Out-of-work Kundiman singer proves vocal prowess in unique cooking competition

It was only a matter of time that cooking and singing, two favorite Filipino pastimes, would end up as the perfect combination in a mainstream contest. For a single mom who found herself unemployed due to the pandemic, it became the opportunity to continue doing the two things that she loved most.

Muntinlupa-based Kundiman Singer Francis Anne Virtudazo was one of many local artists who were out of work when live events were put on hold earlier last year. It was after coming across a friend’s online post about Phoenix Super LPG’s Kalderoke, a competition that combined singing and cooking, that Virtudazo could only describe her situation as one being “blessed”.

From home cook to grand winner

While competing, Virtudazo shared that she aimed to stay true to who she was as a singer and as a cook. Bringing with her 28 years of classical singing experience and inspiration in the form of her daughter, each challenge was personal for the singing home cook. Her favorite dish to prepare was an ube sinigang recipe that she would often cook at home for her daughter. “It was me on a plate,” said Virtudazo.

However, it was during the grand finals that Virtudazo made known her passion as a kundiman singer when she performed a powerful rendition of Rey Valera’s Tayong Dalawa while cooking her version of Creamy Adobo Mushroom Pasta. For the singer, the song was the ultimate reflection of the classical love songs she would often perform on the stage or in international competitions.

“The competition gave me an opportunity to do something meaningful with my daughter and it allowed me to fulfill my responsibility of showcasing a classical style of Filipino music and singing for all Filipinos to appreciate and learn,” Virtudazo said.

True enough, it was the winning combination that gave Virtudazo the crown and the title as the first Phoenix SUPER LPG Kalderoke Royalty. Virtudazo shared that the win was for her daughter who served as her main support system during the season’s run.

“Being recognized by the judges gave me a lot of confidence in my cooking and my singing. I am thankful to God and the Phoenix Super LPG team and staff for being given this opportunity to entertain other people who also felt lost and down during the pandemic,” shared Virtudazo. 

Up against a vegan opera singer

Highlighting classical singing and introducing a new style of cooking also became an opportunity for Nazer Salcedo, an opera singer hailing from the City of Iloilo. As the last two grand finalists vying for the crown, the two friends agreed to do what they do best — putting on a good show.

A main difference between the two contestants was Salcedo’s cooking style of preparing purely vegetarian dishes inspired by his own vegan diet and stories of growing up in the province. One of hisbeloved performances, singing Angeline Quinto’s Lipad ng Pangarap while cooking a vegetarian pancit dish, was inspired by childhood trips to the market with his grandfather. His final dish, a plate of deconstructed Kare-Kare paired with a classical opera rendition of Muling Buksan ang Puso, earned him praise from resident chef judge, Chef Lau.

“Like cooking and singing, there is a story and memory behind it, which made the competition even more fun. You have to do both at the same time and excel at both equally,” said Salcedo. “Kalderoke is such a brilliant and innovative concept because you haven’t seen any other competition doing this.”

Despite not winning the crown, Salcedo hoped that he has inspired more vegan chefs and cooks to also try and join these kinds of contests. 

“I’m thankful for the platform and to be able to showcase another style of classical singing and cooking. There are different flavors, not just in cooking, but also in singing,” added Salcedo. “More than anything, I want to thank the people who encouraged me to join, my vegan friends, my family, the Phoenix Super LPG team and the Ilonggos back home who supported me.”