ICYMI: ‘Replacing Chef Chico’ premiere night
Marking the first-ever Filipino-produced series on Netflix
In 2021, Alessandra De Rossi and Piolo Pascual starred in the Netflix film “My Amanda.” Two years later, the duo, along with actor Sam Milby, is back in “Replacing Chef Chico”—a tale of a love triangle set against the backdrop of a struggling fine-dining restaurant.
On Nov. 23, Netflix PH hosted an eventful day of promotions for the platform’s first-ever Filipino-produced series. Members of the media and influencers attended the press conference at Shangri-La Makati, where stars and showrunners, including Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone, provided insight into the series’ creation.
“I’m proud to be a part of this,” said Piolo. “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 resonate with the audience as well when they watch it.”
Antoinette and Dan shared how they delved into studying various kitchens and chefs to gain a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes aspects of food service.
Antoinette also explained how they put Filipino cuisine on the spotlight for this series. “I think ‘yong Filipinofood, lalo siyang sumasarap kasi kinakain natin siya with the people we love,” said Antoinette. “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 nakasama ka sa hapag kainan. Hindi ka lang audience, kasama kasa 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 langsa ating bansa, pati sa labas.”
After the press conference, the cast and crew headed to Glorietta for a meet and greet as well as a preview of the series. Showing support for the whole ensemble were stars like Maja Salvador, Catriona Gray, Empoy Marquez, Kakai Baustista, Arci Muñoz, and Liza Soberano.
Nearly 800 people bore witness to the event where the talents, showrunners, and celebrities on the red carpet received resounding applause from both guests and onlookers.
“Replacing Chef Chico” is now streaming on Netflix.
