The secret of culinary excellence
MANILA, Philippines - Passion. This was what we saw and felt from the abundance of energy that filled the exhibition hall of the CCA Oceana campus in the Mall of Asia complex in Manila during the Finals Day of the 2nd CCA Cup “Clash of the Clans Challenge.” The culinary competition was a highlight of the 18th-anniversary celebration of the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila, the country’s premier culinary school.
“The competition is designed to provide a venue for students to discover, hone and reach their full potential in creativity and originality in coming up with superior plates,” CCA school operations manager Liza Morales explained.
Four school teams or “houses,” as they are called, competed in 13 categories, with each house being mentored by CCA chef-instructors and their respective house chancellors: chefs Trisha Ocampo, Jonnathan Em and TJ Montalbo, and Luchi Callanta for the “Culinary Champions”; chefs Tim Abejuela, Carol Lavin, Annali Mariano, and Austin Dy for the “Gastronomic Gurus”; chefs Lionel Go, Wally Salangsang, Anne Atanacio and Jonathan Martorella for the “Kitchen Kings”; and chefs Kerwin Funtanilla, Tristan Encarnacion, Patricia Lacuanan, Edgar Grajo and Roxanne Timbol for the “Meal Masters.”
As early as one month before the competition, the participants were informed of the different categories they were to compete in. “We learned from our experience last year when we had only two weeks before the competition to prepare,” Morales relates. “International competitions give at least six months. We plan to join the international competition to be held in Hong Kong in June next year. CCA always wins gold in local and international competitions.”
“More than just a competition for cutting-edge excellence, we hope our students will also learn the value of cooperation, teamwork, synergy and ‘chefsmanship’ as they come up with their best takes, given the ingredients presented to them,” CCA CEO Badjie Guerrero-Trinidad, remarked. “The standards set by last year’s winners are high, so this year’s CCA Cup will be more exciting.”
The participants were at the venue as early as 6 a.m. to set up for the daylong live cooking competition. Other than CCA students, the four teams also adopted apprentice members from selected high schools and colleges in Metro Manila, who gained firsthand experience during the competition. “They learn grace under pressure, how to work while being watched by spectators as well as judges, and to finish on time,” Morales remarked.
Two new categories were added this year: Modernized Korean Cuisine Set Menu and Eats Korea Challenge. This was made possible through CCA’s partnership with the Korean government’s agriculture agency. A thousand tasting portions of Korean meals were distributed during the event.
Experts and special guests gave talks on food-related subjects throughout the day. A highlight in the afternoon was the book launch of the second volume of the landmark series Philippine Ingredients, edited by CCA dean Dr. Veritas Luna. On hand to witness the special event were CCA Manila founder and president Susana “Annie” Pascual Guerrero and The Cravings Group CCA CEO Marinela “Badjie” Guerrero-Trinidad.
By 5 p.m., the winners were announced before a packed hall of students, mentors, judges and spectators. The “Culinary Champions” was proclaimed the overall winning team. The individual gold medalists in the different categories were: from “Culinary Champions”, JR Macatlang for Beef Short Ribs Hot Cooking; Cyril Lee for Poultry Hot Cooking; Carlo Santo for Lamb Hot Cooking; Ram Caronongan for Quick Fire Salad; and Kristian Mendoza and John Cajigal for Modern Asian Dynamic Duo.
From “Gatronomic Gurus,” Casey Buendia for Plated Appetizer; Roan Dayao for Free Style Pasta; Julie Goce for Wedding Cake; and Catherine Peeden and Karmin Ilagan for Buchi Dessert Creation.
From “Meal Masters,” Roger Gil N. Sapitula for Sustainable Local Seafood Hot Cooking; Homar Jay Castelo for Plated Dessert; and Leo Duce, Chris Quizon, Jannie Araga and Homar Jay Castelo, for Modernized Korean Cuisine Set Menu.
From “Kitchen Kings,” Jay Recio, Marius Banatao, Marphee Sta. Ana and Julie Villanueva for the Eats Korea Challenge.?
As the overall winning team, the Culinary Champions received the CCA Cup’s much-coveted “Aroma” trophy, which was designed by celebrated sculptor Impy Pilapil. The stunning glass and metal trophy represents CCA’s “ascent to greater heights and pursuit
of culinary excellence.”
As this year’s winner, the Culinary Champions got not only bragging rights but also their name inscribed on the trophy’s plate, to replace last year’s overall winner, Kitchen Kings. Aside from cash prizes as well as prizes from sponsors, the Culinary Champions also received specially issued chef’s jackets and were recognized as CCA Cooking Ambassadors.
