Team PCheng

MANILA, Philippines — Award-winning food content creator Abi “Lumpia Queen” Marquez celebrated another milestone in her advocacy for Filipino food as she was once again recognized as a FoodPHILIPPINES Advocate Par Excellence, marking her third consecutive year carrying the distinction.

This year also marked a new role for Abi at IFEX Philippines 2026, as she joined the Board of Judges for the KATHA Award for Food for the first time. The KATHA Award is one of IFEX Philippines’ key recognition programs, spotlighting creativity, innovation, cultural integrity, and global potential among Philippine food products and producers.

The recognition highlighted Abi’s continued role as one of today’s leading voices in modern Filipino food storytelling. Known for her creative takes on Filipino favorites and her ability to make local flavors resonate with global audiences, Abi has used her platform to champion Philippine cuisine, local ingredients, and the stories behind the food Filipinos proudly share.

This year, Abi was recognized as one of only three FoodPHILIPPINES Advocates Par Excellence for 2026, alongside seasoned broadcast journalist Cheryl Cosim and internationally recognized pastry chef Chef Nouel Catis. Together, they represented this year’s FoodPHILIPPINES advocacy roster, each bringing a distinct voice to the shared mission of championing Filipino food, local flavors, and the global potential of Philippine cuisine. The evening also separately recognized Aya Fernandez of Eco-Uling as Sustainability Advocate Par Excellence for her work in advancing sustainability and eco-conscious innovation.

Abi’s third-year recognition was spotlighted during the opening day of IFEX Philippines 2026, held from May 21 to 23, 2026 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. The event also featured the KATHA Awards, which celebrated Filipino food innovation and recognized standout products from established and emerging foodmakers.

For Abi, being recognized for a third consecutive year and taking part in the KATHA judging process reflected the deeper purpose behind her platform.

“Being recognized as a FoodPHILIPPINES Advocate Par Excellence for the third year in a row means so much to me,” Marquez shared. “I’ve always believed that Filipino food deserves to be seen, tasted, and celebrated everywhere. Every recipe, every story, and every video is a chance to show the world how rich, creative, and meaningful our food culture is.”

As a judge for the KATHA Award for Food, Abi had the opportunity to engage more closely with the creativity and innovation of Filipino food producers. From regional ingredients and proudly local flavors to export-ready products designed for global markets, the experience further affirmed the strength of the country’s food industry and the importance of telling these stories in ways that connect with modern audiences.

Managed by NYMA Talent Management, Abi has become one of the Philippines’ most globally recognized food content creators, building a community of millions across platforms and earning international recognition for her work. From her viral lumpia creations to global collaborations and award-winning content, Abi has continued to prove that Filipino food can spark curiosity, connection, and pride across borders.

Her continued partnership with FoodPHILIPPINES also reflected the evolving role of digital creators in promoting the country’s food industry. Since first receiving the recognition in 2024, Abi has consistently used her platform to spotlight Filipino cuisine in ways that are accessible, entertaining, and proudly rooted in culture.

Abi’s work has consistently bridged entertainment, education, and advocacy. What began as joyful experiments in her family kitchen has grown into a platform that celebrates Filipino creativity, regional flavors, and the potential of Philippine food to stand proudly in the international market.

“Filipino food has always been world-class,” Abi added. “My hope is to keep using my platform to bring more people closer to our food, our farmers, our makers, and the stories that make every dish meaningful.”

As she marked her third year as FoodPHILIPPINES Advocate Par Excellence and her first year as part of the KATHA Award for Food Board of Judges, Abi continued to carry a message that is simple but powerful: Filipino food does not need to be changed to be celebrated. It only needs to be shared.

With every dish, every video, every collaboration, and now through her role in recognizing Filipino food innovation, Abi Marquez continues to help bring Philippine food closer to the world, one story and one bite at a time.

Mabuhay and congratulations, Abi!