This is a story of a boy who fought to survive poverty and become successful in life.
Benjamin is the fourth of eight children of Soledad and Gomersendo Jabat of Mindoro Oriental. Benjamin grew up doing hard labor and walked mile after mile only to get educated. But these hardships did not discourage him. After his elementary studies, he went to Manila armed with determination and prayers, knowing that he cannot afford a high school education. He ended up serving a wealthy family in Quezon City as a houseboy. In return, the family sent him to school.
After high school, he worked in a restaurant as a utility man to be able to continue college. But after few years, he got interested in cooking so he made a formal request to his supervisor to give him a chance to work as a cook helper, a request which was considered. After a year of dedicated working as a cook helper, he was promoted as third cook. And with his knowledge as a cook, he then applied in an international airline catering under the supervision of Swiss, German and British chefs. He learned a great deal there and showed his dedication and serious work. After a year and a half, his hard work was recognized and he was then promoted as production supervisor. Soon after, Ben was given the chance to attend seminars, both local and abroad. He was blessed to represent the company until he found an opportunity to work as the Executive Chef of Cebu Pacific Catering Services, Inc. when it started in 1996 until the present.
The humble Benjamin is now our beloved Chef Ben, always on the go and funny to be with. There is never a dull moment when you are with him but he is a serious boss, though once he is in the kitchen.