The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) claimed top honors as Overall Champion of KUSINA ILOCANDIA 2026 – Culinary Arts & Skills Competition, Food Fair, and Trade Expo, asserting its culinary excellence during the three-day showcase held on January 14–16, 2026 under the theme “The Blazing Pride – Northern Passion,” a celebration of the rich heritage of Ilocano cuisine and the outstanding skills of the region’s emerging and professional culinary talents.
CHTM students turned in exceptional performances in major competition events, earning flawless scores of 100 points and underscoring the college’s standard of excellence in culinary training.
In the Dessert Flambé category, Abigail Santos, coached by Mr. Dave Angelo Asuncion, impressed the judges with her superior technical execution, creativity, and precision, securing a perfect score. Similarly, Paolos Clemente Udarbe, Danica Rabara, and Marlouie Dela Cruz achieved a perfect rating in the Ilocano Top Chef event under the guidance of Mr. Alden Baldos, as they showcased a refined mastery of traditional Ilocano cuisine enriched with innovative culinary techniques.
Further solidifying the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s strong presence in the competition, Mr. Glenn Benzon, a faculty member of the College, also took part in the Professional Category, demonstrating faculty excellence and meaningful engagement in industry-relevant platforms. Together, the commendable performances of both faculty and participants underscored CHTM’s collective achievement, reflecting the College’s enduring pride, passion, and commitment to excellence in Northern culinary arts.
See the list of winners: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nKahIEgvSCCHyPn_okHTVI06qxrcJLtQ/view?usp=drive_link
