INTERVIEWS: Chef Luca, Chef David and Chef Romeo on their Mother’s Day Menu at Crowne Plaza Manila Galeria Suites and Holiday Inn & Suites

This Mother’s Day, the kitchen becomes a stage for gratitude, tradition, and culinary storytelling. In this exclusive conversation with Discovering Hospitality, Cluster Executive Chef Luca Angioletti of Crowne Plaza Manila Galeria Suites and Holiday In. & Suites Manila Galleria by IHG., Filipino Executive Sous Chef Romeo, and Xin Tian Di Executive Chef David Chu, share how mothers, grandmothers, and home-cooked traditions continue to inspire the dishes they create today.

From elevated Filipino classics to soulful Italian comfort food, their Mother’s Day feast is a celebration of flavor, family, and the women who taught us that the best meals are always made with heart.

1. What is your professional role, and what was your career path like before stepping into your current position?

Chef Luca: As Executive Chef, I oversee the overall culinary direction of the hotel, ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation across all outlets. My culinary journey began in Italy, where I developed a deep respect for tradition and ingredients. Over the years, my career expanded across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, allowing me to work with diverse cultures, flavors, and teams. These global experiences shaped my philosophy and continue to influence how I lead and create today.

Chef Romeo: I'm currently the Executive Sous Chef of the hotel. My career started as a prep cook at a golf course in Antipolo, and I built my foundation through progressive roles in restaurants across Rockwell Makati and San Juan, before transitioning into the hotel industry in Ortigas, (where) I've developed a strong focus on Filipino cuisine, elevating local flavors, while modernizing traditional dishes to meet today's dining expectations.

Chef David: I'm from Hong Kong. Since 2006 I entered this hotel, Crowne Plaza and I went to Shangri-La Makati and opened a restaurant there. I was in its opening team and after 12 years and I came back to join Crowne Plaza.

2. In your culinary journey, how has the influence of mothers shaped your philosophy in the kitchen?

CL: My mother taught me that food is an expression of love, simplicity, end care. However, my strongest influence came from my grandmother, who cooked for me constantly— was her only grandchild. Through her, I learned that cooking is about patience, generosity, and nurturing others. Those values remain at the core of my philosophy in the kitchen today.

CR: Filipino mothers cook to bring families together, inspiring warmth and generosity in every dish. It taught me that cooking is about soul and authenticity— respecting Filipino traditions while elevating them, so every dish feels personal and comforting, like home.

3. Could you describe the inspiration behind this year's Mother's Day menu?

CL: This year's menu is a heartfelt tribute to mothers around the world. It focuses on dishes that feel comforting yet refined-food that evokes warmth, familiarity, and celebration. The idea is to honor mothers by creating flavors that feel special while still being emotionally connected to guests.

CD: For the menu, one of the ideas is my favourite, Hong Kong style. I'm Cantonese, so I created some of the menu for the taste of my mother and I have a special fix for some dim sums and of course, for baking tarts and signature dishes, etcetera.

4. What signature dishes or standout creations should guests look forward to?

CL: Guests can look forward to elegant Italian dishes designed for sharing-plates that bring families together at the table. These dishes highlight premium ingredients, classic techniques, and balanced flavors, all crafted to create a memorable dining experience.

CR: Guests can look forward to buffet highlights like our Bringhe Risotto con Aligue, Roast Beef Belly Kare-Kare with Antipolo cashew nuts, Pork Hamonado Roulade, and Grilled Bangus au Gratin- each elevating Filipino flavors with an international influence.

5. How does your culinary concept shape the way you celebrate Mother's Day through food?

CL: International cuisine allows us to blend global comfort flavors with Italian soul. It gives the flexibility to create dishes that appeal to all generations while still maintaining a sense of authenticity and emotion-perfect for celebrating Mother's Day.

CR: I draw inspiration from the warmth and care of "lutong bahay" or home cooked meals. For Mother's Day, I focus on creating dishes that feel familiar and comforting, but elevated, so every bite reflects the love, effort, and heart that mother put into every meal.

6. For this year's feast, how are tradition and modernity brought together on the plate?

CL: We respect classic techniques and traditional flavors while refining execution and presentation. The goal is to keep the soul of each dish intact while elevating it for today's dining experience.

CR: We bring tradition and modernity together by keeping the heart of Filipino flavors, while refining the techniques and presentation, so the dishes feel both nostalgic and new at the same time.

7. Could you walk us through the preparation process leading up to this Mother's Day feast?

CL: Preparation starts weeks in advance with menu development, tastings, and team alignment. We focus heavily on training, timing, and coordination to ensure that every served meets our standards, especially during a high-volume celebration.

CR: Strong systems, clear leadership, and teamwork are essential. Preparation and communication allow creativity to flourish even under pressure.

8. What are the unique challenges of executing large-scale celebration like this?

CL: The biggest challenge is maintaining consistency across volume.

CR: Ensuring every guest receives the same level of care.

9. How do you maintain consistency, quality, and creativity under pressure?

CL: Strong systems, clear leadership, and teamwork are essential. Preparation and communication allow creativity to flourish even under pressure.

CR: Trust in the team and passion for the craft.

10. Are there interactive elements or special touches designed to make the day more memorable?

CL: Yes, we incorporate live stations and personalized touches that allow guests to interact with the food and feel more connected to the experience.

CR: We include live cooking stations and personalized touches to engage guests, creating a more interactive and memorable dining experience for families celebrating together.

Crowne Plaza Manila Galeria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria by IHG. Cluster Executive Chef Luca Angioletti and Xin Tian Di Executive Chef David Chu

11. How do you ensure every mother feels celebrated and appreciated?

CL: Through thoughtful service, attention to detail, and genuine hospitality. Every element—from the food to the service—is designed to make mothers feel valued and special.

CR: We ensure every mother feels celebrated through thoughtful details—warm hospitality, comforting dishes, and a dining experience that makes them feel valued and special.

12. How do you inspire and lead your culinary brigade during such a meaningful occasion?

CL: I remind the team of the purpose behind the celebration. When they understand the emotional significance of the day, they cook and serve with more heart and passion.

CR: Sharing the emotional importance of the day.

13. What emotions or memories do you hope guests take home after dining with you?

CL: I hope guests leave with a sense of warmth, gratitude, and shared happiness — memories, they associate with celebrating their mothers.

CR: Joy, nostalgia, and love.

14. Finally, what message would you like to share with all mothers celebrating their special day?

CL: Thank you for your endless love, sacrifices, and strength. You are the heart of every far and today is a celebration of everything you do.

CR: Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers. Your love is the quiet strength that holds families together, and your sacrifices, though often unseen, are deeply felt. Today is for you-thank you, Nanay, Mommy, Mama, Ina, for your endless love, your warmth, and everything you selflessly give.

So, if you’re in Manila, why not make your Mother’s Day special by celebrating it with Chef Luca and Chef Romeo at Seven Corners Restaurant or with Chef David’s Cantonese specials and eat-all-you-can Dim Sums at Xin Tian Di in Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria by IHG.