By Princes Elaine Y. Espongja, BA-ELS4, OJT

Let us cheer and pray for Mark Anthony Ferasol, an Ilonggo and Centralian, who is competing in the MasterChef UK.

Mr. Mark Anthony Ferasol, CPA, an alumnus of Central Philippine University-College of Business and Accountancy (2008) joined the prestigious MasterChef UK and landed a spot in the quarter finals on April 21, 2022.

The dish that paved his way in the quarter finals was his lip-smacking Melting Orb based on the famous chocolate brand ‘snickers’. The dessert made the judges applaud Mr. Ferasol’s creativeness saying the dish is ready to be served in a luxury restaurant and already a great achievement for an amateur like Mr. Ferasol.

When asked why did he join the MasterChef UK, he remarked, “I am a big fan of cooking shows, and the MasterChef franchise is one of them. I always wondered how I will do in the competition and to test my skills in the world stage. Also, for me it is about making a breakthrough in my time and be able to pursue other interest and passion outside of job/ career so I can enjoy a fuller life.”
Mr. Ferasol also cooked an all-time Filipino food ‘adobo’ but this time with a Japanese fusion which he chose as the highlight of his culinary journey inside the MasterChef kitchen. The Adobo fusion is a complex and elegant dish made of peppered rib eye steak, adobo sake sauce, parsnip puree, sherry vinegar braised cavolo nero, crispy chickpeas, edible flowers served with a shot of sake.

In an interview when asked about his most fulfilling moment in the MC UK, Mr. Ferasol answered, “It would be cooking in the MasterChef kitchen and to be able to cook for food experts and chef, restaurant critics and former MasterChef champions; and getting raving feedback of the food I made, especially when I made adobo fusion and snickers inspired dish. In addition, meeting like-minded individuals who have strong passion for food and cooking.”

Mr. Ferasol is currently based in London, United Kingdom pursuing both his profession as a Senior Manager Audit and risk for a British Multinational Company, and his passion which definitely is in the art of cooking.

His encouraging message for Filipinos/Ilonggos is to never give-up on chasing their dreams, continue to keep the fire burning once you find your significance and purpose in life, and lastly – have faith!