By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Far Eastern University Doctor of Entrepreneurial Management Honoris Causa recipient and internationally-acclaimed chef Margarita Forés died yesterday, February 11. She was 65.

Her son, Amado Forés, relayed the news, mourning his mother’s sudden passing without disclosing the cause.

She was recognized by the University for her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the hospitality and culinary industries.

During the 2023 Commencement Exercises for the Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance and the Institute of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the renowned restaurateur was granted an honorary doctorate by FEU Board of Trustees Chair Aurelio Montinola III and then President Dr. Michael Alba.

In her commencement speech, Forés urged Tamaraws to create their own “life’s cookbook” and change the world.

Moreover, she was declared Asia’s Best Female Chef of 2016 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards and was named Ambassador for Gastronomic Tourism by the United Nations in 2019.

Her company, Sostanza, became FEU Academy’s first external partner back in November 2023, where they developed leadership, human resources, as well as internship programs for FEU students and alumni.

Forés was also the founder of the Italian restaurant Cibo, which is known for its high-quality gourmet cuisine.

(Photo courtesy of Far Eastern University website)