Sialo marks first anniversary with first award

Just as we were taking stock of the year that was, we received a wonderful surprise: Sialo has won its first ever award. And it’s no less than Best Culinary Experience!

It couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. Sialo, which has served over 1,800 guests from both here and abroad since opening last year, will be celebrating its first anniversary this October 3.

Sialo owner and Chef Ronald Villavelez (center) accepts the Best Culinary Destination award for Sialo during the “Pasigarbo 2024” awarding ceremony held at the Radisson Blu Cebu on Friday, September 27, 2024.

At the “Pasidungog: Tourism Black Tie Event and Awards Night 2024” put together by the Cebu City Tourism Commission as part of the Lakbay Lingaw Tourism Festival and in time for World Tourism Day, Sialo was recognized for being among “individuals and organizations from both the public and private sectors that have significantly contributed towards achieving sustainable tourism development in the City of Cebu.”

We thank the Cebu City Government, through the Cebu City Tourism Commission and all its commissioners, for this recognition. This award both encourages and humbles us, a gentle reminder that there is a lot that needs to be done.

Our gratitude also goes to everyone who has taken part in our journey and has believed in us since Day 1—our guests, partner-farmers and suppliers; chefs, waitstaff and support staff; family members, friends, and loved ones. Daghan kaayong salamat!

We welcome everyone who hasn’t had their own Sialo experience to see for themselves what our restaurant has to offer. We take pride in introducing to diners a unique dining experience, bringing to the forefront local food and ingredients that define us as a people.

This is only the beginning. Expect more from Sialo as we enter year 2.