The luxury integrated resort’s 17-chef delegation secured 15 medals across 13 categories, reinforcing its strong culinary track record at the competition.
City of Dreams Manila emerged as Overall Champion in the Professional Division of the Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) 2026, topping 52 teams representing hotels, restaurants and catering establishments.
The four-day, 16th edition of the culinary competition was held alongside the World Food Expo (WOFEX) at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
The victory adds another milestone to City of Dreams Manila’s growing record of culinary honors at the PCC, where the resort has been competing since 2016.
“This distinction is a proud recognition of our chefs’ creativity, discipline and commitment to their craft,” said Property President Geoff Andres. “Our team has earned consistent accolades at the Philippine Culinary Cup through the years, reflecting the depth of talent we continue to nurture.”
The resort’s 17-chef delegation, drawn from its restaurants, pastry and banquet kitchens, competed in 13 categories and earned one Highest Gold, one Gold, nine Silver and four Bronze medals.
Among the top individual performers was Sous Chef Lee Chia Lok of Season88, who earned the coveted Highest Gold in the Asian Gourmet Challenge and Bronze in the Art of Dim Sum.
The culinary team of Crystal Dragon, the resort’s Cantonese restaurant specializing in regional Chinese cuisine, also contributed to the medal haul. Dim Sum Chef de Cuisine Ngooi She Chong won Bronze in the Art of Dim Sum, while Sous Chef Zhang He earned Silver in the Asian Gourmet Challenge.
Banquet Chef de Partie Rier Maverick Franco demonstrated versatility across five individual categories, winning Gold in U.S. Beef and Silver medals in the Creative Breakfast Challenge, U.S. Lamb, U.S. Pork and Pasta categories.
In pastry, Pastry Chef de Cuisine Julius Javin earned Silver in Dress the Cake and was also recognized by Whippit by Bakersfield with the Best Creation 2026 award. Pastry Commis Chef Enrique Ferrer took Silver in the French Touch Challenge-Pastry competition.
The resort’s all-day dining restaurant, The Café, was represented by Commis Chef Angelyka Garin, who won Bronze in U.S. Pork. Commis Chefs Danica Millete, Ricky Alto and Ma. Erika Monique Alfonso also secured Bronze in the Dream Team Challenge.
Meanwhile, Haliya, City of Dreams Manila’s modern Filipino restaurant, added two Silver medals. Sous Chef Jiro Flora and Chef de Partie Nikki Raquion earned Silver in the Filipino Cuisine Challenge, before joining Commis Chef Emylene Montesines for another Silver in the Dream Team Challenge.
Recognition beyond the kitchen
City of Dreams Manila’s showing extended to the beverage category at WOFEX, where CenterPlay bartender Justin Dela Cruz won Silver in the DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Cocktail Showdown.
His achievement highlighted the resort’s beverage talent at CenterPlay, its contemporary entertainment bar located at the focal point of the main gaming floor.
The Philippine Culinary Cup is the country’s only culinary competition approved by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WORLDCHEFS). It provides professional and aspiring chefs with a platform to benchmark their skills against international standards and showcase culinary creativity and technique.
This year’s competition brought together more than 1,000 chefs from hotels, restaurants and hospitality and culinary schools. Participants competed across a range of culinary disciplines before a panel of 60 local and international chef-judges.
