The Cuban actress Aylín Mujica kicked off the fifth season of Top Chef VIP on the right foot. In the premiere episode, she won the first immunity of the competition with a lentil dish that impressed the panel of chefs.
The achievement came on a day filled with emotion, as the premiere of the show coincided with the birthday of his son Mauro Menéndez, who passed away a few weeks prior.
The new season of the culinary reality show from Telemundo premiered this Tuesday, featuring a cast of 20 participants who are actors, singers, influencers, models, athletes, and reality stars.
The prize at stake amounts to 200,000 dollars. Mujica revealed his plan for success in the promotional video: "This season, becoming friends with the rivals will be the best strategy."
A tribute from pain
This Tuesday, Aylín posted an emotional message on Instagram dedicated to Mauro, who would have turned 33 years old on August 11. The post garnered nearly 50,000 reactions and over 1,100 comments within a few hours.
“Today I celebrate your life up to the heavens, my dear Mauro. I miss you so much. From the moment you came into my life, you made me the happiest mom in the world,” wrote the actress.
The text continued with an intimate portrait of his eldest son. "You were always a very special being: your nobility, your big heart, your immense desire to live, and that wonderful sense of humor that illuminated everything around you. You will live forever in my heart."
The tribute concluded with a promise. "I know that nothing will ever be the same, but I promise that I will try to be happy, because I know that is what you want most for me. I will love you and carry you with me forever."
The publication included photographs of Mauro from his childhood to adulthood alongside his mother and other family members.
The death of Mauro Menéndez
Mauro Menéndez, the eldest son of Aylín Mujica and Cuban actor Osamu Menéndez, passed away on July 17, 2026, in Barbados.
Mauro had received a diagnosis of pneumonia approximately 24 hours before his death, but he still traveled to the island. His condition deteriorated rapidly. He suffered seizures and three heart attacks, and the doctors attempted to revive him seven times. Specialists detected clots in his lung and heart.
Mujica experienced the critical episode via video call while his son was being transported by ambulance, according to the heartbreaking account he provided days later. Osamu Menéndez traveled to Barbados to retrieve his son's remains.
Despite the mourning, Aylín announced that she would continue on Top Chef VIP 5. The painful coincidence between the show's premiere and Mauro's birthday made this Tuesday a doubly significant date for the Cuban actress.
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