THE SOUTHERN TABLE: BUSOG CHRONICLES 2.0: Brings the Flavors and Stories of Southern Philippines to Admiral Hotel Manila

There are stories that are best understood around a table. This September, Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection invites guests to discover one of the Philippines’ richest culinary narratives through The Southern Table, the second chapter of its culinary series, Busog Chronicles.

Taking place on September 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Admiral Club Manila Bay, The Southern Table brings together Chef Miguel “Miggy” Cabel Moreno, a champion of Southern Mindanaoan cuisine, and Chef Mark Tumbale, Executive Sous Chef of Admiral Hotel Manila. Together, they will present an intimate four-hands dining experience inspired by the flavors, traditions, and stories of the South.

More than a celebration of regional cuisine, The Southern Table is an invitation to look closer at the Philippines through food. It is a meeting of two culinary perspectives, shaped by heritage, curiosity, and a shared belief that every dish carries a story.

A TABLE FOR THE SOUTH

Southern Philippine cuisine is deeply rooted in community, tradition, and a strong sense of place. From the Tausug traditions of Sulu to the diverse culinary heritage of Mindanao, its flavors reflect generations of knowledge, local ingredients, and cultural exchange.

For The Southern Table, Chef Miggy brings a personal connection to this story.

Born and raised in Jolo, Sulu, and later raised in Zamboanga City, Chef Miguel “Miggy” Cabel Moreno has dedicated his culinary career to giving greater visibility to the food and culture of Southern Mindanao. His journey into the culinary world began after studying nursing, eventually leading him to pursue his passion for food and open Palm Grill, a restaurant known for showcasing Tausug and Southern Mindanaoan cuisine.

Through Palm Grill and Cabel Filipino Heritage Restaurant, Chef Miggy has continued to introduce diners to dishes and traditions from the South, bringing regional specialties to a wider audience while remaining closely connected to their cultural roots.

His work has earned significant recognition. In 2025, both Palm Grill and Cabel received MICHELIN Guide 2026 Bib Gourmand distinctions, making Chef Miggy the first Tausug chef to receive the distinction. The recognition was followed by a House of Representatives resolution commending his contribution to Philippine gastronomy and his efforts to bring greater attention to regional food cultures.

For Chef Miggy, the recognition extends beyond the individual. It represents the communities, cooks, farmers, fisherfolk, and culture bearers behind the food he continues to share.

FROM THE SOUTH TO MANILA

At Admiral Hotel Manila, Chef Mark Tumbale brings another perspective to the table.

As the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef, Chef Mark has been part of Admiral Hotel Manila’s growing culinary identity, creating experiences that bring together Filipino ingredients, contemporary techniques, and the spirit of the destination.

His approach complements the philosophy behind Busog Chronicles. Rather than simply presenting Filipino cuisine, the series creates space for chefs to share their own interpretations of the country’s culinary heritage.

The Southern Table continues this conversation by placing Chef Mark’s contemporary approach alongside Chef Miggy’s deeply personal connection to Southern Filipino cuisine.

The result is a menu that looks to the South not simply for inspiration, but for its stories, traditions, and sense of place.

WHERE HERITAGE MEETS A NEW PERSPECTIVE

The Southern Table is part of Admiral Hotel Manila’s commitment to creating experiences that allow guests to connect with the Philippines in meaningful ways.

As an MGallery property, Admiral Hotel Manila celebrates the idea that every stay should have a story. The hotel’s design, dining experiences, and programming draw from the character and heritage of Manila while giving local stories a contemporary expression.

Through Busog Chronicles, this philosophy extends to the dining table.

The first chapter of the series brought together Chef Josh Boutwood and Chef Mark Tumbale for a four-hands dinner celebrating Filipino cuisine, creativity, and the joy of being truly “busog”, satisfied in both heart and soul.

With The Southern Table, the story moves south.

Guests can expect an evening of thoughtfully prepared dishes that highlight the character of Southern Filipino cuisine, presented through the individual voices of two chefs who share a passion for keeping Filipino food rooted in its story while allowing it to evolve.

It is a dinner designed not only to be tasted, but remembered.

THE SOUTHERN TABLE

Busog Chronicles 2.0

September 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM

Admiral Club Manila Bay | Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection

7-Course Set Menu

PHP 5,800 nett per person

Guests who reserve in advance until September 10, 2026 may enjoy 10% off their dining experience.

Featuring

Chef Miguel “Miggy” Cabel Moreno

Chef, Restaurateur and Advocate for Southern Filipino Cuisine

Founder of Palm Grill and Co-founder of Cabel Filipino Heritage Restaurant

Two-time MICHELIN Guide 2026 Bib Gourmand awardee

Chef Mark Tumbale

Executive Sous Chef

Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery Collection

For reservations and inquiries, please contact Admiral Hotel Manila at +63 2 5318 9000, +63 917 544 3818, or email us at MGallery.AdmiralHotel.Dining@accor.com.