MARRIOTT MANILA MAINTAINS TOP POSITION AT PHILIPPINE CULINARY CUP
MARRIOT Manila won the overall title in the pro division of the Philippine Culinary Cup recently at the World Food Expo in Pasay City. Executive Sous Chef Ren Joseph “Rej” Casanova was named as Best Chef of the Year. This was not the first time that Manila’s grand five-star hotel received the coveted prize in the national culinary and baking arena. But as its founder, JW Marriott, once said, “I’ve felt that dissatisfaction is the basis of progress. When we become satisfied in business, we become obsolete.” Marriott Manila never rested on its laurels and participated at the World Food Expo to showcase what their roster of chefs have applied in the hotel’s kitchens—using the best ingredients, cooking/baking that follows professional guidelines, and presenting these in a multitude of ways that please the sight, smell, taste, and sound of diners and judges alike. Their consistency to quality was shown in the grueling four-day competition, with the results revealing Marriott Manila’s name in every page of winners. Glorious in their gold awards were Robert Gue- varra and Jimmy Manalo for Local Seafood, Rej Casanova and Brainard Vito in US Beef, and Rej Casanova for Creative Breakfast. The best chef of the year also gained gold with distinction for Local Seafood; alongside Christopher Saquing, Jimmy Manalo, and Rickson Alcantara who were also remarkable for winning in Filipino Cuisine. “I am proud to be the Executive Chef of these brilliant and talented chefs,” said Meik Brammer. The silver awardees were: David Socrates for Wedding Cake, Dan Prepose and Richard Hubilla for Young Chefs Challenge, Rej Casanova and John Christopher Marfil gained a silver each for US Pork, and Rey Llego and John Christopher Marfil for Sous Vide. The Dream Team went to Prince Patiño, Nicholas Advincula, Rej Casanova, and Maria Deca Erestain. Gutay, Christopher Rheevo Arnuco, Balane, Oscar and Virgilio Amistoso also received the Dream Team award. Oscar Gutay won for US Beef, Rej Casanova for US Poultry, Erwin Marquez also for US Poultry, Rey Llego for French Touch Savory, and Aljay Mayuga for Fantasy Plated Dessert.