CCA, Manila hones students to become 'chef-preneurs'

MANILA, Philippines - Some think that cooking and baking are the only tricks of the trade of a chef. However, at the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA, Manila), these are not the only things learned by chefs to be, they also need to become chef-entrepreneurs or ‘chef-preneurs’.

At the Mercato Centrale, the weekend market at the Bonifacio Global City, CCA, Manila students such as Ramil Chua and Mike Cheng, got a chance to show off their skills — be it inside or outside the kitchen.

“Every marketing class has to think of a business plan and then they execute it for a week, it is part of their project,” explained Mike. He said that usually students who are in their Level 9 are the ones who undergo this type of training in marketing, but this time, students who are just in Level 4 and 5 are already part of the activity.

“Each student or class is required to come up with their own concept of recipes. It may be classic or traditional, but it has to be unique when we sell it here in Mercato,” said Al.

The students’ creativity were indeed tested. Nevertheless, they credit their teachers for the assistance. “We started two months ago. There were many consultations before we created the end product with chefs who are open-minded and willing to help,” says Mike.

The students’ hard work did not go unnoticed since the products were a smash hit among Mercato visitors; they even did food sampling for those who were curious about the food. “Those who bought our food were very much impressed, and we were sold out even before the end of the day,” said Al.

“Buyers didn’t only ask us about our products, they also asked if we were really from CCA and inquired about the school,” said Al. “Marketing-wise, it was effective that we came from CCA. We didn’t just promote our booth. We promoted ourselves as one school.”

CCA, Manila has academic programs accredited by the prestigious American Culinary Federation Foundation (ACFF), a premier professional chefs’ organization based in North America that has 225 chapters and more than 20,000 members. CCA, Manila holds the distinction of being the first culinary education institution in Asia accredited by the prestigious group.

One of the benefits for CCA, Manila students of accredited programs is the fact that their education is at par with other programs across the world. Also, upon graduation or completion of the program, they can earn an industry certification. Indeed, students reap the benefits of having CCA, Manila as their school.

For inquiries about the CCA, Manila , call 9942530, 9942540; 4264840 to 41 or e-mail: [email protected] or visit: www.cca-manila.com. Drop by the CCA, Manila Campus along 287 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, QC.