Celebrating an extraordinary showcase of culinary mastery, a talented team of chefs came together. To demonstrate unmatched versatility, passion, and skill on the competitive stage. Through a seamless blend of individual talent and collective excellence, their remarkable achievements honor both the art of fine dining and the dedication behind every plate.
Creating a 15-medal haul at the country’s most prestigious cooking competition cements the luxury integrated resort’s position as a premier epicenter for world-class gastronomy and talent.
A Milestone Victory in Entertainment City
City of Dreams Manila has added another historic milestone to its storied legacy. Competing against 52 elite teams from leading hotels, restaurants, and catering services across the nation. The luxury integrated resort emerged as the Overall Champion in the Professional Division at the 16th Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) 2026. The four-day culinary showdown, held alongside the annual World Food Expo (WOFEX) at the SMX Convention Center, marked the resort’s highest achievement in the competition since it began earning accolades there in 2016.
Reflecting on the monumental triumph, Property President Geoff Andres highlighted the deeper significance of the victory.
This distinction is a proud recognition of our chefs’ creativity, discipline and commitment to their craft. Our team has earned consistent accolades at the Philippine Culinary Cup through the years. Reflecting the depth of talent we continue to nurture.
More importantly, our colleagues bring the same passion and exacting standards to our kitchens every day. Strengthening City of Dreams Manila’s position as one of the country’s leading dining destinations.”
Mastery Across Kitchens: Individual and Team Triumphs
The resort’s 17-member chef delegation, drawn from its signature restaurants, banquet operations, and pastry kitchens, demonstrated remarkable versatility. By competing in 13 distinct categories and securing an impressive 15-medal haul consisting of one Highest Gold, one Gold, nine Silver, and four Bronze medals.
Leading this charge were outstanding individual and team performances across the property’s culinary operations. Starting with Season88, where Sous Chef Lee Chia Lok captured the coveted Highest Gold in the Asian Gourmet Challenge. Alongside a Bronze medal in the Art of Dim Sum category.
Continuing on this success, Crystal Dragon’s Dim Sum Chef de Cuisine Ngooi She Chong earned a Bronze medal in the Art of Dim Sum. While Sous Chef Zhang He secured a Silver medal in the Asian Gourmet Challenge. Representing Banquet Operations, Chef de Partie Rier Maverick Franco delivered a remarkable multi-category performance. Winning Gold in U.S. Beef and four Silver medals across the Creative Breakfast Challenge, U.S. Lamb, U.S. Pork, and Pasta categories.
Meanwhile, the Pastry Division achieved prominent recognition as Pastry Chef de Cuisine Julius Javin captured Silver in the Dress the Cake competition. Earning special recognition from Whippit by Bakersfield as “Best Creation 2026”. And Pastry Commis Chef Enrique Ferrer won Silver in the French Touch Challenge–Pastry, receiving his award directly from PCC 2026 judge Josh Boutwood, chef-owner of Helm, the Philippines’ only two-Michelin-starred establishment.
The winning momentum continued at The Café, where Commis Chef Angelyka Garin earned Bronze in the U.S. Pork category. While Commis Chefs Danica Millete, Ricky Alto, and Ma. Erika Monique Alfonso secured a Bronze medal in the Dream Team Challenge.
Finally, Haliya rounded out the property’s triumphs as Sous Chef Jiro Flora and Chef de Partie Nikki Raquion won Silver in the Filipino Cuisine Challenge. Before joining Commis Chef Emylene Montesines to capture an additional Silver medal in the Dream Team Challenge.
Excellence Beyond the Plate
The resort’s artistry extended beyond savory and sweet dishes into mixology. Representing CenterPlay, the energetic central gaming floor lounge known for live music, cocktails, and nightlife, bartender Justin Dela Cruz earned a Silver medal in the DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Cocktail Showdown at WOFEX. Showcasing the resort’s high standard of beverage craftsmanship.
A World-Class Stage for Local Talent
As the only culinary competition in the Philippines sanctioned by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WORLDCHEFS), the Philippine Culinary Cup remains the premier arena for culinary professionals and aspiring talents to benchmark their skills against rigorous global standards.
This year’s edition brought together over 1,000 chefs and culinary students. Who put their technical precision and artistic vision to the test before a panel of 60 distinguished local and international judges. City of Dreams Manila’s overall championship stands as a testament to the dedication, artistry, and technical excellence defining its world-class team.
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