Judy Ann Santos Shares Her Surreal Experience Cooking Halo-Halo with Gordon Ramsay

Renowned actress and chef Judy Ann Santos recently took to Instagram to share her extraordinary experience participating in a cooking challenge with Gordon Ramsay, the multi-Michelin-starred chef, on January 20 in Pasay City. The event left her overwhelmed with gratitude and awe as she worked alongside Ramsay and other culinary professionals.

“Wow… sa paanong paraan ko ba pwedeng maikwento ang araw ko today? Nakakaloka? Nakakabaliw? Napaka-surreal!!” she wrote, expressing her disbelief at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Never in my wildest dreams that this would happen in my lifetime. Ilang beses kong kinukurot yung sarili ko… totoo ba ‘to?”

A Nerve-Wracking but Rewarding Challenge

The highlight of the event was a cooking challenge where Santos, along with food content creator Ninong Ry, culinary student Danica Lucero, and Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill head chef Bea Therese Qua, had to prepare the beloved Filipino dessert, halo-halo. Despite the 10-minute time limit, Santos’ version of the dessert impressed Ramsay himself.

“It’s good. It’s really good!” Ramsay commented on her creation, leaving the actress-turned-chef beaming with pride.

“Simpleng halo-halo lang naman, but that was the fastest, nerve-wracking 10 minutes of my life! But it was the best!” Santos recalled. “Hindi ko alam what I did to deserve this, but I am so grateful for the experience.”

Grateful for Support and Memories

Santos also extended her gratitude to her husband Ryan Agoncillo and their youngest child Luna for being there to support her during the event. “Thank God my husband and our youngest was there to calm my nerves and palakasin ang loob ko,” she said.

She also thanked her glam team and everyone involved in the event. “To my glam team @juansarte, @jeffreyaromin, @studio.24c, maraming salamat ng bonggang bongga! To my OJPH and My Launchpad family, ang saya, diba? Grabe to… grabe talaga,” she wrote.

Gordon Ramsay’s Visit to the Philippines

The event was part of Gordon Ramsay’s visit to the Philippines, where he toured the Manila branch of Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill located in Newport World Resorts. Opened in August 2024, the restaurant offers a curated menu featuring the iconic Beef Wellington, an eclectic wine selection, and house-crafted cocktails.

Aside from hosting the cooking demonstration, Ramsay’s visit included engaging with local chefs and food enthusiasts, as well as overseeing plans to expand his culinary presence in the country.

Celebrating Filipino Cuisine

Judy Ann Santos’ heartfelt reflections on the event underscore her pride in Filipino cuisine and culture. “Mabuhay at ilalaban ko ang pagkaing Pilipino!” she exclaimed, celebrating the opportunity to showcase a traditional dessert to an international icon like Gordon Ramsay.

This unforgettable experience marks another milestone in Santos’ culinary journey, further proving her passion and dedication to elevating Filipino flavors on the global stage.