Igorot Master chef from Barlig joins the hit TV game show Family Feud

Barlig, Mt. Province - A celebrated Igorot chef from the highlands of Barlig brought both flavor and fun on national television when he, together with his family, joined the hit game show Family Feud, displaying not only their quick wit but also the vibrant culture of the Cordilleras.

Romulo Lamaton Royol Jr., famously known as Chef JR Royol, made a lively appearance on GMA’s hit game show with his family, all clad in traditional Cordilleran attire and proudly conveying their rich heritage.

Said show is a game where two families compete to guess the most popular answers to open-ended survey questions, with the winning team taking home a cash prize.

Scheduled to air on October 1, the Lamaton Family of Barlig will take the spotlight. Fellow Cordillerans who saw Chef JR’s post flooded it with good luck messages and support.

The chef icon from Barlig - a singer

Before making a name in the culinary world, Chef JR was the vocalist for the Benguet-based band Israfael.

Despite his early exposure to the kitchen works—often helping out by prepping ingredients like chopping vegetables- his journey, according to a national media, into the food industry came later after his stint in music.

In 2013, the Igorot chef gained national recognition after winning MasterChef Pinoy Edition: The Live Cook-off with “Bigorot,” a dish inspired by his Bicolano and Igorot roots that captivated the judges.

Royol was eventually recognized as the first-ever Pinoy Master Chef, a milestone that projected him into the culinary spotlight. Chef JR pursued his passion, becoming an executive chef who represented the Philippines at Independence Day events in Japan (2014) and Myanmar (2019).

At present, Royol hosts the Farm to Table on GMA News TV and GTV premiered on February 21, 2021— a show that explores the journey of food from farm-fresh ingredients to beautifully plated dishes.