Pasay City, Philippines – August 11, 2025 – An inspiring showcase of skill, artistry, and teamwork from the Yawaragi and Yamazato culinary teams. Hotel Okura Manila’s culinary talents shone at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2025, earning an impressive 14 medals across 12 competing chefs—with every participant taking home an award. Guided by Executive Chef Jerrymie Tamayo and Senior Pastry Chef Vi Serrano, the team’s PCC journey was steered with dedication and precision by Sous Chef Matet Projimo, who served as the hands-on mentor for all participants.
The hotel’s first gold of the competition came from Chef Sean Oblena, whose Bread Showpiece entry, Elysium no Mori, captivated the judges. Meticulously crafted over three months of after-hours work in the hotel’s back kitchens, the piece was assembled bread-by-bread—detail by detail. Judges praised the miniature lion statues guarding the entrance (each no bigger than a thumb) and the terrace “sand” formed from carefully placed bread crumbs.
The second gold came from Chef Jenny Tanay in the French Touch Challenge – Pastry, where she earned the highest score among all contestants in her category. Chef Jenny, who designs many of the pastries showcased at Yawaragi’s buffet and pastry boutique, demonstrated the refinement and technical mastery that have become her hallmark.
Representing Yamazato, Hotel Okura Manila’s signature Japanese fine-dining restaurant, Chef Sherwin Rivera earned a bronze in the Bento Box Challenge. Trained under seasoned Japanese chefs, Chef Sherwin translated traditional technique and refined presentation into an award-winning entry that reflected Yamazato’s culinary lineage.
Left to Right: Chefs Dyan Manalo, Rexander Aspiras, and Katrina Paran during the Dream Team challenge
The Dream Team—Rexander Aspiras, Dyan Manalo, and Katrina Paran—also delivered a standout performance, taking silver in the Dream Team Challenge.
Across multiple categories, the Yawaragi and Yamazato chefs secured 2 gold, 4 silver, and 8 bronze — 14 medals in total, between the 12 competing chefs returning home with an award.
This year’s achievement is a testament to the team’s talent and to the culture of collaboration, discipline, and mentorship that defines Hotel Okura Manila’s culinary program.
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