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Filipino Chefs Garner Awards at Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025

Chef Jorge Juan II (left) and Chef Arwin Gragasin (right) from the Upland Sierra Madre Chef Organization are among the Philippine representatives to the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025. (Bangkok PE photo)

BANGKOK 26 June 2025 — Filipino chefs from the Upland Sierra Madre Chef Organization brought pride to the Philippines and showcased the excellence of Filipino cuisine at the prestigious Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2025, held from 28-31 May 2025 at this year’s THAIFEX-Anuga Asia.

Leading the Filipino chefs’ triumphs at the TUCC 2025 was Chef Marilyn Mesias, who secured a Bronze Medal in the Asian Dish Challenge category with her delectable Paksiw na Bangus Dagupan. 

Participating Filipino chefs also earned various accolades across different culinary categories: 

  • Chef Eric Gregorio Javier - Rank 1 in the Authentic Asian Curry category
  • Chef Jun Secreto -  Rank 3 in the Authentic Asian Curry category
  • Chef Arwin Gragasin - Rank 3  in the Asian Noodles category
  • Chef Rachel Romblon- Rank 3 in the Asian  Curry Category
  • Chef Jerrold Jonsay -  Rank 4 in the Asian Rice category
  • Chef Jorge Juan II - Rank 4 in the Authentic Asian category

The TUCC is considered to be one of Asia’s most prominent culinary competitions, bringing together over 1,000 professional and junior chefs from around the world to compete in 25 categories, highlighting precision, technique, and innovation in food preparation. With over 40 international chef-judges representing various culinary regions, the competition showcases creativity, talent, skills, and cultural diversity in cuisine.

The Embassy commends the Filipino chefs from Upland Sierra Madre for their exemplary representation of Philippine culinary talent in the global stage. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the Philippines’ growing influence in the international culinary landscape. END

The delegation from the Upland Sierra Madre Chef Organization presented a special chef’s knife for Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes through Ms. Ma. Charmaine D. Guevara, First Secretary and Consul, following their courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy on 29 May 2025. The chefs represented the Philippines at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025, held in Bangkok. (Bangkok PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.bangkokpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinThailand/.