LTB Philippines Culinary Team reaps medals in FHA Culinary Challenge 2008 Singapore

Last row – Reno Dela Victoria, Arnold Guevarra, Andy Tabotabo, J Gamboa, Buddy Trinidad, Ariel Manuel, Tony Bleza, Edwin Escora, Ador Mendoza
Middle row – James Antolin, Fernando Aracama, Boy Timola
First row – Ryan Otmana, Nana Nadal, Marge Villena, Janice Lazaga
Not in photo – Pauline Diaz-Lagdameo

The Les Toques Blanches Philippines Culinary Team made the country proud once more by garnering 13 medals from the Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) Culinary Challenge 2008 held at the Singapore Expo last April 22 to 25. The FHA Culinary Challenge is one of Asia's most respected culinary competitions, held bi-annually and drawing competitors not only from Asia, but also the US, Europe and Australia.

Our Les Toques Blanches Philippines Culinary Team, headed by Team Captain Ariel Manuel of Lolodad's Café earned 13 medals in 14 competitions (1 Gold, 6 Silver, 6 Bronze).

The members of the contingent were Virgilio Timola and Anatolio Bleza of Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Arnold Guevarra of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Amador Mendoza of Manila Pavilion Hotel, and Reno dela Victoria of Waterfront Hotel Cebu. Plus apprentices Marge Villena of Lolo Dad's Café, Andy Tabotabo of CCA Manila, Janet Lazaga and Ryan Otmana of Malacanang Palace. Managing them is J Gamboa of Cirkulo and Milky Way Restaurants with Fernando Aracama of Embassy Cuisine and PR & Events Consultant Nana Nadal.

The team brought home the following accolades from their trip:

Ariel Manuel – Team Captain, Lolodad's Cafe
Plated Appetizer Bronze Medal
Plated Dish Silver Medal
Live Cooking – New Asia Cuisine Silver Medal

Marge Villena, Apprentice, Lolodad's Cafe
Andy Tabotabo, Apprentice, CCA, Manila
Team Live Cooking – Two To Tango Bronze Medal

Arnold Guevara, Sous Chef, Tivoli Grill, Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Live Cooking – Neptune's Catch Gold Medal
Plated Dish Silver Medal
Plated Appetizer Bronze Medal

Boy Timola, Sous Chef, Makati Shangri-la Hotel
Plated Appetizer Silver Medal
Plated Dish Silver Medal
Live Cooking – Field&Forest Bronze Medal

Tony Bleza, Demi-Chef, Makati Shangri-la Hotel
Ethnic Asian Display Bronze Medal
Live Cooking -Asian Family Meal Silver Medal

Ador Mendoza – Assistant Pastry Chef, Manila Pavilion Hotel
Pastry Showpiece Bronze Medal

The team also participated in the Valhrona Asian Pastry Cup, represented by James Antolin of CCA Manila, Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts and Pauline Diaz-Lagdameo of ISCAHM.

Sponsors include the Office of the President, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Werdenberg International Corp, PTC, , Sweetlink, Kyocera Knives, Chocolate World, Siliconezone, MIDA Foods, Meat and Livestock Australia, PAL, Unilever Food Solutions, Alternatives Foods Corp, Brother’s Burger, San Miguel Pure Foods Great Foods Solutions, Fonterra, Royal Country Marketing, Gourdos, Happy Living Fine Wines, Technolux, Chef Republic Workwear, and Mike Aguas for the plate elevations and sugar and chocolate molds.