Chef Fhred Batalona Brings Palay+ to Eastwood Richmonde Hotel for LaMeza: Salo-Salo

Chef Fhred Batalona, MGHR Chefs serve Palay+ at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel

Megaworld Global Hotels & Resorts (MGHR), the Philippines' largest homegrown hotel operator, is expanding its culinary platform LaMeza through Salo-Salo. The new collaboration series brings Filipino chefs working abroad into MGHR kitchens to cook alongside the group's own chefs.

LaMeza began in 2022 at MGHR's first Culinary Conference as a tasting menu built on the idea of a "modern Filipino table." It has since grown into a platform for MGHR chefs to reinterpret Filipino dishes and the traditions behind them. Salo-Salo also draws from The Sampaguita, MGHR's signature service brand, and its values of Love, Honor, Dignity, and Healing.

"MGHR is bringing Filipino chefs from overseas to our kitchens providing an opportunity to learn from each other. While they bring new ideas and techniques that they have adapted from working in foreign kitchens, our chefs pride themselves with their knowledge of Filipino ingredients, tradition, and hospitality," said Chef Franco Martin "Panky" Lopez, Corporate Chef of MGHR.

Chef Fhred's Homecoming

The first Salo-Salo guest is Chef Fhred Batalona, who championed Filipino dining in Melbourne, Australia after being told that "Filipino food is not marketable." His pop-ups Palay and Barangay led to Palay, his restaurant in Fitzroy, which serves dishes from his homeland with techniques he picked up cooking other cuisines. He has also collaborated with Chefs Rolando "Lau" Laudico and Jac Laudico and pastry chef Miko Aspiras.

Palay+ and Kalma

Chef Fhred brings Palay+, a 10-course Filipino dinner based on his Melbourne restaurant. The plus stands for the collaboration. He developed the menu with chefs from MGHR properties in NCR+, who contributed their command of local ingredients and their experience cooking for Filipino diners every day.

"Coming home to the Philippines and having the opportunity to share Palay+ with Filipino diners is something I'm truly grateful for. Palay was created from my love for Filipino food and culture so bringing this experience back home feels especially meaningful," said Chef Fhred.

Chef Fhred will also lead Kalma, a moderated discussion on positive work culture, mental health, leadership, and accountability in hospitality. It builds on his ongoing advocacy for mental health in professional kitchens.

Take a Seat at the Table

Palay+ is a one-day event at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel on September 26, 2026, with two seatings: 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 10pm. The experience is priced at Php4,800, and seats are limited. For reservations, contact fb@eastwoodrichmonde.com or (63) 917 821 0333.