Who is DGF

Doreen Gamboa Fernandez (1934–2002) was a professor of literature, journalism, creative writing, and composition. She was a culinary historian, food critic, and scholar specializing in Philippine theater and cuisine. She is known as the dean of Philippine food writing through pioneering work on Philippine food anthropology. 

She championed the talents of local chefs and embraced creative cooks for their take on local ingredients. She pored through old cookbooks, menus, and food books. She sought to understand “How does food become Filipino?” 

Her work has inspired new research and writings in the last two decades. In her honor, the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award was established in 2002 to encourage a new generation of food writers to follow in her footsteps in studying and conserving traditional Philippine cuisine.