NAMIT GID! PHILIPPINE MILKFISH DISH MAKES A SPLASH, WINS PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD AT 2025 EMBASSY CHEF CHALLENGE

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-49-2025

12 July 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

WASHINGTON D.C. – As the Philippine Embassy’s culinary ambassadors, Chefs Paolo Peñalosa and Maria Carmel Tabligan of Namit Filipino Barbecue proudly earned the coveted People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Embassy Chef Challenge. The event took place on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the historic Andrew Mellon Auditorium, where Filipino flavors won the hearts of everyone present.

The embassy’s winning entry—a vibrant and flavorful combination of Bangus ala Pobre – a savory and tender milkfish dish with ensaladang talong (grilled eggplant salad), served on a bed of garlic rice—was paired with a Calamansi sunset cocktail. The accompanying rum cocktail, made from the iconic Filipino citrus fruit, calamansi, added a zesty and refreshing touch, complementing the bold flavors of the meal.

“Bangus ala Pobre is a dish that brings comfort and familiarity to every Filipino table—it’s an everyday meal that’s simple, yet full of flavor. As we celebrate Philippine-American Friendship Day on July 4, we wanted to share this accessible and beloved Filipino dish with our American friends, symbolizing the warmth and connection between our two nations. As more Filipino-Americans thrive across the country, so too does the appreciation for the richness of our culture and cuisine,” Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.

Chef Peñalosa and Chef Tabligan’s victory marks the Philippines’ fourth People’s Choice Award win at the Embassy Chef Challenge. The Philippines also clinched the same award in 2022, with Chef Erwin “Wing” Villarias’ Chicken Inasal (grilled chicken), and in 2016 and 2018, respectively, with Chef Claude Tayag’s Bringhe (filipino paella) and Chef Abigail Sincioco-Mateo’s Sisig (sizzling pork head), further solidifying the Philippines’ reputation for culinary excellence at the event.

“This victory is a celebration of our heritage and a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of the Philippines. I am proud to showcase our flavors on such a wonderful platform. Thank you to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., for selecting us as their representative.” Chef Paolo said.

“Winning the People’s Choice Award of the Embassy Chef Challenge is a victory for every Filipino who understands the power of food to share our story and bring Filipinos, Americans, and all nations together. I cannot thank Ambassador Romualdez and his team enough for collaborating with us in this year’s challenge,” added Chef Carmel.

Born and raised in Bacolod City, Philippines, Chef Paolo Penalosa developed a passion for Filipino cuisine from a young age. He honed his skills at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management in Manila. Chef Paolo has worked in Manila, Singapore, and Palau before moving to the US to become the head chef of Beclaws Seafood Restaurant and Lets Taco in Montgomery County, Maryland. Now he is dedicated to showcasing Ilonggo flavors with Namit Filipino Barbecue based in Howard County, Maryland.

Meanwhile, Chef Carmel Tabligan is a pastry chef in Maryland. A graduate of Howard Community College, she was part of the team that won first place at the Annual Chocolate Ball in 2014. With her passion for pastry, she started a small business called Sweetcaramels. Since then, she has been creating both pastry and savory menus at Namit Filipino Barbecue.

Embassy Chef Challenge (ECC), part of the 2025 Events DC International City Food Festival, is DC’s annual culinary showdown wherein chefs from embassies all over the world showcase the unique flavors of their own countries. During this global culinary experience, guests played an important role in determining the People’s Choice Award winner by casting votes for their favorite dishes. Alongside this, the Judge’s Choice Award was selected by a group of elite members from the field of diplomacy, culture, and the culinary arts. More information at https://eventsdc.com/news/winners-2025-events-dc-embassy-chef-challenge-announced

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