Celebrating Culinary Excellence

Celebrating the Second Year of the Cooking Skills Competition

The United Marine Training Center (UMTC) recently marked another milestone by completing the second annual Cooking Skills Competition, an activity designed to empower skills and boost the confidence of our Ship's Cook Apprenticeship Program trainees.

This year’s challenge brought together eight participants, each paired with a Culinary Instructor who served as their mentor.

Group 1: Aguinaldo, Ronald & Baradas, Prince Karl With Chef Romel Tobongbanua (1st placer)

Group 2: Cusinero, Clouis & Benerio, Rex With Chef Romelh Castaneda (3rd placer)

Group 3: Cruz, Emil John & Doble, Joey With Chef Jose Rebancos (2nd placer)

Group 4: Villamor, Mark & Gultiano, Dwight With Chef Mark Alejandrino (Winner)

Esteemed culinary experts judged the competition from Escoffier International, namely (L-R):

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

Following these criteria:

• Work Organization
• Mis en Place Techniques
• Cooking Methods
• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Food Quality
• Serving and Presentation

This served as a platform for trainees to immerse the participants in the complexities of menu planning, preparation, cooking, and presentation, meeting the high standards and expectations of the maritime industry.

As the activity unfolded, the trainees' growth and development became evident, filling UMTC with pride and inspiration for the future. They displayed creativity and technical prowess and demonstrated an increasing ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the maritime industry.

This is more than just a competition; it is a testament to the center’s commitment to continuously preparing and equipping our Ship’s Cook Apprenticeship Program trainees with skills necessary for their roles at sea while fostering a collaborative environment.

To learn more about our culinary courses and assessments, please visit www.umtc.com.ph Or contact us at E: sales@umtc.com.ph