Kerwin Go
Executive chef of People’s Palace; Head chef of Blackbird at The Nielson Tower
When chef Colin MacKay broke both his arms in 2003, he turned to chef Kerwin Go and asked if he would work in his kitchens. Fast forward two years later, and Go became his right-hand man, opening People’s Palace at its second and current location at Greenbelt as MacKay’s new partner. Then, in 2014, they opened Blackbird at The Nielson Tower: another verifiable institution in the Philippine dining scene praised for its timeless, reliable, and refined cuisine. Like MacKay, this experienced chef emphasises quality and consistency—values that evidently never go out of style, as the two haunts remain some of the city’s most fully booked establishments. Nevertheless, you can expect delicious bursts of creativity from Go, who routinely refreshes his menus with new and exciting dishes—be sure to ask your server about new additions and off-menu specials when you visit.