MICHELIN MOMENTS: A STARRY NIGHT FOR THE PHILIPPINES

As the chefs of the restaurants that had just been awarded one Michelin star posed for photos and hugged one another, there was a question on many people's minds: Why wasn't chef Josh Boutwood onstage with them?

- inked PAM PASTOR

The chefs behind the country's first one Michelin star restaurants

He had gone up three times before — when his restaurants Ember, Juniper and Test Kitchen were announced in the Michelin Selected category. But what about Helm, his very personal, 24-seater gem of a resto?

Later, he would tell The Philippine STAR, "When the Selected list came out, I was very happy that my Juniper was there, my Ember was there, my Test Kitchen was there. When the one-star list came out, I noticed that it skipped over Helm and I was like, 'F*ck, we've missed out.' My wife was seated on the other side. I texted her, 'I'm palpitating right now."

The chefs seated around Josh were telling him that he was going to get two stars. "But I didn't believe it," he said.

Then, the host said the words that made everyone gasp: "But wait... there's more... we also have the distinction of two Michelin stars!"

And finally, Helm was called. "The Philippines' first two Michelin star restaurant!" Issa proclaimed as Josh made his way down the red carpet. He gave his wife a big kiss before going up the stage.

Josh, the son of a Filipino father and an English mother, addressed the crowd. "I was born into this industry, with both parents being restaurateurs and hoteliers, so I had no other option but to continue what they did. It has been my absolute love to do what I do, and I couldn't do what I do without all of the teams that are behind me. My wife is over there, my children are watching, and without their dedication and support, I don't think this would have been achievable. This has been a childhood dream... and receiving two stars is an absolute honor. I thank you all for sharing this moment with me."