CCA instills passion in culinary artists

MANILA, Philippines - For Flaming Wings chef entrepreneur Xandra-Fey Tolentino Pauco and The Bay Leaf’s executive chef Jose Carlo Santiago, embarking on their chosen paths was the beginning of their shining careers in the food business.  And The Center for Culinary Arts (CCA, Manila) is more than proud to have been part of their cherished success in the industry.

With a passionate childhood dream matched with intensive social training in high school and food service technology and management, not to mention the level of talent and perseverance that Chef Carlo has shown, there is without a doubt that he can definitely achieve whatever he sets his mind into. Thus, his next stop: finding the best culinary school that will sharpen his gift even more.

For him, the best part about studying in CCA, Manila besides the daily methods of intense hands-on activities is his personal interface with like-minded individuals and highly trained mentors. 

“The best thing about CCA are the chef trainers, they are among the best in the country. I consider them my best critics. They are very knowledgeable, very strict yet at the same very giving with the way they teach and nurture students. Their precise teaching methods really guided us to become who we are today,” chef Carlo said.

“Unlike others, I started my second career as a professional culinary career later in life,” said chef Xandra, adding that the inspiration came in after her vacation in the US where she rekindled her interest in cooking. 

When she came back and enrolled at CCA, her school experience has matched her expectations. Apart from meeting fresh challenges, the school prepared chef Xandra for the “real world.”

“CCA, Manila’s strict training and innovative teaching really inspired me to push my limits. The kind of discipline, how they impart the skills, maturity and confidence that aspiring chefs need, our mentors have truly been patient in instilling all of these in each of us,” she noted.

And the rest was delicious history in the making. Studying at CCA, Manila opened a lot of opportunities for both chefs. Before becoming the executive chef at The Bay Leaf, chef Carlo has landed esteemed posts at Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club, Legend Hotels International and Tamayo’s Group of Companies. chef Xandra is successfully running her own restaurant, Flaming Wings, which now has four outlets and has since been enjoying an outstanding response from the community where they are located.

As for those who are contemplating on pursuing a culinary profession, chef Xandra has this advice: “You have to really want it, not just the know-how. You shouldn’t complain;  know what you want you want to accomplish and what you are truly getting into. Being a professional cook is not a glamorous job because basically, becoming a cook is hard. It takes a lot of commitment, drive and most of all passion,” she stressed.

For his part, chef Carlo said that apart from love of food and profound interest in cooking, a respectable culinary education can do wonders in helping one become a successful chef.

“A degree from a reputable culinary school, like in my case CCA, Manila, opened the doors of opportunities for me,” he mused.

CCA, Manila campus is located at 287 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City. Application is still ongoing.

For information, call 426-4840/41 or 9942530/40, e-mail marketing@cca-manila.com or visit www.cca-manila.com.