The Hotel and restaurant Chefs Association of the Philippines (HRCAP) and LNA Management Group Corporation collaborated on their third year another successful culinary event. September 05, 2015- Food and Drinks Asia "Cooking Challenge 2015" featured the "4th Chef Bert Francisco Culinary Cup", with the theme: "ASEAN Cuisine", held recently, as a special event highlight in food and drinks Asia 2015 at the World Trade Center, Manila.
The Competition gathered together a new breed of the country's aspiring chefs from various schools which carry HRM and Culinary courses; technical schools and training centers in metro manila and nearby provinces. Each delegation competed to bring home the now coveted 4th Chef Bert Francisco Culinary Cup.
Hosted by Chef Heidi Reodica, Shakey's Manager, and Chef Tony Gantioqui, Marketing Director of HRCAP. The delegates and audience were welcomed with a heartwarming message from the Guest speaker, Dir. Ma. Angelina Carreon, TESDA Pasay-Makati District Director followed by Chef Bert Francisco's inspirational talk.
Competing groups proudly prepared their signature ASEAN dishes. APICIUS Culinary Arts & Hotel Management, Centro Escolar University (CEU) Malolos, Centro Escolar University (CEU) Makati; College of the Holy Spirit Manila (CHSM), Immaculate Concepcion College, La Consolacion Manila, La Consolacion Tanuan Sienna College, STI Makati, STI Shaw, STI global, St. Therese College, Taguig City University (TCU), Treston International College.
Three distinguished culinary personalities were tasked to deliver the verdict for this year's competition:
Chef Roberto P. Francisco
President and the Founder of HOTEL AND RESTAURANT CHEFS' ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, INC. (HRCAP). NCR TESDA Assessor and member of the Professional Curriculum Development Program Committee, instrumental in establishing CENTER FOR ADVANCED TRAINING IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICES (CATFABS) and present Chairman of the Board.
Chef Manuel "Manny" Nario
HRCAP Member, currently working at Marriott Hotel as Sous Chef.
Chef Isagani Prado
HEAD CHEF at The Commodores Table , also a EXECUTIVE CHEF at Laiya Coco Grove Beach Resort and HRM (CULINARY) INSTRUCTOR at Our Lady of Fatima University.
Winners
The delegation from APICIUS was declared champions, and bagged the 4th Chef Bert Francisco Culinary Cup. Represented by Apple Grace S. Duatin and Kirk Deiniel G. bravo with their mentor, Chef Edgardo Cervantes, they took home the Championship Trophy. The First Runner-up award went to Centro Escolar team. University, Malolos, while STI- Shaw got the Second Runner-up. All winners received uniquely designed trophies, cash prizes, gift packs from valued sponsors of the competition and a Cookery NCII Scholarship worth Php 60,000 for each.
Sponsors
FOOD & DRINKS ASIA Cooking Challenge and Chef Bert Francisco Culinary Cup was made possible with the help of our valued friends and sponsors such as GOMECO Metal Corporation, Minola, RAMESH Corp., McCormick, Marca Piña, Ideal Gourmet Pasta, and Hunts Tomato/Spaghetti Sauce.
Advocacy
It is with great pride that we continue to live on the dream of producing world class Filipino Chefs, through the advocacy and dedication of Chef Roberto P. Francisco, and the Hotel & Restaurants' Chefs Association of the Philippines (HRCAP). The success of the "Chef Bert Francisco Culinary Cup" is a realization that there really is the need for a venue to culminate the prominence of the aspiring Filipino Chefs, on their way to being a professional. There is the need to prove themselves worthy of the skill, the proficiency, and trust of being called a true-blue "Chef". Thus, we at Food & Drinks Asia, is honored to be the venue and witness the turning point of each aspirant's careers in their chosen path to culinary prowess and profession. As we continue to create a more exciting and challenging 5th Chef Bert Francisco Culinary Cup" through the FOOD & DRINKS ASIA Cooking Challenge in 2016.