What started behind the counter of a fast food chain has now reached international kitchens and world-class buffets. Chef Dabo Pamplona, a Dubai-based Filipino Chef with over a decade of global culinary experience, returned to the Philippines this August to share his internationally influenced take on Filipino cuisine.
Chef Dabo was featured in the 4th edition of “Taste of the Philippines: A Global Culinary Journey” — a special collaboration hosted by Chef Roland and Jackie Laudico at Guevarra’s in San Juan.
“It’s been our mission from the start to promote Filipino cuisine both here and abroad,” said Chef Roland Laudico. “This time, we’re spotlighting world-class Filipino chefs working overseas who share the same advocacy — to raise awareness and elevate our cuisine internationally.”
Chef Dabo’s story is one a lot of Filipinos can relate to. He started out working part-time at fast food restaurant, then he eventually moved to Dubai to start his new career and landed a job at the prestigious Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Despite not having a culinary degree at the time, his hard work paid off as he was accepted into a culinary training program under the Jumeirah Group.
“When I worked at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, they liked my job. At that time, it was strict. If you’re in fine dining, you need to be a culinary grad. Then they created a platform that the company will support young new hires,” he shared.
Now, he’s the managing director and co-founder of Naimas Café & Bistro, where he serves dishes that mix Filipino flavors with Pan-Asian and Latin American influences. He’s also a four-time gold medalist at the Salon Culinaire Dubai and a PRO Chef 2019 finalist.
“I mixed fine-dining techniques with authentic Filipino flavors,” he said. “Diners in Dubai love something new if it’s done well, and that’s where Filipino cuisine can shine, especially when it’s honest, rooted, and executed with heart.”
He also shared that for him, gastronomy is more than just being fancy — it’s art, science, and heritage all in one
“Filipino flavors belong on the global stage. It has always been my personal mission to bring our culture beyond one menu and let it live everywhere.” he said.
Chef Dabo’s return was more than just work for him, but it’s something that showcased Filipino food on the global stage— not just as comfort food, but as something that can compete and impress internationally.
The special menu from the collaboration will be available for a limited time at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico, so food lovers in Manila have the rare chance to try Chef Dabo’s globally inspired dishes without leaving the country.
His story proves that no matter where you start — even if it’s behind a fast food counter — hard work, passion are going to take off.
