“Some of the best meals are the ones that remind us of home. I enjoy working with familiar Filipino flavours and finding ways to present them differently, without losing what makes them special.” ~Executive Chef Christopher “Chris” Lugtu
This International Chefs Day, Grand Westside Manila Bay celebrates the culinary talents shaping its dining experiences through Filipino flavours, memorable celebrations, creative indulgences and thoughtful kitchen practices.
Long before Grand Westside Manila Bay opened its doors to guests, its kitchens were already buzzing with activity. Menus were carefully developed, recipes went through countless tests, and a culinary team was assembled to prepare for the opening of one of the Philippines' largest hotels.
Leading these preparations was Executive Chef Christopher “Chris” Lugtu, whose years of culinary experience and leadership were instrumental in building the hotel's kitchen operations from the ground up. Today, he continues that work alongside Executive Sous Chef Mary Ann “Meann” Senas and Pastry Chef Erwin Manes, helping shape the dining experiences that guests enjoy every day.
This International Chefs Day, Grand Westside Manila Bay pays tribute to the three chefs whose passion, creativity, and commitment showcase the teamwork and dedication that go into every dish served across the hotel.
Chef Chris Lugtu: Leading with Passion and Purpose
For Executive Chef Christopher “Chris” Lugtu, a successful kitchen starts with the people behind it.
With a culinary career that spans international hospitality brands as well as some of the Philippines' leading hotels and resorts, Chef Chris brings extensive experience, technical expertise, and leadership to Grand Westside Manila Bay.
He became part of the hotel's journey during its pre-opening preparations in 2023, taking on the challenge of building its culinary operations from the ground up. His role went beyond creating menus. He helped establish kitchen standards, build the culinary team, and mentor its members, laying the foundation for the hotel's food and beverage program.
At the heart of his culinary philosophy is a strong appreciation for Filipino flavors and regional cooking traditions. Chef Chris takes familiar dishes and ingredients and gives them a contemporary interpretation suited to a modern hotel dining experience.
Dishes such as Bukidnon Wagyu Adobo Ribs, Pork Belly Humba, and Beef Sinigang Skewers reflect his approach—honoring the flavors Filipinos know and love while presenting them in creative new ways.
For Chef Chris, the kitchen is not simply about what goes on the plate. It's also about the people, stories, and Filipino culinary traditions that make every dish meaningful.
For Chef Chris, his role extends beyond creating dishes and managing kitchen operations. He also places strong emphasis on developing younger chefs, sharing knowledge, encouraging collaboration, and creating an environment where members of the culinary team can continue to grow.
He believes that a strong kitchen is built on teamwork and an openness to new ideas. By nurturing creativity while promoting responsible kitchen practices, Chef Chris helps create a culture where culinary talent can thrive while maintaining the standards expected of a professional hotel kitchen.
Making Every Ingredient Count
For Chef Chris and his culinary team, responsible cooking starts long before a dish reaches the table. It begins with thoughtful planning, careful production, and finding ways to make the most of every ingredient.
With the support of Winnow, a food waste monitoring system, the team tracks and analyzes food waste to refine kitchen production, improve ingredient utilization, and plan portions more effectively—all while maintaining the quality and variety guests expect from Grand Westside Manila Bay.
By August 2026, the hotel had recorded approximately 15% less food waste per guest cover compared with its January–August average, reflecting continued improvements in kitchen efficiency and resource management.
These efforts form part of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts' MEGreen sustainability program, reinforcing the hotel's approach to responsible hospitality and showing how thoughtful practices behind the scenes can make a meaningful difference.
“Great dining experiences begin with the care and attention our people bring to their work. I'm proud of Chef Chris and our Culinary team for their creativity, dedication and thoughtful approach to making the most of our resources. It's a wonderful example of how good hospitality and responsible practices can go hand in hand.” ~Joe Xavier Fijardo, General Manager of Grand Westside Manila Bay
Chef Meann Senas: The Heart Behind Celebrations
For Executive Sous Chef Mary Ann “Meann” Senas, every banquet tells a story.
With a background in luxury hospitality and extensive experience in banquet operations, Chef Meann understands how food can become an important part of life's most meaningful occasions—from weddings and family milestones to corporate gatherings and special celebrations.
She joined Grand Westside Manila Bay in 2024 as Sous Chef and has since risen to the position of Executive Sous Chef. In her current role, she takes on greater responsibilities in menu development, banquet operations, and the execution of special events.
Her dedication and leadership were recognized when she was named the hotel's 2025 Leader of the Year. For Chef Meann, however, the achievement is not hers alone. She credits the colleagues and team members who work alongside her, recognizing that every successful event is the result of people working together behind the scenes.
“Behind every successful event are so many people working together. We have our challenging days, but we look after one another. That's what makes our team special.” ~Sous Chef Mary Ann “Meann” Senas
For her, the greatest reward is seeing guests enjoy the celebrations that her team has worked so hard to prepare.
Chef Erwin Manes: The Joy of Little Indulgences
Not every memorable food experience needs a special occasion.
Sometimes, it can be as simple as a freshly baked pastry enjoyed with morning coffee, a favorite cake shared with colleagues, or a sweet treat brought home for the family.
At Quick To Go, Pastry Chef Erwin Manes brings his creativity and craftsmanship to Grand Westside Manila Bay's selection of cakes, pastries, and freshly prepared treats. Behind every creation is a process that requires patience, consistency, and careful attention to detail.
For Chef Erwin, it's these little details that help turn everyday treats into something worth remembering—from the texture of a pastry to the finishing touches on a cake.
His work is a reminder that great pastry doesn't always have to mark a milestone. Sometimes, it simply makes an ordinary day a little sweeter.
“I like knowing that something we've prepared can brighten someone's day. It may be a simple pastry or a slice of cake, but when guests come back for their favourites, that's a wonderful feeling.” ~Chef Erwin Manes, Quick To Go, Pastry
For him, those everyday moments of enjoyment are among the most satisfying parts of his work.
The People Behind Every Plate
From the international selections served at Café by Westside and freshly made pastries at Quick To Go to thoughtfully prepared menus for weddings, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations, every dining experience at Grand Westside Manila Bay is made possible by a dedicated culinary team.
This International Chefs Day, the hotel celebrates not only the talent and creativity of its chefs, but also the leadership, teamwork, and commitment that happen behind the scenes. From planning and preparation to the final plate, every detail matters—and every ingredient counts.
Because behind every memorable meal are people who take pride in making each dining experience special.
Guests are invited to discover the culinary offerings of Grand Westside Manila Bay, whether it's an all-day meal at Café by Westside, a freshly prepared treat from Quick To Go, or a customized menu for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events.
For dining reservations and banquet inquiries, guests may contact Grand Westside Manila Bay through its official reservations channels.
About Grand Westside Manila Bay
Grand Westside Manila Bay is the largest hotel in the Philippines, offering 1,528 rooms and suites in the heart of Westside City, Parañaque. Designed for business and leisure travellers, the hotel features contemporary accommodation, versatile meeting and event spaces, wellness facilities and a collection of dining experiences.
Conveniently located near Entertainment City, SM Mall of Asia and Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the hotel combines warm Filipino hospitality with an easy, contemporary stay experience.
No comments:
Post a Comment