16/09/2026
PHILIPPINE CULINARY TEAM WINS GOLD AT 2026 ASIAN PASTRY YOUNG CHEFS CHALLENGE IN GUANGZHOU
GUANGZHOU, CHINA (14 September 2026) – The Philippine culinary team clinched Gold Medals at the 2026 Asian Pastry Young Chefs Challenge (APYCC), held from 10 to 12 September 2026 at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou.
Representing the Philippines with the official endorsement of the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, the team was composed of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management students Jeorge Mishaela D. Celerio and Liam Trysten S. Comendador of St. Anne College Lucena, Inc. (SACLI) , under the guidance of Team Manager and Coach Chef Geronimo T. Gavilan.
Competing against nine teams composed of young culinary talents from across Asia, the Philippine team completed a seven-hour challenge covering the categories of plated dessert, ice cream bonbons, chocolate cake, and a chocolate and sugar showpiece.
The team's gold medal-winning creations included “Purple Heritage,” a modern interpretation of Filipino flavors featuring ube halaya, toasted rice ice cream, coconut, and kalamansi, while their showpiece, “Flavors Without Borders: A Journey Along the Silk Road,” depicted a camel caravan symbolizing the historical exchange of cultures, flavors, and traditions.
The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, represented by Consul Stephanie Alexis Cruz, attended the competition in support of the Philippine delegation. Consul Cruz also served as a guest judge for selected competition categories.
Following their victory, the team paid a courtesy call on Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas at the Philippine Consulate General on 14 September 2026.
“This achievement demonstrates the creativity, skill, and world-class talent of young Filipinos. We are especially proud to see young talents such as yourselves bring Philippine flavors and culture to an international audience and strengthen people-to-people ties through the culinary arts,” Consul General Arribas said.
The Philippine Consulate General congratulates the team for bringing pride to the Philippines and showcasing Filipino culinary excellence in China. END