Every September, the Philippines celebrates National Tourism Week, culminating with World Tourism Day on September 27. This year, the occasion carried added weight with the launch of the Philippine Tourism Awards, the country’s most prestigious recognition in the sector. Among the inaugural honorees stood a proud representative of Laguna—Ted’s Kitchen of Santa Cruz—recognized with the Tourism Excellence Award for Food and Gastronomy Tourism Destination (Salo-Salo Award).
The recognition was more than a milestone. For owner Gel Salonga-Datu, it was a tribute to the community that sustains them. “This recognition is dedicated to the farmers, cooks, and cheesemakers who preserve and celebrate Laguna’s rich culinary heritage, and to everyone who chooses to gather, connect, and create memories over a shared meal at Ted’s,” she shared.
A Family Legacy of Flavor and Vision
Founded in 2012 by siblings Chef Theodore “Day” Salonga and Chef Gel Salonga-Datu, Ted’s Kitchen was born from a vision: to create a dining destination where Southern Tagalog flavors meet warm Filipino hospitality. More than a restaurant, Ted’s quickly became a gathering place. It was named the Cleanest and Best Restaurant in Laguna by the Department of Tourism, with dishes that blended comfort with sophistication.
The family’s success opened doors for growth. In 2016, they launched Ted’s Warehouse Events Space, a fully air-conditioned venue for up to 200 guests, and Ted’s Bed and Breakfast, featuring 13 cabins, a poolside retreat, and intimate dining venues like Angelina’s Private Dining, The Birdhouse, and Ted’s Pavilion. These have since become favorite destinations for weddings, retreats, and family milestones.
Remembering Chef Day Salonga
At the heart of this story is Chef Day Salonga, a top graduate of the American Hospitality Academy. Known for his culinary excellence and entrepreneurial drive, Day co-owned Cazuela Colonial Cuisine in Ortigas, partnered in Commissary Kitchen in Quezon City, and consulted for numerous restaurants in Manila and abroad.
Beyond the kitchen, he authored award-winning books—The Malunggay Book and Make Good Money with Malunggay—both recognized by the World Gourmand Cookbook Awards. For over a decade, his column in Cook Magazine inspired home cooks and professionals alike.
Day passed away in June 2025, but his vision lives on. Through Ted’s Kitchen and Aurora Filipino Cuisine, his legacy continues to feed both body and spirit.
Gel Salonga-Datu: A Sweet Torchbearer
Carrying the torch forward, Gel—once a trader, now a pastry chef—has become known for desserts that balance nostalgia with innovation. A regular Cook Magazine contributor, she champions local, seasonal ingredients and transforms them into confections that tell Filipino stories.
Her creations read like a tasting journey through Laguna: the Santa Cruz Bibingka Cheesecake, with kesong puti and salted duck eggs, has become a beloved favorite; the Mango Kasuy Sans Rival reinvents a classic with tropical sweetness; and the Magdalena Tablea Cake showcases cacao from the town’s farms. Each recipe is rooted in place, carrying flavors of memory and heritage.
Family is never far from her inspiration. Brazo de Fernando honors her grandfather with chocolate-infused meringue. Mama’s Royal Bibingka pays homage to her grandmother with a lighter, softer take on the holiday staple. Even her playful Bibingka Cheesecake in Sambalilo, packed in handwoven hats from Cavinti, bridges food and craft in one artisanal gesture.
Food as Advocacy
At the core of Gel’s philosophy is the belief that food can be both culture and advocacy. By working with farmers and sourcing ingredients like kesong puti, itlog na pula, lipote, and sampinit, she ensures that Laguna’s harvest takes center stage. Beyond the kitchen, her annual Sa Pantalan: Biyaheng Pangkatagalugan festival celebrates the culinary and cultural heritage of the region, making Ted’s a true community hub.
“Food is memory, and every dish we serve is a way to remember who we are,” Gel says.
Serving Culture, Serving Connection
From its humble beginnings, Ted’s Kitchen has grown into a symbol of Filipino hospitality and Southern Tagalog pride. Its story intertwines community, family, and heritage, proving that food is never just nourishment. It is identity and connection.
With the Philippine Tourism Award for Gastronomy Tourism, Ted’s Kitchen stands as a beacon—not just of Laguna’s flavors, but of the Filipino spirit served, one slice at a time.
