By Mitch G. Anas

CPU-CHM representatives pose for a group photo during the 17th National Food Showdown held at Iloilo Convention Center on October 16-17, 2026.

Central Philippine University (CPU) – College of Hospitality Management bagged multiple medals at the 17th National Food Showdown held at the Iloilo Convention Center on October 16-17, 2026.

Anchored on the theme “Kulinarya Rehiyones: Lasap Pilipino,” the competition gathered 345 participants and teams representing 57 institutions nationwide, including 32 academic institutions and 25 professional organizations.
CPU-CHM representatives earned recognition across various culinary categories, demonstrating their skills and creativity in preparing regional dishes, desserts, beverages, and other culinary creations.

In the Best Regional Traditional/Modern Recipe & Cooking Technique category, Rolan Luis Lagutan and Nel Gen Sam Jaleco won gold for Guinat-an, under the guidance of Dr. Armando M. Hisuan Jr. and Sir Ayan Jorda.

Andre Romarate Reyes, Mary Margaret Suria Herezo, and Eddie Oriano III earned gold in Klasika Kulinarya and were recognized as the Klasika Kulinarya Team of the Year. They were coached by Prof. Maria Patricia S. Bayot, Dr. Armando M. Hisuan Jr., and Sir Ayan Jorda.
Selah Grace Taran and Meghann Ubalde secured gold in Plated Dessert: Refined Ilonggo Kakanin, coached by Ma. Jocyvel Pamin, Dr. Armando Hisuan Jr., and Sir Ayan Jorda.

Rolan Luis Lagutan also won gold in The Fruit Basket: Jams and Preserves, under the coaching of Dr. Armando Hisuan Jr. and Sir Ayan Jorda.

David Paul Pilien clinched gold in Cocktail, coached by Prof. Mary Grace Bernabe.
Ella Jane Aguilario, Irish Shane Gonzales, and Anne Clarisse Niño won silver in Wedding Cake Display: A Symphony of White, coached by Ma. Jocyvel Pamin, Prof. Mary Ann Garrido, and Prof. Judah-El Bañas.

Lance Joseph L. Panaguiton earned silver in Regional Coffee Concoction, coached by Prof. Maria Patricia Bayot.

Andrew C. Canilao, Victoria Ysabella C. Cortez, and Kyle Delwyn H. Chuasieng secured silver in Table Setting: Paraw Regatta Beach Wedding, coached by Prof. Mary Grace Bernabe.
Franzine Jovie Varon also won silver in Mocktail, under the coaching of Prof. Mary Grace Bernabe.

Jaxelle Evannes Tabusares and Rolando Rosal Sumagaysay earned bronze in Best Regional Ingredient: Camuros & Coconut, coached by Prof. Dianne Hope Muyco Pilien.

Lanz Peter Goodrich Arlos and Lexx Francis Enrique Jardin also secured bronze in Best Regional Ingredient: Kadyos, Native Chicken, & Ubad, coached by Dr. Myrna Luceño.
Ken Vincent Casales and Camille Mallon won bronze in the Chocolate Cake Challenge: Chocolate Indulgence, coached by Ma. Jocyvel Pamin & Prof. Judah-El Bañas.

In Regional Creative Cake Decoration: Forest, Fairies, and Folklore, Leanza Pañares, Renz Solano, and Jennifer Cabanalan earned bronze, under the coaching of Ma. Jocyvel Pamin, Prof. Mary Ann Garrido, and Prof. Judah-El Bañas.

Other CHM representatives also took on the challenge in their respective categories, demonstrating their culinary skills and gaining valuable experience at the national competition.
Joash King Dunlao represented CPU-CHM in Flairing/Bartending, coached by Prof. Mary Grace Bernabe.
Sharbille Pojas and Ralph Andrei Fiel competed in Regional Ingredient: Boneless Bangus & Batwan, coached by Dr. Armando Hisuan Jr. & Prof. Evelyn Ybarzabal.

Wendcy Therese P. Lorca participated in the Cacao Concoction Challenge, coached by Prof. Maria Patricia Bayot.

Ren Kyle C. Crasco competed in Regional Fruit Flambe-Samba Regatta Ripe Banana Fruit, coached by Prof. Michael John Mojica.

Reymark V. Dumaguin and Rey Gabriel G. De Lacy represented the CPU-CHM in Regional Pica-Pica, coached by Dr. Armando M. Hisuan Jr.

Trestin F. Laraza and Ken Justin M. Ausan competed in Best Regional Traditional/Modern Recipe Technique: Binakol, coached by Dr. Armando Hisuan Jr. & Prof. Evelyn Ybarzabal.
La Siene Marie P. Basañes and Darlene Joyce M. Sudario participated in Going Guiltless with Sugarlite, coached by Ma. Jocyvel Pamin and Prof. Mary Ann Garrido.

Jasmin S. Cabalfin and Kyle William B. Cagape competed in Best Regional Traditional/Modern Recipe & Technique: Linagpang, coached by Dr. Shiman Giner.

In the Professional Division, Prof. Dianne Hope Muyco Pilien represented CPU in the Cacao Concoction Challenge category.

The achievements reflect the dedication and culinary expertise of CHM students and their coaches, highlighting the university’s participation and competitive presence in a national culinary event.

Founded by Chef Myrna Segismundo, the National Food Showdown is an annual premier culinary competition that showcases culinary skills, creativity, and the richness of Filipino cuisine.