The archipelago claims victory with the LTB Philippine Culinary team’s Bronze Trophy win at the Worldchefs Global Vegan Chefs Challenge 2024.
The LTB Philippine Culinary team has proudly won the Bronze Trophy at the Worldchefs Global Vegan Chefs Challenge (GVCC) 2024. This competition is part of the Worldchefs Congress and FHA HoReCa Expo (Food and Hotel Asia Hotel, Restaurant, and Café/Catering) in Singapore. This outstanding achievement was made possible by Chef AC Agra, executive corporate chef of Antonio’s Group of Restaurants, assisted by apprentice chef, Julie Ann De Guzman. The Philippine team qualified at the Regional Finals in 2023 to get a spot at World Finals in Singapore.
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Worldchefs, officially known as the World Association of Chefs Societies, is a global network representing chefs and culinary professionals from around the world. It aims to promote culinary excellence, set standards in the culinary profession, and foster international cooperation among chefs. The Global Chefs Challenge is one of the premier competitions organized by Worldchefs, showcasing the skills and creativity of chefs from various countries. It brings together culinary talents to compete in various categories, highlighting innovation and dedication to the culinary arts. LTB Philippines Chefs Association is the National Member of Worldchefs.
Competing against talented chefs from Luxembourg, the USA, the UAE, Singapore, Latvia, Indonesia, and Serbia, AC showcased his innovative plant-based cuisine and scored 86.8 points.
AC’s winning menu featured: Pumpkin “Fagottini” with Macadamia “Cheese,” Black Garlic, Radicchio, Pumpkin Jus, and Ghoa Cress Foam; Pithivier (a round, enclosed pie usually made by baking two disks of puff pastry with a filling stuffed in between) of Leeks, Lentils, and Mushrooms served with Vegan Jus, Celeriac “Bone Marrow,” Shiso Purple Cress, and Umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums) – Carrot Catsup; and Earl Grey “Tres Leches” composed of Chiffon Cake, Amatika White Chocolate “Panna Cotta,” Mango Gel, Vegan Honeycomb, Mango Mousse, and Coconut Yuzu Sorbet. His success underscores not only his dedication to culinary excellence but also the rising profile Filipino chefs are gaining on the international stage.
Chef Maverick Javier, executive chef of Rekado Filipino Cuisine Inc. also proudly represented the Philippines at the Global Chefs Challenge 2024, assisted by apprentice chef, Sam Villanueva. Recently awarded Chef of the Year 2024 at the Philippine Culinary Cup, Maverick has demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in the kitchen, making him a standout figure in the culinary community.
About LTB Philippines Chefs Association
LTB Philippines has established itself as the most successful Philippine culinary team, consistently excelling in international competitions. It is a member of the World Association of Chefs Societies. The Philippine team has garnered numerous awards and accolades, showcasing the rich talent and skill of the Filipino professional chef.
With a strong commitment to professional development and community engagement, LTB has played a pivotal role in elevating Filipino chefs on the global stage. Over the years, LTB Philippines has supported and developed Filipino professional chefs to participate in the following international competitions. Some of these include:
2007 – Best of the Best Trophy, Gold Medalist, Gourmet Team Challenge, Hong Kong International Culinary Classic
2008 – Food Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge, Singapore (14 medals)
2009 – Silver Medalist, Gourmet Team Challenge, Hong Kong International Culinary Classic
2010 – Bocuse d’Or Asia Selection, Shanghai, China, 5th Place
2011 – Oceanafest Culinary Competition, Perth, Australia, Bronze Medal
2016 – Food Hotel Asia-Singapore, Overall Team Champion, Best Culinary Establishment Prize
2023 – Finalist – Worldchefs Global Chef Challenge and Global Vegan Chef Challenge, Manila
2024 – Bronze Trophy – Worldchefs Global Vegan Chef Challenge, Singapore
LTB Philippines is the driving force behind Philippine Culinary Cup since 2011 together with WOFEX / PEPTarsus / Informa Markets.
President of LTB Philippines, Chef Jerome Valencia, says: “We are immensely proud of Chef AC Agra and his remarkable achievement at this year’s Global Vegan Chefs Challenge. This success highlights the talent and creativity of our chefs and the potential of Filipino cuisine. We are equally grateful to Chef Maverick Javier for his dedication and commitment to Filipino culinary excellence. His hard work and passion not only elevate his personal career but also shine a light on the incredible talent within our community. Chef Mav’s representation at the Global Chefs Challenge is a testament to the potential of Filipino cuisine, and we are proud to support him in this journey. We encourage everyone to join LTB Philippines to support our culinary journey and help elevate our industry and the Filipino professional chef. Together, let us continue to foster culinary creativity and excellence.”
LTB expresses their gratitude to Werdenberg International Corp, Mida Food Specialists, Blizzard Ref Sales Corporation, Unox Oven Philippines, Fonterra Brands Philippines, Dilmah Tea Philippines, Uni-Fab Metal Industries, Nestlé Philippines, Golden Acres Food Service Corporation, Nama Urban Farm Inc, WISK Fine Food Inc, Global Culinary and Hospitality Academy, and Antonio’s Group of Restaurants for their vital support in making this achievement possible. Their dedication to promoting Filipino culinary arts has been instrumental in their success.
For more information about the LTB Philippines Chefs Association, visit https://ltbchefs-phils.com or follow LTBPhilsChefsAssn on Facebook, @ltbphilschefs on Instagram, or @ltbchefs2024 on TikTok. Their LinkedIn profile is: ltbchefs-phils.
Photos courtesy of LTB Chefs Philippines.
