UST CULINARY STUDENTS SHINE IN 16TH NAT’L FOOD SHOWDOWN
/ 25 October 2025
STUDENTS from the University of Santo Tomas showcased exceptional culinary and beverage skills, earning multiple awards at the 16th National Food Showdown held earlier this month in Iloilo City.
Leading the roster of winners were Balpreet Gill and Kent Thomas Sanchez, who clinched the highest and only Gold Award in the Best Regional Ingredient – Ilonggo Valenciana category for their innovative dishes Arroz Valenciana and Rolyang Valenciana nga gin himlayan sang kasoy (Cashew-crusted Valenciana roll).
Raymart Grant Bravo and Dean Krisstofer Vicencio also received a Silver Award in the Best Traditional/Modern Recipe – Pancit Molo category for their creative double-stuffed Molo dish. They were assisted by apprentices Zenno Jeff Cabangon and Liam Carlo Cruz, under the mentorship of Dr. Reinald Andaya and Chef Tisha Ortaliz.
In the beverage category, Samantha Dominique Pineda won Gold for her rum-based cocktail “Para Sa”, inspired by the Ilonggo dish KBL (Kadios, Baboy, Langka), while Sean Patrick De Guzman earned Silver for his fermented pineapple mocktail “Mantiw.”
The team of Ma. Hannahlyn Pillarina, Aj Ivan Casilao, and Joan Catherine Antonio captured Gold in the Iloilo Heritage Wedding Cake Display category for their Panubok embroidery-inspired masterpiece “Timeless Threads,” guided by Chefs Maria Karmel Grace Labay and Everest De Leon.
Rounding out the winners, Vida Sandina Umali took home Bronze in the Baby Cakes – Ilonggo Fruit Basket category for her tropical-inspired cake trio, completing the University’s impressive performance in this premier national culinary competition celebrating Filipino gastronomy and creativity.
