Singapore — At Raffles Hotel Singapore, where heritage and hospitality meet, Filipino chef Nico de Asis Millanes took the spotlight at the Southeast Asia Regional Hawker Series from April 20 to 26, 2026. The program, curated in collaboration with K. F. Seetoh, brings together chefs from across the region to present their take on Southeast Asia’s most enduring flavors.

A graduate of Enderun Colleges and part of its pioneer École Ducasse Manila batch, Millanes represented Filipino regional cuisine through a focused menu rooted in Western Visayas. This marked his second participation in the series, following his 2025 debut where he presented Cansi, a Negrense beef shank soup. His return continued that direction where he highlighted dishes that reflect regional identity and culinary heritage.

For the 2026 edition, Millanes presented Chicken Inasal and Chicken Binakol. Inasal, widely associated with Bacolod, was prepared using coconut sap vinegar, calamansi, garlic, and lemongrass, then grilled over open flame and basted with annatto-infused chicken fat. The dish emphasized balance: smoky, tangy, and savory elements working together without excess.

Chicken Binakol served as a contrast. The Ilonggo soup, made with young coconut water, ginger, and lemongrass, highlighted a lighter, more aromatic profile.

The École Ducasse Blueprint

Millanes’ approach reflects the training he received early on. At Enderun’s École Ducasse program, he developed a discipline anchored in precision, consistency, and respect for ingredients, principles that continue to shape his work today.

After graduating, he trained in professional kitchens including Makati Shangri-La and Hôtel Plaza Athénée, where he worked under the Alain Ducasse culinary system at La Cour Jardin. These experiences shaped a style that balances technical rigor with a strong sense of place.
Today, Millanes leads several dining concepts in Bacolod, including Terrasse Bistro, Banquets by Terrasse, Portiko, and Café Gorda. He is also part of the family behind Bacolod Chicken Parilla in Quezon City.

His inclusion in an international platform such as the Raffles Hawker Series highlights the kind of global exposure that Enderun Colleges envisioned for its graduates. As one of its pioneer École Ducasse alumni, Millanes’ trajectory reflects how the institution continues to develop hospitality professionals who can operate at an international level while staying grounded in Filipino culinary identity.

About Enderun Colleges
Enderun Colleges provides students with an immersive learning environment through its industry-specific programs, highly experienced faculty, and extensive local and international internship placements.

Enderun Colleges offers international-caliber Bachelor’s Degree programs in International Hospitality Management; Business Administration majors in Financial Management, Operations Management, Marketing Management, Technology Management, and Sustainability Management; as well as programs in Economics, Entrepreneurship, Architecture, Interior Design, and Multimedia Arts.

In addition, Enderun Senior High School provides excellent academic tracks in Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM); Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS); Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); and the General Academic Strand (GAS). Beyond the Department of Education-sanctioned strands, students may also earn advanced college credits through the globally recognized AP Capstone™ program.

Visit Enderun’s official website through https://www.enderuncolleges.com. You may also visit www.ecoleducassemanila.com for information about Enderun’s Culinary Arts degree programs and certificates.