LPU conquers FHA 2014 in Singapore

MANILA, Philippines - Culinary students of the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila campus romped off with a medal bounty at this year’s Food & Hotel Asia (FHA 2014), the mega biennial food and hospitality trade show in Singapore that is synonymous with the food and hospitality industry in Asia and beyond.

Much anticipated both locally and internationally, the event not only brings together a myriad of food and hospitality products from around the world but also gathers the best culinary experts from the region to compete in several categories for the much-coveted distinction of winning and becoming the best of the best in the region. 

This year’s world-class competitions saw more than 800 chefs from all over the world battle in the Individual Challenge, Dream Team Challenge, and Gourmet Team Challenge.

Aside from the FHA Culinary Cup, there was the Asian Pastry Cup held in conjunction with the Bakery and Pastry Challenge. The weeklong meet had First World culinary “giants” such as the chefs from Singapore’s Fairmont Hotel and Marina Bay Sands, All Japan Chefs Association and Chocolat et Gateux of South Africa, to name just a few.

LPU-Manila entered its best contenders, all members of Les Jeunes Chefs, its organization of culinary students who hone their skills at the LPU Culinary Institute.

They bagged one gold, one silver and five bronze medals from what is now regarded as Asia’s premier culinary podium. What made the victory sweeter for the students was their having won over professional chefs from various five-star hotels and fine dining restaurants in Singapore, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Canada.  

The LPU winners were Julius Conde, gold for Petits Fours, coached by Chef Dan Basilio; Joelina de la Cruz, silver for Neptune’s Catch, coached by Chef AC Agra; Paul Fornoles, bronze for Wedding Cake, and Timothy Faller, bronze for Dress The Cake-Live, both coached by Chef Basilio; Jamie Lee Gonzales, bronze for Plated Dessert, coached by Chef Clyden San Pedro; Paul Cruz, bronze for East Meets West, coached by Chef Joel Tanjimenez; and Cyrodonn Domingo, bronze for Field and Forest, coached by Chef Agra.

For more information on the culinary programs of LPU-Manila’s College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, call 404-2040 or 527-8251 local 117. Short courses are also available at the LPU Culinary Institute; for additional information, call 318-4000.