Adobros X Buenas: Bringing the taste of home to the world

Filipino food brand Buenas has joined forces with acclaimed chefs Michael Pastrana and Morris Danzen Catanghal of Adobros to reimagine how Filipino flavors are shared with the world. The partnership celebrates the richness of local cuisine while pushing its boundaries for a global audience. Through chef-led storytelling and immersive dining experiences, Adobros will reimagine and localize Australian produce with Filipino flavors. The collaboration will feature creative recipe content, pop-up dinner integrations, and global activations that celebrate Filipino identity and innovation. Rooted in authenticity and cultural pride, Buenas x Adobros aims to spark a renewed appreciation for Filipino food both at home and abroad.  

The collaboration first took root at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2025, the country’s premier international food trade show organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), held last May. A long-time IFEX Philippines exhibitor, Buenas has been a steadfast advocate of Filipino heritage, working to elevate local ingredients and homegrown products to international markets.

Chef Pastrana welcomed the partnership with open arms as it very much aligns with his passion and advocacy for Filipino flavors. “I love how food accesses a memory,” says Chef Pastrana. “This partnership with Buenas gives us the chance to create moments that bring you back home, a gateway to travel back in time and reconnect with your roots.”

“Food is our universal language,” adds Chef Morris Catanghal. “Wherever we are, it has the power to connect people. With Buenas, I embrace the challenge of pushing Filipino ingredients to their fullest potential, exploring new possibilities, and presenting our cuisine in bold, creative ways to the world.”

Adobros is the culinary brainchild of two innovators reshaping the way Filipino cuisine is experienced in Melbourne and beyond. Their mission is to elevate the rich heritage of Filipino food by merging traditional flavours with modern techniques. Chef Michael made the bold leap from accounting to leading top Melbourne kitchens after owning and managing multiple venues in the Philippines. Chef Morris, on the other hand, is a former musician who beat out 400 Italians on Italian food after winning "Gino Cerca Chef" on Italian TV. He is also the Former Executive Chef and Part Owner of La Bottega Fusion Cuisine in Sicily. 

Together, the duo has led Adobros Australia to become one of the most exciting representations of modern Filipino dining abroad. Their work has been featured on SBS Australia, The Philippine Times, and international culinary stages, including IFEX Philippines. They have collaborated with leading institutions and brands such as Mama Sita’s, NutriBullet Philippines, 7000 Islands, the Philippine Consulate General Melbourne, Philippine Trade and Investment Centre Sydney, Cebu Pacific, Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico, and Accor through Miss Mi Melbourne x Adobros: Flavours of the Archipelago at Mövenpick. Through their supper clubs, pop-ups, and global activations, Adobros continues to champion Filipino cuisine as a sophisticated, evolving, and proudly cultural experience.

For Buenas, the collaboration is a natural extension of its mission to champion Filipino food culture on the world stage. “Our vision at Buenas has always been to champion Filipino food,” shares Noreen Young-Ong, Buenas’ Chief Financial Officer. “With Adobros, we are not just honoring our roots to celebrate our heritage, we are innovating, evolving, and inviting the world to discover Filipino identity through flavor. This collaboration reflects our commitment to ‘Bringing the taste of home to the world while boldly taking Filipino food forward.”

A well-loved brand in both local and international markets, Buenas is best known for its ready-to-eat Halo-Halo and its innovative Vegan Bagoong, one of the 2025 Katha Awards for Food winners, a recognition that celebrates excellence and innovation in the Philippine food industry.

Together, Adobros and Buenas present a shared vision: celebrating Filipino identity while continuing to innovate for a global stage. What began as a spark at IFEX Philippines has become a movement, one that unites tradition, creativity, and pride in every dish.


Banner Caption: Left photo shows Nicole Young, Business Development Head of GEM Foods International, Inc., maker of the Buenas food brand; while right photo shows the duo behind Adobros, Filipino chefs Michael Pastrana and Morris Danzen Catanghal.