Jigs Liwanag

Jigs Liwanag, chef at Ballarat’s renowned Hotel Canberra, fires up the grill with mouthwatering Filipino BBQ pork and fresh papaya salad in sizzling live cooking demonstrations - expect bold flavours, smoky aromas, and a feast for the senses!

 
Demonstrations:
Saturday & Sunday 24–25 May
Victoria Theatre - 12.00pm

About Jigs
Chef Jigs’ culinary journey began in an unexpected place—nursing. Despite his success in healthcare, his love for food was undeniable, stemming from childhood moments spent in the kitchen with his grandmother, whose recipes continue to inspire him. After years in nursing, he heeded his grandmother's advice, “Don’t die with regret in your heart,” and made the bold decision to pursue his true passion, enrolling in culinary school in Manila, discovering his craft.

Jigs career took him to Hong Kong, where he honed his skills under a Japanese Master before embarking on a transformative eight-year adventure. Sailing the world on a private yacht, he learned from chefs from across the globe and dining experiences in almost 100 countries, gaining deep inspiration from his travels. His diverse experiences fueled his passion for a range of cuisines, from modern Nordic fare to traditional Kaiseki from Japan.

Moving to Australia in 2019 he worked in notable restaurants like Ippudo and Rockpool in Melbourne. He later embraced the opportunity to create something special at Hotel Canberra in Ballarat, where, for the past 2 ½ years, he has celebrated exceptional local produce while honoring his Filipino, Japanese, and Spanish heritage. Through his restaurants, Vesta x Jigs and The Stables Café & Bar, Jigs brings a unique blend of flavours informed by his travels and personal history. Known for his nurturing nature, his dishes are often said to carry a sense of love, blending his nursing background with his culinary talent.

Image credit Tara Moore