Students from regions are at home in this culinary school
The Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila, now on its 28th year, has introduced a new Fundamentals of Filipino Cuisine Program (FFCP), a comprehensive 16-day short course that 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. We are proud to say that we have consistently celebrated and elevated Filipino food culture,” said Dr. Ma. Veritas F. Luna, chancellor of CCA Manila.
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 from different regions travel to Manila to study at CCA. There are a number of them now under the culinary school’s flagship program, the Diploma in Culinary Arts and Technology Management (DCATM), which shapes students into future culinary leaders, equipping them with hands-on culinary skills and food service management expertise. They’re taught entrepreneurial skills alongside culinary craftsmanship so they could find success in the global food industry.
Among the current batch of students is Bianca Llanes from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, now in level 3 of the DCATM program. She said, “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, expressed 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.”
Excel McCouley Salazar, also a first-year DCATM student and also from Palawan, aspires to make an impact in the culinary field. “I want my food to not only bring joy but also to convey culture and history.”
“Being a CCA student has given me the opportunity to work alongside professional chefs, and that exposure inspires me to strive for excellence,” said level 10 student Vince Caabay, who is from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
In the future, Caabay 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.”
Call tel. 0917-8408400; email talktous@cca-manila.edu.ph. Visit cca-manila.edu.ph.
