City of Dreams Manila Chefs Shine at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2025

11 medals, countless hours of practice. For diners, it means that every plate and cocktail at City of Dreams Manila carries the pride of world-class craft.

By Simpol |

November 17, 2025

City of Dreams Manila shone brightly at the Culinary Cup 2025 as its delegation proudly stood together with an impressive collection of trophies and medals. Their outstanding performance celebrated teamwork, skill, and a passion for culinary excellence on the global stage.

City of Dreams Manila Chefs Shine at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2025

11 medals, countless hours of practice. For diners, it means that every plate and cocktail at City of Dreams Manila carries the pride of world-class craft.

The kitchens of SMX Convention Center were alive with tension and aroma during the Philippine Culinary Cup 2025. Pastry chef Mary Anne Valderrama leaned into her chocolate showpiece, every swirl of cocoa polished under the watchful eyes of judges. Across the floor, Lee Chia Lok plated his Taiwan Pork Bento with quiet precision, each grain of rice aligned, each slice balanced. By the day’s end, both chefs would be called to the stage as gold medalists, setting the tone for an 11-medal sweep by the City of Dreams Manila team.

Medals and Moments

Valderrama’s Chocolate Pastry Showpiece was a towering testament to patience and artistry, earning her a Gold that will be remembered long after the competition lights fade. Lee’s Taiwan Pork Bento, a dish rooted in discipline and balance, not only won Gold but also Silver in the US Pork Asian Gourmet Chef Challenge.

Their teammates added to the triumph:

Dominic Joshua Hembrador and Mary Apple Delantar both won Silver for their elegant wedding cakes.
Paul John Zuniega took Silver for his Bread Showpiece.
Allan Mabras earned Silver for another Chocolate Pastry Showpiece.
Jiro Flora of Haliya captured Silver with his Canada Beef “Back to Basics.”
She Chong Ngooi of Crystal Dragon rounded things out with Bronze for his Taiwan Pork Bento.

It wasn’t only the kitchens taking medals. At CenterPlay, bartenders turned their stage into a theater of flair and flavor. Arvin Philip Rallos clinched the Champion title in Flairtending, while Prince Reinner Santos shook his way to second place in Best Cocktail.

Beyond the Podium

For City of Dreams Manila’s Property President Geoff Andres, the medals reflect more than skill.
“Every year, our team consistently earns recognition at the Philippine Culinary Cup. Their passion and mastery inspire colleagues and help position City of Dreams Manila as a sought-after dining destination,” he said.

But the real impact stretches beyond the awards stage. Competitions demand long hours, precision, and the courage to push creative limits. That discipline doesn’t disappear when the chefs return to their kitchens—it shows up in the pastries at Café Society, the refined plates at Haliya and Crystal Dragon, and the cocktails shaken nightly at CenterPlay.

What It Means for Guests

For guests, these wins are more than bragging rights. They change the dining experience. The same hands that shaped a gold-winning chocolate sculpture may be the ones glazing your dessert. The bartender who dazzled with flair at the Cup could be pouring your signature cocktail with the same energy. Even a simple bread basket at breakfast now carries the stamp of competition-tested craft.

Knowing that these chefs and bartenders can hold their own on an international stage adds a layer of confidence—and pride—for Filipino diners. Dining at City of Dreams Manila becomes not just a meal, but a chance to share in stories of triumph, artistry, and cultural pride.

Pride on a Global Stage

The Philippine Culinary Cup, now in its 15th year, is the only local contest endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WORLDCHEFS). Recognition here doesn’t just stay within the country—it affirms Filipino culinary excellence on a global platform.

And for guests in Manila, that global standard is just a reservation away.