Bright, young chefs from Marco Polo Ortigas Manila rose to the challenge of this year’s Philippine Culinary Cup, hosted by World Food Expo (WOFEX). With the theme, “Where the Best Meet to Compete,” seven representatives from the hotel showcased their expertise in both the Savoury and Pastry categories of the competition.

Chefs Timothy Faller and Marvin Gatbonton were awarded silver medals for the Chocolate Pastry Showpiece and Bread Pastry Showpiece, respectively. Chefs Honey Timbas garnered bronze for the Fantasy Plated Desserts Challenge, Amalyn Gem Espiritu for the Elle & Vire Professionnel French Touch Challenge and Ma. Therese Guillermo for the Wedding Cakes Division.

WOFEX chef medalists (from left) Amalyn Gem Espiritu, Honey Timbas, Ma. Therese Guillermo, Marvin Gatbonton and Timothy Faller.

Under the Savoury Competition, the team bagged the bronze awards with chef Mildred Hernandez for the US Beef Category and chef Jullios Villaruz for the US Poultry Category.

As the only culinary competition in the country endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Society (WACS), the Philippine Culinary Cup has become the most esteemed competition which provides a wider avenue for local chefs to craft their skills in the global scene.