Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Philippines announces the appointment of Gilles Galli as its new executive chef and Tjardo Hilberts as director of food & beverage. Gilles joins the resort from sister property Makati Shangri-La, Manila, while Hilberts was previously assigned at Kerry Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai.  

Galli brings with him more than 28 years of culinary expertise gained from working at various Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels in Thailand, Laos and Portugal where he served as Head Chef. In 2014, he was appointed chef de cuisine at Makati Shangri-La, Manila, where he headed the openings of Sage Bespoke Grill and Sage Bar. As Executive Chef, Gilles is tasked to oversee the Boracay resort’s seven restaurants and bars, as well as in-room dining and banquet culinary operations, ranging from intimate gatherings and weddings to corporate celebrations.  

“I’m very happy and excited about this new challenge in my career, and [Shangri-La Boracay] is so beautiful with so much potential,” Galli said. “I’m sure that-- working with a group of young, dynamic and motivated chefs-- we will be able to create some amazing culinary experiences at the resort.” 

New Director of Food and Beverage Tjardo Hilberts shares his years of food and beverage management experience, starting as Food and Beverage Manager for various Shangri-La hotels, including Hotel Jen in Brisbane, Australia, and recently as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage for Kerry Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai in China prior to his new appointment at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, Philippines. Working hand in hand with the new Executive Chef, Chef Galli, Hilberts’ key areas of focus include overseeing operations for all of the resort’s dining facilities and banquets.   

“Hospitality at this level is all about genuine care and exceeding guest expectations,” Hilberts said. “The team and I will drive Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa to further heights with innovative dining experiences.”   

“I am delighted to welcome both Chef Galli and Tjardo to the Shangri-La Boracay family. Together they bring years of great experiences and strategic vision to our team,” said Anne Busfield, the resort’s General Manager.  “I believe their combined experiences will support the resort’s vision to deliver creative and highly memorable destination dining moments to each one of our guests.”