Stethoscope down, apron on: Chef Jigs Liwanag’s rise as a Filipino culinary star in Australia

For former nurse Chef Jigs Liwanag, his now-famous Lechon Paksiw Pie did more than put his name on the map, it became a tribute to Filipino culture and a heartfelt offering to the memory of his late grandmother, who inspired his love for cooking.

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Key Points

• Filipino-Australian Chef Jigs Liwanag hails from Isabela and Pangasinan in the Philippines, and he believes he inherited his talent for cooking from his late grandmother.
• His Lechon Paksiw Pie was recently awarded "Best Savoury" and "Brilliantly Unexpected Pie" at the 2025 Ballarat Best Pie Competition.
• Chef Jigs and his partner currently manage Hotel Canberra and own a café and restaurant in Ballarat, Victoria.

Born to Filipino parents from Pangasinan and Isabela, Jigs Liwanag was raised with a dream not entirely his own. His parents had high hopes — that one day, their son would wear a white coat as a doctor. To set him on that path, they supported his education, and he eventually became a nurse.

Chef Jigs decided to enrol in culinary school after working as a nurse. Credit: Jigs Liwanag/FB page

[Bottom-centre] Chef Jigs decided to enrol in culinary school after working as a nurse. Credit: Jigs Liwanag/ FB page

But after years of working in healthcare, Jigs felt a different calling — one that brought him back to the comforting scents and flavors of his childhood. With a heart full of courage, he confessed to his parents that he wanted to trade his scrubs for a chef’s apron and enrol in culinary school.

Credit : Chef Jigs Liwanag

Chef Jigs Liwanag, a former nurse turned award-winning chef, is winning hearts with his Lechon Paksiw Pie—a tribute to his Filipino roots and grandmother's legacy. Credit: Chef Jigs Liwanag

It wasn’t easy at first. His parents, understandably hesitant, struggled with the idea of him stepping away from a stable profession. But as they watched their son grow, thrive, and radiate joy in the kitchen, their doubts slowly turned into pride. Eventually, they wrapped him in full support — and never looked back.

That leap of faith led Jigs to Melbourne, Australia in 2019, where his culinary journey would soon blossom in ways no one could have imagined.

Included in their restaurant’s menu are Pork BBQ served with Mum’s achara and Pork spring rolls paired with Grandma’s special vinegar dip. Credit: Chef Jigs Liwanag

[L-R] Adobo Pithiever with Adobo Jus and Grilled King fish collar green chilli Pinakurat vinegar with fried shallots Credit: Chef Jigs Liwanag

Grilled squid with spicy shrimp paste and calamansi and King fish kinilaw. credit: Chef Jigs Liwanag

[L-R] Nilaga with Pork chasu and Burn't leche flan with Passion fruit. Credit: Chef Jigs Liwanag

Chef Jigs Liwanag also supports other groups that provide help to others. Credit: Chef Jigs Liwanag/FB Page

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