Union Bank of the Philippines treated its customers to an exclusive dining experience with the successful launch of “The Star Course Series,” a MICHELIN Starred culinary journey for select UnionBank Visa Credit Cardholders. The launch marks a significant milestone for local gastronomy, coinciding with the inaugural year of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines. Through this curated series, UnionBank offers cardholders access to a historic dining moment—celebrating global culinary excellence while elevating premium lifestyle experiences.
Held last April 7, 2026, the first of three exclusive dinners took place at Celera, known for its exquisite pan-Asian cuisine and one of the first Philippine restaurants to be awarded a MICHELIN Star.
A Rare Culinary Privilege for UnionBank Visa Cardholders
The inaugural dinner of the highly anticipated chef collaboration series featured a one-night-only menu by Celera’s Chefs Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar, together with Chef Zor Tan of Born, a one MICHELIN Star restaurant in Singapore.
“We are embarking on creating a next-gen bank, and that revolves around moving beyond banking transactions. We want to be where the customers are, where they are spending their time, their passion, and their lifestyle moments,” says Manoj Varma, Consumer Bank Head of Union Bank of the Philippines. “We make sure our offerings align with what our customers value and need, and we know that dining is very important for them as this is part of their everyday spend.”
Like UnionBank, Visa Philippines also recognizes the importance of being present in cardholders’ passion pillars. “We believe that partners want to create curated experiences for their cardholders, and UnionBank is at the forefront of creating those, especially in dining. With Visa as an official partner of the first MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines, working with UnionBank for this unique collaboration underscored our shared commitment towards creating exceptional cardholder experiences,” highlighted by Jeffrey Navarro, Visa Philippines Country Manager.
Global Chefs, Filipino Soul
Under the theme of “The Art of Filipino Flavors,” Santos, Vilar, and Tan harnessed their global expertise to elevate classic Asian flavors, turning the evening into a celebration of tradition and creativity.
The seven-course menu began with refined small bites—featuring wagyu, toro, duck tocino, and scallop—before moving through thoughtfully composed courses such as eggplant ensalada with mushrooms and labanos ganache, an indulgent lobster inasal with palabok sauce, and a balanced quail takikomi gohan course. The experience transitioned seamlessly into a delicately plated sweet potato and oolong pre-dessert, before concluding with a playful yet polished selection of petit fours.
Each course reflected precision, restraint, and storytelling—offering diners an immersive journey through flavor, technique, and culinary craft.
Banking Powered by Core Memories
The Star Course Series reflects UnionBank’s continued commitment to creating meaningful experiences for its customers.
Select UnionBank Visa Credit Cardholders gain access to the Star Course Series through a spend-based raffle, while top spenders in dining and shopping categories get guaranteed seats. Winners for the second Star Course Series dinner which will take place at Gallery by Chele on May 15, 2026, have already been announced.
Apply now for a UnionBank Visa Credit Card and get a chance to join the third dinner of The Star Course Series, which will take place at Toyo Eatery on August 11, 2026! You can also visit https://www.unionbankph.com/MICHELIN for more details.
To avail other promos, visit the UnionBank website.
UnionBank of the Philippines is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (https://www.bsp.gov.ph). For more info, please visit our website. For any concern, you may contact us through our UnionBank Online app (Mailbox > Support > Create New Ticket) or our Customer Service Hotline at (+632) 8841-8600.
Terms and Conditions Apply.
Celera, April 7, 2026 (Promo period: December 18, 2025 – February 14, 2026): Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-245124, Series of 2025.
Gallery by Chele, May 15, 2026 (February 17, 2026 – April 15, 2026): Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-249432, Series of 2026.
Toyo Eatery, August 11, 2026 (May 13, 2026 – July 3, 2026): Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-256059, Series of 2026.
