Chef's On Parades on its 25th year!

By Ed Dychauco
Of Pots & Pans
Thursday, October 04, 2007


I ATTENDED the Chefs On Parade (COP) in Baguio City last week. It was a 3-day affair which started on the 27th till the 29th. This prestigious culinary event is usually held in Metro Manila but in the recent years, they have moved the venue to Baguio City. This year's event marks their 25th (Silver Anniversary) year and was well attended by many culinary enthusiasts from all over the Philippines.

Venue for this year was the spacious and grand Baguio Country Club, the beautiful and well-constructed SM Mall and Camp John Hay. Weather was very cooperative for the first 2 days. The sun was shining brightly yet the weather was cool during the day and chilly at night, dipping down to about 20 degrees! Rain started to pour on the last day but nobody really cared because we were all having a grand time in the Summer Capital of the Philippines! There was fog day in and day out which makes the place more mysterious and eerie(?) but nevertheless, it was exciting!

Several schools and establishments joined the competitions. Some the schools who participated included the following: Angele University Foundation, BC-SAT Tesda, Center for Culinary Arts, Manila, De la Salle University, Dasmarinas, Colegio de Pampanga, First Asian Institute, Holy Angel University, Luzon College, Lyceum University, Lyceum, Subic, Northwestern University, Iligan Medical Center, Pangasinan State University, Pine City College, San Sebastian Cavite, St. Jude Manilka, St. Mary's University, University of Pangasinan, University of Perpetual Help, Isabela, PWU, ISHORE, Divine Word Vigan, University of Northern Philippines, University of Baguio, University of Cordillera, and many others. Hotels & Restaurants within Baguio City also participated in the professional division. Grand Champion for the student division went to the University of Baguio while the professional division went to Baguio Country Club.

Some of the events includes: Table Setting & Bed Making (Wedding Theme), Bridal Bouquet & Floral Arrangement, Cordillera Fusion Cuisine, Dream Team Cuisine, Classical & Pinoy Cuisine, Fruit & Vegetable Carving, Wedding Cake Decorating, Cold Seafood & Meat Platter, Mocktails, Cocktails, Flairtending, Quiz Bee, Classical & Pinoy Desserts, Ice Carving, Bellman's, Flambe, and many others.

Well-known and respected judges like Penk Ching (of Pastry Bin), Jill Sandique, James Antolin (Program Director, CCA), Dolly Dy (Editor of Flavor Magazine), Norma Chiquiamco (Editor of Food Magazine), Nana Ozaeta (Editor of F&B Magazine), Jessie Sincioco (Le Souffle), Katherine Y. Santos (Happy Living), Joan Limoanco (Unilever) and many, many others.

Culinary demonstrations were also done by the Unilever Food Solutions, Nestle & San Miguel Foods. Mr. Mel Padua, a multi-awarded "flairtender" also did an amazing exhibition prior to the flairtending competition.

Awarding ceremonies were held at Camp John Hay. Opening and closing ceremonies were hosted by Mr. Chinggoy Alonzo, a well-respected character actor.

The trip going up to Baguio passing through the scenic Kennon Road in the middle of the night was simply exciting. The air getting cooler by the minute until we reach the city. And because the activities started early and ended up late, we never really got the chance to do some sight-seeing, except for SM mall and visiting Baguio's Cathedral to pray. Getting out of Baguio was another story. We have to go through the other route, Marcos Highway. We left with a heavy heart because we have learned to love the place!

Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2007/10/04/life/chef.s.on.parades.on.its.25th.year!.html)