Chef Chico Brings a Fresh Wave of Local Flavor to Netflix Philippines

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A Star-studded Affair: A joyous celebration as Netflix’s first Filipino series makes history, joined by celebrities, press, influencers, and fans

Netflix Philippines celebrated a significant milestone with the grand unveiling of “REPLACING CHEF CHICO,” marking the inaugural Filipino Netflix Original series. The vibrant event unfolded during a day filled with dynamic promotions at Shangri-La Makati and Glorietta 4. Leading the festivities were the stars of the series, including Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, and Sam Milby, alongside director Dan Villegas and showrunner Antoinette Jadaone. The center stage was adorned with the presence of the press, influencers, and fans, all joining to celebrate this historic moment.

Image courtesy of Netflix

Speaking to a group of press and influencers at Shangri-La Makati’s Rizal Ballroom, Piolo gave attendees a glimpse of what to expect in REPLACING CHEF CHICO: “I’m proud to be a part of this. What’s nice about the series is contagious siya. You get to really feel our culture, our dishes. And working with these actors and the brains behind it, masarap ‘yong experience. So I hope it will also resonate with the audience when they watch it.” 

Image courtesy of Netflix

Antoinette explained how they placed Filipino cuisine in the spotlight in the series: “I think ‘yong Filipino food, lalo siyang sumasarap kasi kinakain natin siya with the people we love. At ‘yon ‘yung lalabas in every episode of REPLACING CHEF CHICO. Yes, we feature Filipino cuisine – laing, adobo, kare-kare – pero in every episode, mayroong story na kasama ka sa hapag kainan. Hindi ka lang audience, kasama ka sa hapag kainan ng guests doon sa restaurant na Hain.”

Additionally, Dan expressed that Filipino food is world-class. “Pwede nating ipag-mayabang, pwede nating ipagmalaki ang Filipino cuisine. It’s high time na ma-recognize siya hindi lang sa ating bansa, pati sa labas.”

Image courtesy of Netflix

Celebrities such as Maja Salvador, Catriona Gray, Empoy Marquez, Kakai Bautista, Arci Muñoz, and Liza Soberano added glamour to the red carpet and fan event held at Glorietta Activity Center. Dressed in elevated modern ternos and barongs, they showcased a fusion of tradition and contemporary style. The evening unfolded as a special experience for fans, featuring an exclusive fan activity titled “Drama in a Pot,” allowing a fortunate few to engage intimately with the lead stars.

A crowd of nearly 800 people witnessed this historic event. The talents, showrunners, and celebrities on the red carpet garnered resounding applause from both attendees and onlookers, seizing moments to engage with their enthusiastic fans.

Image courtesy of Netflix

The event reached its pinnacle with an exclusive screening of the show’s first two episodes at Glorietta Cinemas 6 and 7. The talents and showrunners delivered their final messages to the excited audience, marking a memorable conclusion to the celebration.

REPLACING CHEF CHICO premiered today, November 24, available worldwide. Only on Netflix. 


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