THE GREAT HOFEX EXPERIENCE

It was indeed a very good year for competition at the Hong Kong International Culinary Classics 2011 held last May 11-14, this is in conjunction with the Hong Kong Food Expo. Every time that I would go to different competitions abroad I always expect to see something different and exciting, true enough this one have very good entries at par from the previous years of competition.

Several teams competed in the event that featured live and display competitions. In the display an array of pastry showpieces, amuse bouche, plated main courses, wedding cakes and vegetable carving have been exhibited with great international standard. Every entry is meticulously created by participating teams that came from Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and as far as Australia and the United States.

The Philippines participated in various culinary events sending teams that come from St. Anne College and St. Therese Culinary Team, Global Culinary Academy, Pastry Alliance of the Philippines, MIHCA – Shangri La Hotel Team and Center for Culinary Arts. Even though they come from different culinary teams it was still one nation that has the passion for excellence. A total of 6-Golds, 7-Silver and 14-Bronze were harvested in the said competition, not bad for a team that hurdled different challenges like delayed flights, broken showpieces and entries that have to be redone because it was totally unusable and also the scarcity of finances. Beyond these challenges it proved that the Filipinos could be at par from other Asian countries that have the financial support of their government.

In the entire day of competition it was managed professionally by the Hong Kong International Exhibitors Ltd. and from the judging system that is endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies it was surely unbiased and fair in judging. The entry was being judge on its sole merit and not the competitor that submitted the entry.

Another glory and pride has been delivered to our nation. I hope our supporters will untiringly support this kind of advocacy of promoting our country abroad. We have what it takes to be a winner because every one of us is determined to excel in everything that we do.