Cebu City, Philippines, 02 June 2026 — Marco Polo Plaza Cebu proudly announces the return of Chef Gaspar Acosta Jr. as Filipino Dim Sum Chef of Hai Shin Lou, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Chinese cuisine, culinary excellence, and the preservation of time-honored traditions.A highly respected culinary professional, Chef Gaspar brings decades of experience, technical mastery, and leadership to one of Cebu’s most celebrated Chinese restaurants.
Chef Gaspar’s journey began with a passion for Chinese cuisine and the intricate art of dim sum. Through years of dedication and continuous learning, he established himself as a skilled craftsman, building an impressive career across some of Cebu’s most renowned Chinese dining establishments. His tenure as Dim Sum Chef at Choi City Seafood Restaurant saw him lead the dim sum kitchen for six years, earning recognition for his consistency, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
A defining chapter of his career came when he joined the opening team of Hai Shin Lou as its Filipino Dim Sum Chef. In this pioneering role, he helped shape the restaurant’s culinary identity and played a key role in establishing the standards of authenticity and excellence that continue to define Hai Shin Lou today. Through his craftsmanship, leadership, and dedication to preserving traditional techniques, he contributed significantly to the restaurant’s reputation as one of Cebu’s premier destinations for authentic Chinese dining.
Following Hai Shin Lou’s temporary closure during the pandemic, Chef Gaspar further elevated his craft at Mott 32, where he gained valuable experience in a world-class luxury dining environment while working alongside distinguished culinary professionals.
Today, Chef Gaspar returns to Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, bringing with him a wealth of expertise, deep institutional knowledge, and a passion for excellence. His homecoming marks an important milestone for Hai Shin Lou as the restaurant continues to strengthen its position as one of Cebu’s premier destinations for authentic Chinese dining.
With Chef Gaspar once again leading the dim sum kitchen as Filipino Dim Sum Chef, guests can look forward to refined craftsmanship, authentic flavors, and the exceptional dining experience that has become synonymous with Hai Shin Lou.
His return is not only a homecoming but also a celebration of a culinary legacy built on dedication, mastery, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
About Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Perched atop Cebu’s prestigious Nivel Hills, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu is a luxury urban resort offering panoramic views of the city, mountains, and sea. Known for its blend of world-class service and warm Cebuano hospitality, the hotel features 328 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, award-winning dining outlets, and state-of-the-art event facilities. Marco Polo Plaza Cebu remains a landmark of elevated stays, celebrated cuisine, and meaningful experiences in the heart of the Queen City of the South. Visit https://www.marcopolohotels.com/en/marco-polo-plaza-cebu.
About Marco Polo Hotels
Marco Polo Hotels’ premium hotels in Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China and the Philippines reflect the adventurous ethos of their namesake – Marco Polo. Located in key destinations, each property is active in their community, committed to sustainability, and a central hub for gatherings and meaningful local experiences. The brand is part of Wharf Hotels’ portfolio and a member of Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Visit marcopolohotels.com, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About GHA and GHA DISCOVERY
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with over 50 brands and 1,000 hotels across 100 countries. Its award-winning loyalty programme – GHA DISCOVERY – provides 35 million members with recognition, D$ rewards and exclusive experiences across its hotels and partners, both with and without a stay.
Through membership in GHA, brands expand their global reach, drive incremental revenue and reduce dependence on third-party channels, all while maintaining management independence and individual positioning. For more information, visit globalhotelalliance.com or ghadiscovery.com.
