CCA, Manila inspires young 'chef-preneur' to continue legacy of Spanish cuisine

MANILA, Philippines - For half a century now, the Philippine restaurant scene has always regarded one name with the highest esteem when it comes to Spanish cuisine: Don Anastacio de Alba, also known as Señor Alba, who started the classic restaurant chain Alba Restaurante Español.

The challenge now lies on the shoulders of his heir. chef Miguel Angel de Alba has taken on the reins of the family business, bringing with him his father’s legacy for authentic Spanish cuisine that Filipinos have learned to love. Equipped with his father’s influences and his own knowledge acquired from a premier institution, the Center for Culinary Arts, Manila (CCA, Manila), chef Miguel is now shaping his own reputation and heritage for Alba’s chain of restaurants as a chef-entrepreneur or “chef-preneur.”

Chef Miguel was part of the first batch of CCA, Manila’s full-course Diploma in Culinary Arts (1997-1999) program.

“My dad had no formal education. What I learned from him was merely based on his experience. When I went to CCA, Manila, I learned all about the profession and gained proper skills and techniques,” chef Miguel explains.

Aside from his father, chef Miguel also credits mentors at CCA, Manila for teaching him not only the fundamentals of cooking but also how to be resourceful, not to settle for anything less, and to always exceed beyond expectations.

He also acknowledges the efforts of chef Menoy Gimenez, who instilled in him good values in and outside the classroom.

“He exposed us to the industry, from the low-end to the middle and the high-scale. He also taught us to value education,” he adds.

As general manager of Alba’s three branches in Quezon City, Makati, and Alabang, chef Miguel believes that CCA, Manila prepared him to fulfill his mission of continuing his father’s legacy of maintaining consistency and implementing systems in the kitchen and restaurant operations. 

CCA, Manila is located at 287 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

For inquiries on CCA, Manila’s diploma programs and short courses, call 426-4840/ 41 or visit www.cca-manila.com.