A TOURISM student from the University of Santo Tomas was declared the champion in the Modern Filipino Dessert category at the 15th Philippine Food Expo held last month.

Sofia Angela Paja, a BS Hospitality Management major in Culinary Entrepreneurship, partnered with Chef Maria Karmel Grace Labay to claim the title.

The tandem presented the following award-winning entries:
• Mango-Brazo Bicho-Bicho (Bicho-Bicho filled with Mango-Barzo Custard, Mango-Rum Compote, Dragon Fruit Coulis, and Fresh Fruit Salad in Pandan Syrup);
• Stuffed Mango-Bugnay Palitaw (Palitaw stuffed with Kesong Puti and Latik served in a Mango-Coconut Soup; and
• Mango-Tibok Souffle (Souffle of Mango Tibok-Tibok served with Pastillas Sauce and Fruit Salsa)

The two were coached by Chefs Reinald Andaya and Kristian Kristoffer Roque.

Daniel Dalipe and Chef Elijah Coronado joined the Mystery Ingredient Category while Marc Rensus Espinosa and Chef Dos Bustillos participated in the Healthy Ingredient Category.

The 15th Philippine Food Expo was organized by the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. and CUT Unlimited, Inc.

It consisted of various categories such as Food Styling and Photography, Healthy Pasta, Kitchen Master, Modern Filipino Dessert, Mystery Ingredient and Table Setting.