Sheraton Manila Hotel is officially introducing its new Executive Chef, Rej Casanova, through an intimate dinner that feels completely personal. On September 16, 2026, he’s hosting Diwa at ColLab inside Newport World Resorts. Instead of putting on a stiff, traditional fine-dining event, the evening serves as an open look into his journey.
The six-course tasting menu is designed to trace his path from humble beginnings to leading a premier hotel kitchen, turning real memories and lived experiences into something honest, thoughtful, and distinct.
Street Food Roots, Elevated Dishes
To start, the menu leans directly into the comfort foods Casanova grew up loving. He draws heavy inspiration from neighborhood carinderia counters, late-night street food stalls, and simple home-cooked meals. However, he is not changing these classic Filipino dishes just to make them look fancy on the plate. Instead, he pairs modern kitchen techniques with meaningful storytelling, ensuring every single course keeps its authentic soul intact. Reflecting on the menu, Casanova shares:
I think the menu will show different phases of my life that not everyone has seen before. From my favorite street food snack to my go-to ‘pulutan,’ Diwa is Rej. I am diwa.”
The Next Generation Cooks
Beyond the cooking itself, Casanova wants to make sure he uses his position to help other young cooks get their shot.
He remembers how difficult it was to break into the culinary industry without a clear roadmap, building his career through pure grit and patience.
Because of that, proceeds from the evening are going straight to the Marriott Worldwide Business Council – Philippines, funding programs that mentor young leaders and open doors for fresh culinary talent. His reasoning is simple and grounded,
Malay mo, I am able to support an aspiring chef?”
The Six Course Deets to Know
Ultimately, this dinner marks the very first chapter of a broader dining series Sheraton Manila has planned to spotlight creative local voices. The event takes place at ColLab, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. The full six-course experience is priced at PHP 4,000 nett per person. For reservations, diners can contact +63 917 859 7458.
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