A photo posted by Anna Olson (@chefannaolson) on Jul 12, 2016 at 8:10am PDT

MANILA – Celebrity chef Anna Olson was recently in Manila to shoot episodes for her new show.

In a press conference for “Inspired by Anna Olson,” the Canadian chef she had the opportunity to work with three of the Philippines’ culinary stars – Margarita Fores, Claude Tayag and Rob Pengson.

The show will premiere on the Asian Food Channel at 9 p.m. on July 29.

“I had a great time here in the Philippines. I had met Claude Tayag from Pampanga before so I felt like I was reconnecting with him. And it was great to really get an understanding of that regional style of cooking," she said, as quoted by Push.

“Chef Rob Pengson was lots of fun because he’s just kind of got that young energy and cooks Filipino food but with a twist, a broader global twist,” she continued.

“And then chef Margarita Fores, I feel like I became really good friends with. I only wish we could live closer because I feel like when we’d hang out, I loved her sense of style. She’s very, very kind and there’s a sense of giving when she talks you through her recipes and I really admire that.”

A video posted by Asian Food Channel (@asianfoodchannel) on Jul 14, 2016 at 12:47am PDT

According to Olson, she has encountered Filipino food growing up: “I remember going to my friend’s birthday party when I was about 10 and we had lechon so I’d been introduced to some dishes at a younger age.”

She went on to note the “diversity” and “honesty” of the country’s cuisine.

“Being a series of islands, there’s fresh seafood which is something we just don’t have access to at home. So whenever I’m here, I really try and eat as much fresh fish and seafood as I can. But then some of the preparations like the adobo, the sinigang are the sort of dishes I really have come to appreciate, because you can’t just eat it once and expect to know it. You learn how many different styles there are and different combinations so I’ve appreciated the diversity of the cuisine,” she said.

She added: “There’s an honesty I find in Filipino cuisine. It’s really fulfilling. It reminds me of comfort food that I get at home.”

Meanwhile, Olson was also asked what kind of dish she would prepare for President Rodrigo Duterte if given a chance.

“Well, I’d love to invite one of the local chefs to work with me to make sure I prepare something appropriate,” she replied. “But I guess I would love to share my beef stew recipe that is inspired by adobo to see if that connection is made between the Filipino and the Canadian dish. I do add soy sauce to it and sweet potato for the sweetness.”

“So I’m trying to replicate all the contrasting flavors that are in adobo, but with ingredients that I’m used to making,” she ended.