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About
Filipino executive chef known for being the head chef of Casa Buenas at Newport World Resorts in Manila. He is also known for being the father of KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza. He worked at The Mulia Bali before returning to the Philippines to help launch Azure Beach Club in Cebu. He joined Casa Buenas as executive chef in 2020.
Before fame
He originally worked as a performing artist by singing, acting, and dancing on stage before he became a chef. His interest in cooking grew after his future wife introduced him to the kitchen. He trained in New York and worked multiple jobs while breaking into the culinary industry.
Trivia
He is known for using local Filipino produce and for menus that blend Filipino, Spanish, and Asian flavors. He gained experience in luxury hotels and restaurants including Nobu New York, Nobu Hong Kong, and Edogin Japanese Restaurant at Hotel Mulia Jakarta where he rose to executive sous chef.
Family life
He married theater actress and singer Carla Guevara Laforteza in 2002. They have three children together including Sophia Laforteza who became a global pop singer.
Associated with
He and RV Manabat are both well known Filipino chefs.
