21 July 2015 - In celebration of the 2015 Migrant Workers’ Day, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Beirut, in coordination with the Philippine Embassy, held its first ever “Search for Pinoy Master Chef in Lebanon” on July 12 at the Embassy’s Function Room, with the theme “Kasanayan at Husay sa Paggawa, Proteksiyon ng Migranteng Manggagawa”.

The contest gathered top nine Filipino chefs specializing in sushi food preparation, namely, Florence Bulubling, Dennis Cabusi, Jason Ignacio, Shirley Pepito, Rovelyn Reyes, Evelyn Pauline Estallo, Ronel Orejana, Joy Vigan and Ernesto Perez. They are currently working in various well-known sushi restaurants in Lebanon. 

During the opening ceremony, Welfare Officer Imelda Gatinao read the message of OWWA Administrator Rebecca Calzado. Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz conveyed the Embassy’s support for the event as a means to promote the skills of our Filipino migrant workers in Lebanon. The organizers then briefed the participants on the rules of the contest. 

The participants had 30 minutes to produce their respective sushi creations after which the panel of judges composed of Mr. Melhem A. Rechdan and Mr. Salvador G. De Castro and led by Mr. Ricardo Alejandro D. Ruiz cast their votes on the tastiest and most artfully presented sushi.

Mr. Dennis Cabusy was proclaimed champion of the contest, followed by Mr. Ernesto Perez in second place, and Mr. Ronel Orejana in third place.

The winners received a trophy and cash prize courtesy of POLO and OWWA, while all the participants received a certificate of appreciation. END