Each serving of food on the global stage is seasoned with love for Filipino culture.
Australian-based culinary couple Princess Anne Uy and Marc Nacua expressed pride in representing Filipino flavors in international food competitions.
“I’m so proud na bitbitin yung flag natin and name,” Uy said.
“[It’s] good to represent [the] Filipino for the world to know what Filipino is, what’s our flavor, or how we do our food,” Nacua added.
Uy received the Silver Knife at the Bocuse d’Or Australia National in 2025 and placed second in the seafood category at the 2023 World Food Championship in Dallas, Texas. She also managed catering for 60,000 patrons at events featuring global pop icons Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga.
Meanwhile, Nacua was crowned Dessert Champion at the 2024 World Food Championship – Australia and placed 7th at the World Food Championship in Indianapolis, USA.
To give Filipinos a taste of their culinary expertise, the gastronomic duo showcased some of their signature dishes during the 5th wave of “Taste of the Philippines: A Global Culinary Journey” held at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico in San Juan City on September 18.
Showcasing her signature style of blending Filipino flavors with Japanese precision and contemporary Australian techniques, Uy served dishes such as Umami Lechon Belly Roll, Prawn Toast, Kare-Kare Bonito, Chicken Moringa Chawanmushi and Seafood Udon.
At the same event, Nacua demonstrated his world-class pastry skills with desserts like Dried Mango Rum Baba, Piña Colada Pavlova and Winter Morning.
‘Feels like a family’
For Uy, participating in “Taste of the Philippines” carries both honor and responsibility.
“It’s about showing the world how Filipino cuisine can stand proudly on the global stage while inspiring the younger generation to take pride in our food and culture,” she said.
“Through every dish, I aim to bring not just my skills but also the resilience, creativity, and warmth of the Filipino spirit. This event is a celebration of who we are-both at home and abroad,” Nacua added.
Uy also emphasized that Filipino chefs, whether based overseas or in the Philippines, are increasingly open to collaborating with fellow culinary professionals, such as Guevarra’s owners and kitchen partners, Rolando and Jackie Laudico.
She shared that they first met the Laudico couple during a collaboration in Melbourne, Australia.
“Ang sarap na pakiramdam na ngayon kasi ang mga chef hindi na sila nag-aaway. Hindi na sila nagtataguan ng recipe…‘Pag nag-collaborate kasi ang isang chef, it feels like that you are family,” the chef said.
“And that’s what I want to be imposing [on] everyone that when we collaborate, it’s not about getting each other’s idea. It’s more [about us] furthering our knowledge and our skills to each and every one,” she added.
Uy has led kitchens at Nobu and Marvel Stadium, while Nacua currently serves at dnata Inflight Catering.
The culinary power duo also showcased their skills at Crown Casino.
Next kitchen battle
Uy and Nacua will once again showcase their culinary talents and carry Filipino pride to the World Food Championship, set for October 16 to 19 in Indianapolis, USA.
According to Uy, she will serve as head chef this year, with her husband taking on the role of sous chef.
Although they will be representing Australia in the competition, Uy said her heart continues to beat proudly for the Philippines.
The World Food Championship, which debuted in 2012, is a multi-day live food sport event that brings together culinary experts to compete across 10 categories: bacon, barbecue, burger, chef, dessert, live fire, rice, sandwich, seafood, and vegetarian. The competition has drawn participants from nearly 40 countries.
