Mercedes-Benz Philippines marked the brand’s 140th anniversary by hosting a special soirée that brought automotive heritage and contemporary Filipino gastronomy together, as celebrated chef José Luis “Chele” González paired five iconic Mercedes-Benz models with five of his original culinary interpretations.
Held at the Mercedes-Benz flagship showroom in Greenhills, San Juan, the “Welcome Home: A Culinary Journey Through 140 Years of Innovation” fine-dining experience also introduced González as the automaker’s newest brand ambassador in the Philippines.
Known for his contemporary approach to Filipino ingredients and culinary traditions, González trained in Spain and worked in kitchens including El Bulli, Arzak, Mugaritz, Nerua, and El Celler de Can Roca. His restaurants Gallery by Chele and Asador Alfonso have both earned Michelin Stars, with Gallery by Chele also receiving a Michelin Green Star.
The culinary journey began with the Patent Motorwagen and “Ignition,” an amuse-bouche inspired by the automobile’s place as the origin of Mercedes-Benz’s story. The dish pairs foie gras torchon with langka, toasted pili nuts, and cacaogka, toasted pili nuts, and cacao.
The next pairing was the Mercedes-AMG SL and “Adrenaline.” Reflecting the roadster’s combination of heritage, power and open-air exhilaration, the dish brought together palate-tickling mango, calamansi, and Hokkaido scallops with hibiscus-chilli dressing, pickles, and shiso oil.
The G-Class inspired “The Icon,” a contemporary take on German Maultaschen using local lobster, ravioli, currywurst sauce, butter, and caviar.
“The Sovereign” (inspired by the S-Class Maybach) featured Bresse pigeon, beetroot purée, adobo sauce, fondant potato, and slow-cooked pigeon leg.
The final pairing was the GLE 400e PHEV and EQE Sedan with “Evolution.” González translated that idea into a reimagined Black Forest dessert, combining streusel, local red berry and mango, silky coulis, local chocolate crunch, and a light chocolate-cardamom foam.
The evening also showcased six historic Mercedes-Benz models outside the showroom, including the 1967 250 SE W108, 1968 280SL Pagoda, 1981 200 W123, 1982 380SL, 1984 W124 Cabriolet Final Edition, and 2009 G550 W463 LWB.
Mercedes-Benz Philippines Business Unit Head Jun Cajayon also revealed plans to open new Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Alabang and Cebu before the end of 2026, both adopting the brand’s latest Mercedes Architectural Rendition (MAR 20X) design. The company also teased the relaunch of Mercedes-Benz Greenhills with the same identity in 2027.
