WASHINGTON, D.C. – The rich and comforting flavors of Filipino cuisine stole the spotlight at this year’s Embassy Chef Challenge, where Chefs Paolo Peñalosa and Maria Carmel Tabligan of Namit Filipino Barbecue proudly clinched the coveted People’s Choice Award on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The event, held at the historic Andrew Mellon Auditorium, is part of the annual Events DC International City Food Festival, celebrating the diverse culinary traditions of the global diplomatic community.
Representing the Philippine Embassy, Chefs Peñalosa and Tabligan wowed guests with Bangus ala Pobre, a savory milkfish dish served with ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad) over garlic rice. The dish was paired with a Calamansi Sunset Cocktail, made from the iconic Filipino citrus fruit, bringing a zesty complement to the meal’s bold and homey flavors.
“Bangus ala Pobre is a dish that brings comfort and familiarity to every Filipino table—it’s simple, yet full of flavor,” said Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez in a statement. “As we celebrate Philippine-American Friendship Day on July 4, we wanted to share this beloved dish with our American friends, symbolizing the warmth and connection between our two nations.”
This marks the fourth People’s Choice Award win for the Philippines at the Embassy Chef Challenge. Previous victories include Chef Erwin “Wing” Villarias’ Chicken Inasal in 2022, Chef Abigail Sincioco-Mateo’s Sisig in 2018, and Chef Claude Tayag’s Bringhe (Filipino paella) in 2016—further cementing the Philippines’ reputation for culinary excellence on the world stage.
Chef Paolo Peñalosa, born and raised in Bacolod City, is known for championing Ilonggo flavors. Trained at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management in Manila, he has cooked professionally across Manila, Singapore, and Palau before relocating to the U.S. He now leads the kitchen at Namit Filipino Barbecue in Howard County, Maryland, after stints at Beclaws Seafood Restaurant and Lets Taco in Montgomery County.
“This victory is a celebration of our heritage and a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines,” said Chef Peñalosa. “I am proud to showcase our flavors on such a prestigious platform.”
Chef Maria Carmel Tabligan, a Maryland-based pastry chef and graduate of Howard Community College, began her culinary journey in pastries. A winner at the Annual Chocolate Ball in 2014, she founded Sweetcaramels, her small business, before joining Namit Filipino Barbecue, where she now contributes to both its savory and dessert menus.
“Winning the People’s Choice Award is a victory for every Filipino who understands the power of food to tell our story and bring communities together,” said Chef Tabligan. “I’m grateful to the Philippine Embassy and Ambassador Romualdez for this opportunity.”
The Embassy Chef Challenge invites chefs from embassies across the globe to present their country’s signature dishes in a culinary showdown, with guests casting votes for their favorite to determine the People’s Choice winner. A separate Judge’s Choice Award is selected by an expert panel from the fields of diplomacy, culture, and the culinary arts.
Source; Philippine Embassy Washington, DC; Bing Cardenas Branigin, Inquirer USA