UMTC HOSTS THE FIRST GASTRONOMY CHALLENGE

As the United Marine Training Center (UMTC) devotes to its vision of being the leading partner in providing quality and innovative training and assessment in the maritime industry, UMTC held its first Cooking Skills Competition last 24 March 2023 to test the culinary skills and show off the competencies of the UMTC Ship's Cook Apprenticeship Program trainees.

A total of 6 participants joined the competition, showcasing their expertise in various dishes and cooking techniques with the support of assigned UMTC Chefs per pair.

(lead) Mr. Ben Cedric Barcela and (assist) Mr. Emmanuel Matias Coach: Chef Narisa Celestial-Azogue

(lead) Mr. Jesmar Pedrosa and (assist) Mr. Morhan Uko Coach: Chef Jose Rebancos

(lead) Mr. Jose Marie Pecaoco and (assist) Mr. Lloyd Montero Coach: Chef Rolando Bautista

The activity was a Market Basket challenge where participants must come up with a full-course meal using only the available provisions and amazingly, participants were able to produce exquisite traditional Filipino and European cuisines.

The competition was judged by a panel of renowned chefs from Disciples Escoffier International namely:

(L-R) UMTC Chef Jose Rebancos, UMTC Chef Narisa Azogue, Trainees: Barcela, Pecaoco, Montero Judges: Chef Andrea Amado, Chef John Howard, Chef Eiffelene Howard, Trainees: Pedrosa, Matias, Uko, and UMTC Chef Rolando Bautista

• Chef Andrea Amado
• Chef John Howard
• Chef Eiffelene Howard

They graded the participants on various criteria such as preparation, application of cooking, creativity, and taste. The event was organized to promote the development of culinary skills among future onboard chefs and recognize their hard work by providing a platform for them to showcase their talent.

Participants were able to produce exquisite traditional Filipino European cuisines but Pecaoco and Montero with Chef Bautista, top-notched the competition and awarded prizes including lifetime access to an exclusive culinary reference book. Overall, UMTC's Cooking Skills Challenge was a huge success and has helped to raise awareness about the importance of developing culinary skills and proved that the company commits to its mission of:

• Produce technically competent, globally competitive, and dedicated maritime professionals by providing comprehensive and approved training programs, employing innovative systems and relevant technologies.
• Uphold our corporate values
• Provide high-quality training programs developed and conducted by competent and qualified instructors.

Winners cook trainees Pecaoco and Montero

• Be proactive in meeting the need of industries through collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
• Continuously enhance employee satisfaction by promoting career advancement to foster a professional, motivated, and creative team.
• To fully automate and digitalize our working processes with the aid of “Deep Machine Learning”.
• To continuously conserve our energy, and water and observe environmentally friendly work practices, uses of materials and consumables.

with Chef Narisa Azogue

with Chef Jose Rebancos

with Chef Rolando Bautista