s talk straight. Taste is personal. Michelin isn’t invalidating your favorite lechon house, silogan, or that hidden sutukil. But recognition for one place doesn’t erase the joy of another. Kung di mo bagay sa imong panlasa, okay ra. Say it without stepping on someone else’s work. The list is an invitation, not a verdict.
These Michelin citations can bring traffic, jobs, and training opportunities; they can also put pressure on service and consistency, drawing more travelers to our side of the map. Cebu’s mix of Bib and selected restaurants shows we’re on the radar, and yes, a bunch of our places made the inaugural lists. Let’s build on that, not burn it down.
To those who made it to the list: congrats. You deserve it.
To those who didn’t: padayon lang. Your time will come.
And please lang, if a neighbor wins, clap. If you disagree and have a better spot, name it and explain why. Let’s learn to celebrate wins without bringing anyone else down.
ʙᴏɴɴᴇ ᴀᴘᴘᴇᴛɪᴛ 