The young Chef

CEBU, Philippines - It all started with helping his mom out in their kitchen at a young age of 10.

Eight years after, Anthony Choa is cooking his way up and slowly making his dreams come true of making a name in the culinary world.

At a glance, Anthony could pass as an "artista." This 18-year-old teenager has handsome Filipino-Chinito looks with a well-built body, enough to make girls swarm over him. 

But this quiet and shy young chef puts this idea down saying that he does not even have crushes as of the moment because he is dedicated to making his dreams come true.

Anthony who, by the way just turned 18 when this interview was made, said though that he still considers himself the typical teenager. He still goes out with friends and has his taste of the “nightlife,”. He plays sports like soccer, which he played when he was in gradeschool. He also goes to the gym every week.

But Anthony admitted that most of his time is spent in the kitchen, practicing, honing his skills and helping his mom out in their kitchen, which has now turned out as the newest favorite hangout among chocoholics and pasta lovers in Cebu.

The Choa family has transformed their house in Casal's Village, Mabolo into a homey restaurant named Ralfe Gourmet which offers mouth-watering chocolate made of cacao, locally known as tablea, which they grow in their own cacao plantation in Balamban, Cebu. Tablea Tavern is a brainchild of Ralfe Gourmet with delectable creations distributed up to major hotels and resorts in the country. Now, aside from the sweet delights, Ralfe Gourmet is now offering other dishes like pasta and pizza in their restaurant.

We caught Anthony in Ralfe Gourmet's newest kitchen (which was purposely made for him), making his own thin-crust pizza with fresh tomatoes, veggies, bacon and delicious fresh tomato sauce that he concocted.

Anthony explained that he loves experimenting. In fact, most of Ralfe Gourmet's best sellers are those that he and his mom made out of mixing just about anything.  

He recalled how he fondly observed their busy kitchen. He said that his mother let him help out instead of just watching. "Mom was a good teacher," Anthony said, adding that he learned a lot from his mother, mostly the traditional way of cooking which was what she was used to.

Racquel Choa, Anthony's proud mother, said that she always saw the passion in Anthony. "I've always seen it in him. His love for the kitchen was undeniable."

Anthony is the third of eight siblings and Racquel said that everyone helps once in a while but it was Anthony who has always been very patient in the kitchen.

She said that she was expecting Anthony to ask for support to study in culinary school and they gave him all the support they could give.

After taking a two-year course at the International Culinary Arts Academy School, the doting mother beamed that Anthony has had offers left and right from hotels in the country.

Anthony shared that he had so much fun during his internship at the 5-star hotel Marco Polo Plaza Cebu where he was able to hoard more learning on the to dos and don’ts in the kitchen.

Anthony personally loves baking. He said that designing and crafting pastries make it challenging but he loves it more because it brings out his creative side.

He shared that he loves making chocolates, not because of their business, but because he loves eating the sweet-stuff, too.

Currently, Anthony is on product development of Ralfe Gourmet and is responsible in coming up with new and unique creations.

Racquel said that Anthony is doing this while waiting for his papers for Dubai, where he has signed up to work as a chef in a hotel.

Asked if he is nervous on leaving home at this age , Anthony proudly but shyly said, "No." He explained that despite leaving home for the first time, he is still looking forward because he knows this would help him become a better chef.

Racquel added that she's happy for her son even though he will be away from their family. "I have always trusted him," she said, adding that Anthony has always been the independent and responsible kid. 

 Aside from his mom, Anthony looks up to Lifestyle Channel and celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis.

Before he first stepped in the kitchen, Anthony remembers of wanting to be a veterinarian. The Chua family has five dogs – a Chihuahua, two shih tzus, one dachshund and another mix breed. But he said that his love for the kitchen was stronger. .

 Anthony is so at peace in his kitchen. He wears his chef's uniform with pride and joy. In his eyes you can see that he's determined to make any kitchen great. (FREEMAN)