Replacing Chef Chico - Stories of Food, Love, and Fire

I was surprised that Netflix has not yet have their own original Filipino series until now with the release of Replacing Chef Chico which stars Piolo Pascual, Alessandra De Rossi, and Sam Milby. This series is directed by Dan Villegas and written by Antoinette Jadaone brings food and love in 8-episode course.

We might recall several similar series or movies with the theme of the show, yet it does stand out with how it plays with the premise of romance, Filipino food, and the ensemble that contributes to the flavor of the show. 

The show shares the story of the restaurant named Hain and how the head chef Chico (Sam Milby) struggles to keep it afloat and to prove itself as one of the best restaurants in Asia. His sous chef Ella (Alessandra) tries her best to serve the best story-inspired dishes which Hain is known for. Raymond (Piolo) comes as a consultant of the restaurant to observe and help Hain to regain its glory.

‘Replacing Chef Chico’: First Filipino-Produced Series Puts Love on the Menu

For Filipinos, romance and food make a sizzling combination, and the first local Netflix production in a series format serves up a zesty love triangle set against the backdrop of a high-end fine dining restaurant. 

Replacing Chef Chico is the brainchild of director Dan Villegas, assistant director Joi Bayan, and showrunner Antoinette Jadaone. It stars three of the biggest names in the local entertainment industry — Piolo Pascual (My Amanda), Alessandra de Rossi (My Amanda and What If) and Sam Milby (A Family Affair). 

TBA Studios' EAT'S GOOD! Returns With Fresh Episodes

Learn easy-to-follow recipes from directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, and actors Victor Anastacio and Roxanne Barcelo this May 

TBA Studios’ home cooking web series “Eat’s Good” returns with new episodes starting May 2. 

Watch stand-up comic Victor Anastacio of “Dito At Doon” fame whip up a flavorful Homemade Ham & Cheese Burger that he learned to make while living alone in his apartment.  On May 9, JP Habac brings his experimental directing to the kitchen with his Chicken Bicol Express, a healthier alternative to this classic Pinoy favorite.  The following Sunday, singer-actress Roxanne Barcelo recreates the Millionaire Bacon Fried Rice that brings her back to her memorable stay in San Francisco.  For the season finale, award-winning director Antoinette Jadaone shows us how to make the popular lockdown dish, Sushi Bake, without breaking the bank. 

REEL DEAL: That Thing Called Tadhana REVIEW

I rarely review Filipino films, not that I don't want to but there are less invitation to see them compared with foreign films. But when it comes to movies that I am looking forward to watch because of their quality and critical response, I do make an effort to watch them and do a review for that movie. Well this love month, Star Cinema got Cinema One Originals "That Thing Called Tadhana" starring Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman over to a bigger distribution.

Known to be an all-out love story, it however reflects realistic conversations of today's generation on how they deal and talk about love and heartbreak. With the elements of comedic lines and sarcasm that we Filipinos use to make us realize our faults and turn them into moments of laughter.