The team of chefs from City of Dreams Manila made a remarkable impression at the 2024 Philippine Culinary Cup, securing a total of 22 medals during the esteemed four-day event at the World Food Expo, hosted at the SMX Convention Center. The 17-member team’s culinary prowess was on full display, earning them widespread recognition.
“We commend the prestigious achievements of our culinary team at the 2024 Philippine Culinary Cup. These medals attest to the exemplary skills and versatility of our chefs, whose expertise and talents make the difference in the diverse cuisines offered in our outlets and banquets. They are pivotal in making our property a sought-after dining destination by our customers and are well-loved in the workplace where they also offer a well-planned 24/7 buffet in the colleagues dining room,” Property President Geoff Andres said.
Leading the charge for the integrated resort’s accolades were several standout performers:
Gold medalists included Roberto Gapas Jr. from ChowDown employee dining, who excelled in the US Lamb category, and the duo of Krizia De Jesus and Farrah Cacapit from Chocol8 at Café Society, who crafted an award-winning Chocolate Pastry Showpiece.
Silver medals were awarded to Rier Maverick Franco and Jeffrey Casauay from Banquet Events, Ruben Rivamonte Jr. from Pastry, and the Haliya team’s Jiro Flora, John Christian Torrano, and Deonito Alas, who all competed in the Dream Team Challenge. Lee Chia Lok from Season 88 also shone in the US Lamb category, while Mary Apple Delantar from Pastry was recognized for her Wedding Cake. Franco earned an additional Silver in the Creative Breakfast category.
Bronze medals were claimed by the team of Jeffrey Casauay, Brett Michael Nalog from Banquet Events, and the Haliya duo of Torrano and Fritz Restar for Filipino cuisine. Margarita Matias from Season 88 was honored for Creative Breakfast, Garie Bautista from Pastry for Bread Pastry Showpiece, Frederick John Lim from Banquet Events for US Pork, Johnny Iglesias from Banquet Events for Poultry, and Rivamonte Jr. from Pastry in the French Touch Challenge for Dessert.
Among the winners, Rier Maverick Franco and Jeffrey Casauay had previously earned a gold and a silver medal respectively in the 2019 competition.
Recognized by the World Association of Chefs Societies, the Philippine Culinary Cup stands as a significant culinary contest in the Philippines, providing a globally respected stage for Filipino chefs to refine and demonstrate their culinary expertise. The event is organized by the LTB Chefs Association of the Philippines, the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, and PEPTarsus Corp.
For further details on the luxury integrated resort, please visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
