24/04/2026
MEET OUR MANGAN BOHOL 2026 FEATURED CHEF - CHEF MANUELA CHERRY PASION TAN:
She is one of the founders and the Chief Executive Officer of the Apag Marangle brand, which encompasses several notable ventures including Silyo, Sapa, Blue Flappers, Cusina Manuela, and the celebrated Kapampangan dining destination, Apag Marangle Restaurant. Now proudly celebrating its 18th year, Apag Marangle continues to serve authentic Kapampangan flavors, delighting guests with its unmistakable warmth, heartfelt hospitality, and memorable gastronomic experiences.
Her excellence has reached beyond local shores. She was invited by the Consulate General in Milan, Italy to represent Kapampangan cuisine at last year’s Kalayaan Ball, where she personally prepared and served a curated selection of dishes, bringing an authentic Kapampangan culinary experience to diplomats, ambassadors, and members of the Filipino community. She has been involved in multiple high-profile events, including playing a major role in the success of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in Clark City. She has been featured numerous times in major local and national television networks and newspapers for doing what she does best, creating exceptional Kapampangan dishes. She is also a favorite among well-known food vloggers across the country. Recognized as one of the forerunners of Kapampangan cuisine, she is a highly sought-after culinary educator among schools and tour organizers, and an active participant in regional and national culinary events. At the heart of her success is her unwavering advocacy to promote and preserve Kapampangan culinary values and culture. Deeply rooted in heritage, she champions the protection of traditional cooking methods and authentic techniques. Beyond the kitchen, she extends her cultural advocacy as a Board Member of the esteemed Kapampangan cultural group ArtiSta.Rita.
Her presence in the culinary world continues to champion and sustain the traditions that affirm Pampanga’s identity as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. The 2025 Most Outstanding SRC Alumni Awardee for Culture and the Arts, one of the queens of Kapampangan gastronomy.
