MANILA, Philippines ? The Miele Guide was finally launched last October 31 at the Grand Hyatt in Singapore at a gala dinner for 350 restaurateurs, chefs and food writers in Asia.

Red roses in elegant vases on each of the tables and the lovely bare back of the beautiful emcee were the only contrast to the black backdrop of this black-tie event.

The atmosphere was very formal, the program starting off with the speech of Miele?s managing director, Mario Miranda, who said, ?We are proud to be part of this landmark move to recognize the Asian dining scene. We are dedicated to encouraging and supporting the food and wine industry in this region and in promoting the enjoyment and understand of good food among the people of this diverse region.?

This was followed by a speech from Aun Koh, who created the Miele Guide with his wife Tan Su-Lyn, and was quick to clarify: ?We want the Miele Guide to become established as the most credible, independent and respected system through which restaurants are evaluated across Asia. But a large percentage of our results are based on polling, both through a jury and the public. If people are unhappy with the results this year, we urge them to vote in the following years.?

As the emcee read the Top 20 best restaurants in Asia backwards, we Filipinos in the crowd, including chefs Margarita Fores, Jessie Sincioco, Rolando Laudico, Marivic Diaz-Lim, Tonyboy Escalante and restaurateurs/owners of Sonya?s Garden, Chateau 1771, Elbert?s Steakhouse and Abe, held our breaths as we waited for a Filipino restaurant to be called. Our hearts sank as the emcee read from 20 back to 11 without any Filipino restaurant being named. Then, at number 10, Antonio?s Fine Dining in Tagaytay was called. It was a funny moment as the three tables with Filipino guests cheered Tonyboy Escalante on. (The restaurants from other countries received restrained applause from the very well behaved crowd?I guess we couldn?t help ourselves!)

We quickly browsed through the Miele Guide and were amazed at how the writers of the Guide (unnamed) captured the essence of each of the restaurants in the Philippines. This is so telling of how spot on the descriptions are of the restaurants across Asia, making the Guide a reliable one, especially for frequent travelers.

Later, while other chefs congratulated him, Chef Tonyboy whispered to us, ?Naku, pressure na naman ito (Wow, this is pressure)!? Gaita Fores, beaming that the Philippines was well-represented, said as she passed our table, ?At least we have one restaurant in the Top 20!? Jessie Sincioco and Rolando Laudico, ever so gracious, were all praises for Antonio?s and said that the restaurant deserved its spot in the Top 20.

Of course, being Filipino, even while dessert was still being served, we all got up to get a group picture taken. We gave this one guy all our cameras and he kindly clicked away for around 10 cameras. Turns out it was Tonyboy Escalante?s brother Manolet and mayor of Manapla, Negros Occidental! Then the emcee had to announce, ?Would everyone kindly return to their seats as we continue with the program?? So Pinoy!

Also so Pinoy is not missing out on the best. The following evening, three tables at Iggy?s, which was ranked number one in Asia, were filled with Filipinos. The verdict from Chef Rolando Laudico, ?Kayang-kaya natin ?to (We can do this).?

The event was inspiring, to say the least. It was a wonderful feeling to see Filipinos among the who?s who of Asia?s culinary best. Thanks in large part to the bloggers and all who voted online!

Hopefully, soon enough, Filipino restaurants will be considered a destination on their own and foodies the world over will know of the great talent of Filipino chefs and the joys of Filipino food. ?

The Miele Guide is available through their website, mieleguide.com and on amazon.com.