How ‘Replacing Chef Chico’ on Netflix Sets the Stage for a New Era of Entertainment

MANILA, Philippines—In a landmark gathering, Netflix Philippines breaks new ground on content and entertainment production with the fresh release of pioneering all-Filipino developed Netflix Original series, Replacing Chef Chico.

In a dynamic promotional event headlined by lead stars Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, Sam Milby, director Dan Villegas and showrunner Antoinette Jadaone, the Filipino group of actors and creatives took center stage to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Held at the Shangri-La Makati, to the delight of the press, Pascual gave attendees a glimpse of what to expect in the series. He shared, “I’m proud to be a part of this. What’s nice about the series is contagious siya. You get to really feel our culture, our dishes. And working with these actors and the brains behind it, masarap ‘yong experience. So, I hope it will resonate with the audience as well when they watch it.”

Jadaone explained putting Filipino cuisine in the spotlight in the series: “I think ‘yong Filipino food, lalo siyang sumasarap kasi kinakain natin siya with the people we love. At ‘yon ‘yung lalabas in every episode of Replacing Chef Chico. Yes, we feature Filipino cuisine—laing, adobo, kare-kare—pero in every episode, mayroong story na kasama ka sa hapag kainan. Hindi ka lang audience, kasama ka sa hapag kainan ng guests doon sa restaurant.”

Additionally, series director Villegas expressed that Filipino food is world-class. “Pwede nating ipagmayabang, pwede nating ipagmalaki ang Filipino cuisine. It’s high time na ma-recognize siya hindi lang sa ating bansa, pati sa labas.”

Dan Villegas and Antonette Jadaone. Images courtesy of Netflix

Stars like Maja Salvador, Catriona Gray, Empoy Marquez, Kakai Baustista, Arci Muñoz, and Liza Soberano graced the red carpet and fan event at Glorietta Activity Center in their elevated modern terno and barong ensembles.

The evening was also a journey curated for fans, with a lucky few partaking in a fan activity called Drama in a Pot that got them up close and personal with the lead stars.

Images courtesy of Netflix

Nearly 800 people bore witness to this landmark event. The talents, showrunners, and red carpet celebrities received resounding applause from both guests and onlookers, taking moments on the red carpet to interact with their enthusiastic fans.

The event culminated in an exclusive screening of the show’s first two episodes at Glorietta Cinemas 6 and 7, on the lead up to the series dropping eight episodes on the streaming platform.

Watch the series trailer here: