The win highlights the luxury resort’s
sustained record of culinary honors and spotlights the talents behind one of
Manila’s premier dining destinations
City of
Dreams Manila, the luxury integrated resort in Entertainment City and Aseana
City, Paranaque, emerged as Overall Champion in the Professional Division of
the 2026 Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC), besting 52 teams from hotels, restaurants,
and catering services. This marks a new milestone in the luxury integrated
resort’s award-winning track record since 2016 at the prestigious competition.
The four-day 16th edition of the PCC was held alongside the World Food Expo
(WOFEX) at the SMX Convention Center.
“This distinction is a proud recognition of our chefs’ creativity, discipline and commitment to their craft. Our team has earned consistent accolades at the Philippine Culinary Cup through the years, reflecting the depth of talent we continue to nurture. More importantly, our colleagues bring the same passion and exacting standards to our kitchens every day, strengthening City of Dreams Manila’s position as one of the country’s leading dining destinations,” Property President Geoff Andres stated.
A
culinary team at the top of its game
Drawn from the resort’s restaurants,
pastry and banquet kitchens, the 17-chef delegation to the PCC showcased the
diversity of talent across its culinary operations. Competing in 13 categories,
the team brought home one Highest Gold, one Gold, nine Silver and four Bronze
medals.
The 15-medal haul propelled City of
Dreams Manila to the Overall Championship in the Professional Division,
affirming the resort’s dedication to culinary excellence through refined
techniques and innovative ideas.
Among the standouts was Sous Chef Lee Chia Lok, who achieved the coveted Highest Gold in the Asian Gourmet Challenge and
Bronze in the Art of Dim Sum. He is Sous
Chef at Season88, the 24/7 dining room and
lounge at the main gaming floor, featuring Asian and international cuisine.
From the award-winning Crystal Dragon restaurant which specializes in
Cantonese cuisine and regional Chinese specialties, Dim Sum Chef de Cuisine
Ngooi She Chong won Bronze in the Art of Dim Sum and Sous Chef Zhang He secured
Silver in the Asian Gourmet Challenge.
Banquet Chef de Partie Rier Maverick Franco demonstrated exceptional
versatility across five individual categories, garnering Gold in U.S. Beef, and
Silver in the Creative Breakfast Challenge, U.S. Lamb, U.S. Pork, and Pasta
categories.
Pastry Chef de Cuisine Julius Javin earned Silver in the
Dress the Cake category and received an additional special recognition from
Whippit by Bakersfield for “Best Creation 2026”.
Pastry Commis Chef Enrique Ferrer received Silver in the French Touch
Challenge-Pastry competition, accepting his award from PCC 2026 judge Josh Boutwood,
the chef-owner of Helm, the Philippines’
only two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
From The Café, the international buffet and
all-day dining restaurant, Commis Chef Angelyka Garin secured
Bronze in the U.S. Pork category. In the group entry, Commis Chefs
Danica Millete, Ricky Alto and Ma. Erika Monique Alfonso clinched
Bronze in the Dream Team Challenge.
Haliya
modern Filipino restaurant’s Sous Chef Jiro Flora and Chef de Partie Nikki
Raquion earned Silver in the Filipino Cuisine Challenge. Joined by Commis Chef
Emylene Montesines, they bagged another Silver in the Dream Team Challenge.
Crafting
a winning cocktail
City
of Dreams Manila also earned recognition for beverage craft at WOFEX, where
CenterPlay bartender Justin Dela Cruz won Silver in the DaVinci Gourmet Coffee
Cocktail Showdown. His entry showcased the flair, creativity and craftsmanship
that shape the beverage program at CenterPlay a lounge at the focal point of
the main gaming area known for live music, food, cocktails and nightlife.
A stage for culinary excellence
The
country’s only culinary competition approved by the World Association of Chefs’
Societies (WORLDCHEFS), the Philippine Culinary Cup serves as an
internationally recognized platform for professional and aspiring chefs to hone
their skills, benchmark their work against global standards and showcase
Filipino culinary talent.
This
year’s competition brought together more than 1,000 chefs from leading hotels
and restaurants and students from hospitality and culinary schools. Delegates
put their technical skills, artistry and precision to the test across a range
of culinary disciplines before a panel of 60 local and international
chef-judges.
For
more information, visit https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/blog/cod-pcc-champion.
About City of Dreams Manila
City of Dreams Manila, which opened in February 2015 is at the gateway to Entertainment City in Parañaque and is part of the Aseana City township development.
The resort features: modern gaming spaces including VIP and premium mass gaming facilities Qi Long and Sky Gaming; three award-winning luxury hotel brands: Nüwa Manila, Nobu Hotel, and Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams, with an aggregate total of 939 rooms; health and wellness facilities that include Nüwa Spa and Nobu Spa; The Shops at the Boulevard; more than 20 restaurants and bars across the property; and distinctive entertainment venues: DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-themed family entertainment center, and CenterPlay a contemporary entertainment bar at the focal point of the main gaming floor.
For more information, please visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
About Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation
Integrated casino developer Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation (“MRP”) is a subsidiary of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:“MLCO”), the developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia and Europe. MRP’s subsidiary, Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation (“Melco Leisure”), which developed City of Dreams Manila together with SM Investments Corporation, Belle Corporation and Premium Leisure Amusement, Inc., operates and manages the luxury integrated resort.
For more information about Melco Resorts and Entertainment Philippines please visit: melco-resorts-philippines.com.
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