This article is in collaboration with IQOS, and only for adults who would continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.
IQOS Philippines and chef Josh Boutwood of the two-Michelin-star restaurant Helm go way back. In their latest meeting, the two trailblazers shared the spotlight with renowned Filipino culinary talents at the Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club, honoring the inaugural roster of restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide in the Philippines.
Boutwood, who previously created an exclusive six-course tasting menu to launch the newest TEREA variant, Oasis Pearl, back in January, was reunited with IQOS for a new milestone: the very place of their first collaboration, Helm, becoming the first Philippine restaurant to be awarded with only two Michelin Stars.
A Figure of Precision and Curiosity
IQOS’s Manager for Consumer Programs, Frances Forbes, congratulated Boutwood and distinguished chefs and restaurateurs who all came together at Sala last December 8. “We are incredibly proud to honor our IQOS collaborator, chef Josh Boutwood,” Forbes said.
“Josh has been a part of the IQOS family for quite some time now, and we have always believed in his exceptional skill set. His approach to his craft, his precision, his curiosity, and his refusal to settle for the ordinary bear the very spirit of our brand.”
Boutwood himself, goofy as he is, was at a loss for words. But ultimately, he wanted to share the honors with all the chefs in the room, as long as other Filipino dining concepts that are well-deserving of being included in the Michelin Guide.
“Our industry is such a personal industry, and we’ve all grown up together. We have grown all together as a family,” he said. “And I want to make sure that as Michelin starts to recognize our restaurants with these stars and accolades, we remain as a family that progresses together.”
An All-Star Affair
There to toast to Boutwood and the arrival of the Michelin Guide to the Philippines were the chefs and leaders behind a few of the country’s first one Michelin Star restaurants: Celera’s Nicco Santos and Quenee Villar, Hapag’s sommelier Erin G. Recto, and Young Chef Awardee Linamnam’s Don Baldosano.
Also in attendance were culinary icon Heny Sison of Michelin Selected restaurant Deo Gracias, Moment Group founder and restaurateur Abba Napa, Michelin Selected restaurant Mōdan, and Bib Gourmand awardee Some Thai’s Jorge Mendez. Meanwhile, one Michelin Star restaurant Toyo Eatery’s Abby Ang shared a table with its sibling concept, one Michelin Star restaurant Inatô’s Paulo Achacoso and Jana Arias, and The Alley at Karrivin and Moment Group’s Michelle Ayuyao.
The guests were treated to a four-course meal curated by the Michelin-starred restaurant Sala for this edition of the Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club.
A Meeting of Values
The latest Rolling Stone Philippines Social Club isn’t its first collaboration with IQOS. In July, the two brands celebrated the publication’s second issue with actor Daniel Padilla at Gallery by Chele, which also received a one-star distinction from the Michelin Guide.
“It’s not just a collaboration of two brands; it’s a meeting of values,” reiterated Forbes. “We both believe in the power of bold ideas, the importance of challenging the status quo, and the drive to champion those who are making their own mark in the world.”
IQOS, an innovator in the heated tobacco and electronic cigarette industry, she added, is guided by two things: pleasure and progress. “And we believe that you shouldn’t have to compromise one to achieve the other.”
“This belief fueled our vision for a smoke-free future, a future built on better choices, backed by science and designed for those who demand more from their experience.”
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