Features—Chef Babes Austria, former Malacañang chef, creates signature dishes, empowers SVD Farm culinary team, farm-to-table dishes
Renowned former executive chef of Malacañang Palace, Chef Aurora "Babes" Austria, has been the culinary and operations consultant for the SVD Laudato Si' Farm since July 2021.
Throughout her ongoing collaboration with the Farm, she has been instrumental in revolutionizing the Farm's culinary offerings while mentoring and training its dedicated team of cooks.
Chef Babes’ culinary career is studded with impressive accolades. She served as the former executive chef of Malacañang Palace during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and also held the position of executive chef at the iconic Taal Vista Hotel. Besides her remarkable culinary achievements, Chef Babes has shared her passion for gastronomy as a professor of Asian and International Cuisine and as the owner of Garden Family Restaurant in Tagaytay City.
In her role as a culinary consultant for the SVD Farm, Chef Babes extends her guidance not only to the SVD Farm but also to the SVD-Tagaytay Community. With her extensive experience and versatile expertise, she has been pivotal in developing the SVD Farm's signature dishes and imparting culinary knowledge to its team members.
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While it was her mother who inspired her love of cooking at an early age, Chef Babes initially found herself working for various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It was during her work trips around the country that she discovered her passion for the culinary arts. Exploring local markets and savoring street food to fine dining experiences became her personal journey of flavors and culinary discoveries.
Motivated by her growing love for the kitchen, Chef Babes bid farewell to her finance and government career and embarked on a new path as a culinary professional. She enrolled at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies, under the mentorship of Chef Gene Gonzalez, where she honed her skills and earned a silver medal as Chef d' Cuisine. Continuing her culinary education, she pursued further studies at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.
Throughout the years, Chef Babes shared her knowledge and expertise with a total of nine congregations in the Philippines and in Rome, Italy, empowering kitchen personnel and fostering culinary excellence.
Returning to the Philippines, during her tenure at Malacañang Palace, Chef Babes expertly managed kitchen operations. Reflecting on her experience, she expresses gratitude for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the privilege to work alongside a remarkable team.
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Chef Babes has known Rev. Fr. Samuel “Sam” Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, Executive Director of the SVD Farm and Rector of the SVD-Tagaytay Community, since 2013, through the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). Later on, they met again in Rome, where Chef Babes was working as a culinary consultant and cooking for various religious congregations, and where Fr. Sam was continuing his graduate studies.
When Chef Babes returned to the Philippines and Fr. Sam began the preparations for the launch of the SVD Farm, they began their collaboration.
"We suffered so much because of the pandemic, not only in the Philippines but also the entire world. It was difficult for us to find food to eat in order to survive. As such, this area was converted into a small Farm in order to grow food for the seminarians of SVD to feed themselves," said Chef Babes.
"When we started," Chef Babes recalled, "there were only a few chickens, some planted fruits and vegetables, and a small shanty in the area where the SVD Farm would be built." Little did she know that her culinary journey here would transform the landscape and nourish not only the body but also the spirit.
As Chef Babes explains, it all began with a simple vision: "I said to Fr. Sam, next time, people will come here to buy your produce and they will feel hungry. I started serving sandwiches, and that's when I came in." And so, Oies Kitchen was born, offering farm-to-table food where whatever is harvested goes straight to the kitchen.
In those early days, she vividly remembers SVD priests and seminarians serving food in their cassocks and religious clothing. The Farm's culinary evolution and spiritual growth became inseparable, a reflection of the symbiotic relationship between the land and the soul.
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The culinary experience at SVD Farm is diverse, with two distinct kitchen areas offering unique delicacies, many of which are Chef Babes’ creations. The SVD Cafe/Oies Kitchen entices visitors with an array of dishes like pizza and other “pugon” or brick oven creations, shawarma, tacos, pasta, sandwiches, and salad wraps. On the other hand, the Oies Kitchenette tantalizes taste buds with traditional Filipino rice cakes, sweet drinks, noodles, and a “sugbaan” or grill that brings out the best in local flavors.
Among her signature dishes at SVD Farm, the Wild Boar Adobo sa Tubo, available at the SVD Cafe/Oies Kitchen, stands out as a bestseller, capturing the essence of Filipino flavors while incorporating locally sourced ingredients. Other favorites from the Oies Kitchenette include the Organic Chicken Inasal and Ihaw-Ihaw Tilapia, each dish crafted with care and dedication.
From farm-fresh greens to signature dishes that celebrate Filipino flavors, the SVD Farm's kitchens strive to set themselves apart. "The signature dishes of SVD Farm aim to be distinct from the dishes of other establishments. This must be a healthy competition," Chef Babes asserts.
The heart of her work for the SVD Farm, said Chef Babes, is a commitment to supporting local farmers and promoting sustainability. Emphasizing the utilization of seasonal harvests, Chef Babes ensures that the menu is continuously updated to incorporate the freshest produce available. This practice not only prevents wastage but also honors the effort put in by the hardworking farmers of the SVD Farm, making its culinary offerings a genuine farm-to-table experience.
For Chef Babes, the journey is not just about food; it's about nourishing the spirit and building a sustainable future. The SVD Farm is more than just a market or a restaurant—it's a place where faith, food, and farming converge, creating a haven for visitors seeking a complete experience.
"People are now more health-conscious. They want organic products. Not only that; whatever they buy here (at the Farm) supports the seminarians," Chef Babes explains, highlighting the Farm's dual mission of providing nourishment and nurturing the seminarians of SVD.
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The growth of the SVD Farm serves as an inspiration to others, inviting families, groups, and friends to experience the unique blend of spirituality and farm-to-table delights. "Many families, barkadas, groups are coming here because, aside from being a Farm, it is also a spiritual place," Chef Babes shared.
A visit to SVD Laudato Si' Farm is a complete experience—a harmonious union of scenic beauty, spiritual contemplation, and culinary delights, said Chef Babes. "You come here to enjoy the scenery, go to church, meditate, discern, and then, when you're hungry, we have good food," she exclaims, emphasizing the Farm's commitment to nourishing not just the body but also the soul.
Chef Babes hopes that the Farm would be able to accommodate even more guests, fostering growth and development for the Farm, and creating a space where people can not only nourish their bodies but also find solace for their souls. “This is a family that's growing, growing, and growing,” she shared.
Considering her remarkable career, Chef Babes could have settled into a comfortable retirement, but she believes in giving back the blessings she has received. For Chef Babes, returning the blessings she received has become a central tenet of her culinary journey. "You cannot keep the exposure, experience, and talents given by heaven when you die, so you have to share," she shared warmly. "Sabi ko nga, I hope I multiply and become many, so I can spread the blessings even more."
Her dedication to training and nurturing the next generation of chefs reflects her commitment to creating a legacy that endures beyond her own journey. "When the time comes, the people you train will now have strong feet for them to stand on," she explains, illustrating her profound belief in the power of education and mentorship.
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In interviews, the kitchen personnel of the SVD Farm echo the sentiment of their appreciation and gratitude for Chef Babes’ invaluable assistance.
Mr. Joseph Ilagan-Catapang, the OIES Kitchen Supervisor at the SVD Farm, expresses his gratitude for Chef Babes' invaluable contributions. He praises her for her assistance in organizing menus, training personnel on food preparation and presentation, and establishing proper procedures in the kitchen.
"Malaki ang naitulong niya sa amin, lalo na sa mga bagong products. Na-implement at nai-serve namin ang mga ito sa mga customers nang maayos. Natutuwa kami na nagawa namin ang mga itinuro niya. Magaling na mentor si Chef Babes. Marami ka talagang matututunan sa kanya," he shared.
Ms. Ma. Victoria De Castro-Leyran, a cook at the Oies Kitchenette, attests to Chef Babes' strict yet compassionate approach. She describes the renowned chef as both demanding and kind-hearted, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing her protégés.
"Strikto at kailangan na makinig ka sa kanya, pero napakabait ni Chef Babes. Gusto niya na matuto ka, hindi yung cook ka lang, pero unti-unti, dapat aralin ang mga itinuturo niya ang sundin ang mga instructions niya, hanggang kaya mo na... Noong nagsimula ako, ang kaya ko lang na mga lutuing pagkain ay local food, pero tinuruan ako ni Chef Babes kung paano magluto ng iba pang mga pagkain at kung paano maging systematic sa kusina. Tinuruan niya kami ng napakaraming mga new skills," she shared.
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As the SVD Laudato Si' Farm continues its mission to promote sustainable agriculture and responsible consumption, especially through its organic farming practices and farm-to-table restaurants, Chef Babes plays a pivotal role in transforming the culinary experience offered by the Farm. Through her expert guidance and genuine passion for culinary excellence, she inspires the SVD Farm's cooks and food personnel to continually push their boundaries, explore new flavors, and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.