Chef Jam Melchor Breaks Silence on ‘Kayumanggi’ Book Controversy

(SPOT.ph) One is a documentarian of Filipino food and a self-proclaimed activist, known for being critical, outspoken, and unwilling to tolerate mistakes or ill behavior. The other is a chef who has quietly dedicated his career to preserving and promoting the Philippines’ culinary heritage. In an ideal world, they should be working hand in hand toward a common goal, given their related advocacies. But this was not the case for John Sherwin Felix, founder of Lokalpedia, and Chef Jam Melchor, founder of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement. Rather than becoming allies, the two became embroiled in a public dispute. 

When Melchor came out with a book titled Kayumanggi: A Kaleidoscope of Filipino Flavors & Food Traditions, Felix did not mince words, calling out both him and the Department of Trade and Industry’s Malikhaing Pinoy Program for allegedly spending public funds on a book containing “several inaccuracies.” Before launching his online tirades, Felix claimed he had reached out to both the government agencies concerned and the author, but his complaints were ignored.  

Amid the online talks which dragged on for months beginning September 2025, Melchor kept his silence. Until Felix informed his online followers that he received a subpoena last February 25, 2026 in connection with a cyber libel complaint filed by the chef.   

“On March 10, with the assistance of human rights lawyers, I submitted my counter affidavit, asserting that my statements were made in good faith, without malice, and were grounded in research,” he wrote in statement posted on the Lokalpedia Facebook page. “My intent was to call for accountability in a publicly funded project and to correct inaccuracies in the documentation of Filipino food heritage.”  

The Office of the City Prosecutor of Makati, however, dismissed the complaint, saying Felix’s statements did not establish sufficient basis for libel. “It further ruled that my posts constitute fair commentary on matters of public interest, particularly food heritage, involving a limited public figure and the use of public funds. The complainant failed to establish that my statements were made with malice,” Felix shared.

Melchor meanwhile finally broke his silence and shared with Esquire Philippines his official statement, hoping to “provide clarity and finally put the matter to rest,” his lawyers said. 

The soft-spoken chef clarified that he wholeheartedly welcomes constructive criticisms regarding his book. He believes that “thoughtful critique, when made in good faith, plays an important role in improving any work, and I respect the right of others to share their perspectives.” 

The statement continued: “That said, some of the discussions that have taken place online have gone beyond constructive commentary. Over the past several months, the discourse surrounding the book has become highly personal and emotionally charged, bordering actionable. Despite my initial decision to remain silent in the hope that matters would settle, the situation continued to gain traction and intensity.”  

Regarding the DTI's involvement, Melchor said: “For clarity, I personally authored and produced the manuscript of the book using my own resources. I later offered it to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as a contribution aligned with efforts supporting the Philippine Creative Industries. Through its Malikhaing Pinoy Program, DTI supported the printing of one thousand (1,000) copies, all of which were distributed free of charge to the public in celebration of Philippine Creative Industries Month in 2025. It cannot be emphasized enough that the book was never sold nor intended for profit.” 

He also clarified that his appointment as a member of the Philippine Creative Industries Council, which is “purely advisory and non-compensatory,” came after the book had already been printed and distributed. 

According to Melchor, public criticism of the book escalated over several months and ultimately led him to pursue legal action. “With the discussion of my book came accusations that it was a product of substandard research and mismanagement of public funds. Alarmingly, social media, as amplified by certain self-proclaimed journalists, content creators, and public personalities, associated my book with corruption, transforming what could have been healthy discourse into personal attacks against my integrity, competence, and moral character. Over several months, these sustained public attacks spread across different social media platforms, resulting not only in professional harm but also in emotional and personal distress.”  

He stressed: "Again, I am not and was never, against any constructive feedback or criticism with respect to the concerns raised about the book, specifically those involving ingredients, terminology, and processes. As with any publication, the possibility of revisions is recognized, and I remain open to addressing such matters constructively. In fact, a more  direct and collaborative approach could have allowed for timely corrections and even  proper acknowledgement of contributions.” 
 

Melchor said he remains committed to the advocacy behind Kayumanggi—the promotion, preservation, and celebration of Filipino culinary heritage—and is currently working with a new editorial team on a revised edition. He intends to fund the reprinting of 1,000 copies for donation to the DTI for public distribution. 

Melchor also emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful public discourse, reminding everyone that "cyberbullying, harassment, and online mob behavior should never become acceptable forms of public engagement. Criticism should always remain rooted in professionalism, fairness, and respect. The focus must remain on the advocacy, the work, and the broader goal of uplifting any community, not on destroying individuals through personal attacks and public humiliation.” 

He closed his statement by saying: “At the end of the day, our legacy will not only be measured by what we create, but by how we choose to support, empower, and stand for one another as a nation.”

This story originally appeared on Esquire Philippines. Minor edits have been made by the SPOT.ph editors.