Tag: CCA Manila

Celebrating 28 years as the Philippines’ top culinary school, the Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila) continues to set the benchmark for culinary education and innovation, with a strong emphasis on Filipino cuisine. 

Through its new Fundamentals of Filipino Cuisine Program (FFCP), a comprehensive 16-day short course, CCA Manila immerses students in the art of Filipino gastronomy, culinary heritage, and technique.

“This innovative program not only aligns with the government’s efforts to promote Filipino cuisine but also solidifies CCA Manila’s commitment to showcasing the potential of our local ingredients and traditions on a global scale,” says Dr. Ma. Veritas F. Luna, Chancellor of CCA Manila. “We are proud to say that we have consistently celebrated and elevated Filipino food culture.”

The FFCP offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning with a daily one-hour lecture followed by five hours of hands-on kitchen experience. Students are also given two field trips for real-world immersion, allowing them to experience firsthand the essence of Filipino culinary culture. 

“Students gain insight into the diverse flavors across our 17 regions, learning ingredient selection, preparation, and the intricacies of cooking and plating regional dishes,” adds Dr. Luna. “With students from across the Philippines, CCA Manila continues to cultivate culinary talent that will thrive both locally and internationally.”

Students from the regions flock to CCA Manila

CCA Manila’s flagship program, the Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management (DCATM), shapes students into future culinary leaders, equipping them with hands-on culinary skills and food service management expertise. Through this holistic program, students develop entrepreneurial skills alongside culinary craftsmanship, setting them up for success in the global food industry.

Among the current batch of students are talented individuals from various regions. For example, Bianca Llanes from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, now in level 3 of the DCATM program, shares her pride in being mentored by industry-renowned chefs at CCA. “I’m excited for my growth in culinary skills under the guidance of top chefs. Their support gives me confidence as I advance in my studies.” 

Meinhard Godoy from Brooke’s Point, Palawan, a first-year DCATM student, expresses his gratitude for CCA’s supportive environment during his adjustment to life away from home. “I am proud to be part of this world. Culinary education demands hard work, but CCA Manila’s mentors have shown me incredible support and inspired me to embrace the challenges.”

Another first-year DCATM student, Excel Mc Couley Salazar, also from Palawan, aspires to make an impact in the culinary field. “I want my food to not only bring joy but also convey culture and history. My education at CCA will help me achieve this vision as I explore my personal and professional culinary journey.” 

Meanwhile, level 10 student Vince Caabay, from Puerto Princesa, Palawan, values the hands-on experiences he has gained at CCA. “Being a CCA student has given me the opportunity to work alongside professional chefs, and that exposure inspires me to strive for excellence. 

In the future, Vince plans to work at a fine dining restaurant or hotel: “I look forward to the many doors this education will open for me, both locally and abroad. I know my CCA Manila education will help me achieve my goal to be a renowned chef someday.”

“CCA Manila continues to welcome culinary aspirants from all over the country. We are committed to transforming dreams into reality through a hands-on, industry-relevant education. With guidance from seasoned chef-instructors, students are prepared to make their mark in the culinary world,” said Dr. Luna. 

For inquiries about the DCATM program and FFCP course, call 0917.840.8400, or email talktous@cca-manila.edu.ph. Visit the website: www.cca-manila.edu.ph.

In the bustling heart of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the renowned Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila has unveiled its latest jewel: a state-of-the-art culinary campus. This sophisticated establishment offers more than just a new location; it promises an immersive experience for culinary visionaries. With its central location in the University of the Philippines BGC campus for professional studies, students gain not only world-class education but also a prime spot amidst BGC’s vibrant community.

“Our new home is located inside the academic enclave of the University of the Philippines BGC campus for professional studies,” said Badjie Trinidad, President of CCA Manila. “Since this area is also within the University Parkway where international schools are located, our students will have easy and safe access to top destinations such as restaurants, malls, parks, offices, and residential buildings.” 

Culinary Study Supported with State-of-the-Art Facilities

Aside from the kitchen studio, CCA Manila in BGC features a grand kitchen laboratory with 45 individual cooking stations, ensuring that each student has a dedicated space for hands-on learning.

This hands-on approach, which CCA Manila has been known for, instills kitchen independence, enabling students to explore their culinary creativity while mastering essential techniques.

CCA Manila in BGC also embraces technological trends in the culinary industry, housing the latest model of the Rational iCombi Pro, induction hobs, griddles and ovens, sous vide machines, and even smoke guns. All these modern equipment and tools are for the benefit of students, and are made available through collaborations with esteemed industry partners such as Rational, Modello Kitchen, Breville, Catering Depot, Blizzard, SMEG, Nacionale Bladeworks, and ChefWorks.

Diverse Programs to Ignite Culinary Passion

At the core of CCA Manila’s curriculum is an array of comprehensive courses catering to culinary enthusiasts of all levels. The flagship program, the Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management, is proudly accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF). The two-year program offers a holistic understanding of culinary techniques, kitchen management, and the art of gastronomy. Led by seasoned chef-instructors and industry experts, this program equips students with skills, creativity, and leadership necessary for success in the culinary world.Students of this program may take further studies with the University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P) to earn a BS in Entrepreneurial Management Major in Culinary Arts or a Diploma in Culinary Agripreneurship in partnership with the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. 

“CCA Manila is a pioneer in introducing programs that build a strong foundation for future chefs. We are proud of our graduates who are now food entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, and heads of kitchens of top hotels, cruise ships, commissaries,” said Trinidad. “CCA Manila graduates have truly conquered the world one kitchen at a time.”     

Honoring the rich Filipino culinary heritage, CCA Manila also offers the “Fundamentals in Filipino Cuisine,” which bridges tradition and innovation, empowering students to reinvent classic dishes while preserving authentic flavors. 

“CCA Manila is a champion of Filipino cuisine, as shown how we have continuously promoted Filipino ingredients and techniques, and proved that our chefs can be at par with the very best in the world,” said Trinidad. 

For those seeking focused skill enhancement, CCA Manila’s short courses offer intensive workshops on baking, pastry arts, international cuisines, wine and beverage, digital marketing, and food entrepreneurship. The short courses are ideal for busy professionals who work on weekdays in BGC and are aspiring chefs during weekends. 

There is also the Professional Chef Course, a six-month self-paced program in partnership with Rouxbe, the world’s largest online culinary school. The course provides certification and internship opportunities.

Culinary Innovation and Industry Partnerships
CCA Manila’s commitment to culinary excellence goes beyond its curriculum. The institution takes pride in its role as a culinary consultant in the industry, as seen in its recent partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice), and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to develop recipes using the Malusog rice. Customized training programs, such as the Plant Forward Cuisine course for Guang Ming College and seed-to-plate courses with Urban Farms in BGC, illustrate CCA’s flexibility in addressing industry demands.

As CCA Manila will soon mark 27 years of culinary education excellence, it looks ahead to exciting prospects. There will be an upcoming “Future of Food” conference in November that will gather industry leaders to discuss trends and opportunities in the F&B sector. This conference aligns with CCA Manila’s vision to remain at the forefront of culinary education, adapting to emerging trends while preserving timeless traditions.

Embark on Your Culinary Journey
CCA Manila’s gleaming BGC establishment beckons all – from budding chefs to gourmet enthusiasts. As Badjie Trinidad eloquently puts it, “CCA Manila’s new site in BGC marks a significant milestone in the world of culinary education. Whether you aspire to become a professional chef or simply want to impress your loved ones with new food creations, CCA Manila welcomes you to start your journey, guided by the expertise of our faculty and the modern resources available at our new facility.”

For inquiries and enrollment details, please visit the official website at http://www.cca-manila.edu.ph. To get in touch, reach out via email at talktous@cca-manila.edu.ph or follow CCA Manila on Facebook and Instagram (@ccamanila).

As pioneers in the culinary world, CCA Manila has taken it upon themselves to own and shape the narrative of Filipino cuisine education. They’ve whipped up a comprehensive program that will have you savoring the rich heritage and flavors of Filipino gastronomy in every lesson.

CCA Manila, the leading culinary school in the Philippines, proudly announces the launch of its groundbreaking course, Fundamentals in Filipino Cuisine.

Breathing Life into Filipino Culinary Heritage

Realizing the need to champion and safeguard Filipino culinary traditions, the Special Committee on Creative Industries and Performing Arts (SCCIPA) of the Lower House of Representatives advocated for the worldwide promotion of Filipino Cuisine in 2020. Their mission? To create a banquet of job opportunities and stir economic and social progress through the Filipino food value chain.

To cater to the appetite for professional Filipino culinary arts education, CCA Manila took the reins and cooked up the Fundamentals in Filipino Cuisine Course. Before this, no culinary schools in the Philippines served up specialized training in Filipino culinary arts. Expecting the approval of the bill on the promotion of Filipino Cuisine and Gastronomy, CCA Manila prepared the recipe for education and training in this field.

A Gourmet Course for Aspiring Filipino Culinary Masters

The Fundamentals in Filipino Cuisine Course is a 16-day gourmet journey, designed to give students a deep appreciation for Filipino gastronomy, cuisine, and heritage. From handpicking the right ingredients to plating up mouthwatering dishes, this course covers it all. You’ll master the culinary traditions of all 17 regions of the country, uncovering the diverse flavors and techniques that spice up Filipino cuisine.

In celebration of this culinary milestone, CCA Manila is throwing a launch party on June 26, featuring a guest appearance by John Sherwin Felix, founder of Lokalpedia and a fervent advocate for food and agricultural heritage. Felix will serve up his insights on popularizing Filipino Food Heritage Ingredients, and you’ll get a taste of the flavorful ingredients he’s unearthed on his research travels.

Spicing Up Filipino Culinary Education

“With this program, we aim to train a new generation of culinary professionals who will showcase the unique flavors and heritage of Filipino cuisine. By offering this course, we take pride in our leadership in owning the narrative of Filipino culinary education,” said  Chef Kerwin Funtanilla,  CCA Program Manager.

The curriculum stirs in key ingredients like food safety and sanitation, knife skills, cooking methods, and food presentation, all tailored to Filipino cuisine. By the end of this culinary journey, you’ll be an expert in preparing a wide array of Filipino dishes, and you’ll know how to plate them using internationally accepted techniques. They will also learn to present these dishes in a way that incorporates internationally acceptable techniques, allowing them to showcase the beauty and richness of Filipino cuisine to a global audience.

As part of the course, students will have the incredible opportunity to go beyond the classroom and embark on two field trips to renowned culinary establishments that truly embody the essence of Filipino cuisine. These immersive excursions offer firsthand experiences, giving students the chance to deepen their appreciation for the intricate artisan culinary techniques and exceptional culinary products that define Filipino cuisine.

Culinary Journey Ahead

Get ready to embark on a culinary voyage that will ignite your passion, elevate your skills, and celebrate the splendor of Filipino cuisine. CCA Manila proudly paves the way in shaping the future of Filipino culinary arts education.

Enrollment for the Fundamentals in Filipino Cuisine Course is now open. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the marvels of Filipino gastronomy.  For inquiries, visit their website at http://www.cca-manila.edu.ph. Email talktous@cca-manila.edu.ph or visit @ccamanila on Facebook and Instagram.