Jolly University champions start climb to successful careers

MANILA, Philippines – Deeply rooted in its commitment to recognize and harness the potentials of future industry leaders, Jolly University (JU), a private company-initiated campaign under Jolly, one of the leading brands in canned foods and vegetables, has been providing students with competitive training and workshop opportunities through an annual campus-wide search.

Following the Jolly University program’s success in the past two years, Jun Cochanco, president of Fly Ace Corp., exclusive distributor of Jolly Food Line, said: “We are happy to invest in a program that positively impacts and leverages students’ future professional careers. Because they gain learning beyond the four corners of the classroom, students gain practical knowhow, values formation and the crucial mentorship which give them the competitive edge,” he said.

The Jolly University is adopting a broadened competition format to tap more young culinary talents who want to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial leadership capabilities.

“What sets the Jolly University apart from other culinary competitions is that it trains students in crafting effective business planning; it’s a complete immersion,” said Marilou Acuña, Jolly senior product manager.

Apart from the bootcamp, next year’s program will introduce a new individual category for the cook-off challenge and a congress.

“We are highlighting individual talents and capabilities this year. As much as it is fun and entertaining to have group competitions, Jolly University brings out the full leadership potentials of a person during individual participation,” said Jolly university head master Chef Mitchie Sison.

Another exciting new component is the Jolly University Congress. “Besides the live competition, attendees will be engaged with activities, interactive booths, jobfair and workshops by key speakers to help participants in their future careers or business,” she added.

Ralph Rebulanan, Jolly’s product associate, stressed that the goal is to make next year’s Jolly University campus search and learning program more inclusive and far-reaching. “We are devising ways to expand audience reach, possibly by inviting and showcasing a younger segment, like senior high school students,” he said.

Wholistic transformation

A passion for culinary arts is only the first step towards a successful professional cooking career. But for Year 2 champions of Jolly University – University of Sto. Tomas HRM students CJ Asiddao, Rian Cajiles and Monique Siguenza, their climb to a future career in the food industry is easier as they are now equipped with the competitive edge and mindset to stand out.

Apart from the prestige and cash prize, 20-year-old CJ revealed that the biggest rewards were the lessons, motivation and vast opportunities that opened up to them.

Twenty-year-old Rian is aiming to expand the family business using what he has learned from the Jolly University Boot Camp.

“I used to have reservations and doubts but through Jolly University, I’m motivated to follow my dream of becoming a professional chef” said Monique, who plans to further her culinary mastery at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Come graduation day, the Jolly ambassadors are eager to enter the competitive food industry with increased confidence.

Online application forms for Jolly University Year 3 can be downloaded at jolly.com.ph and Jolly Eats (Facebook).