Whether they won or not, it was victorious for those who joined the Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge: Battle for the Umami Bowl. Proving that they have extraordinary talent in cooking is enough.
The awarding ceremony was opened with a special recognition to the significant contributions in the food industry of Philippine Culinary Icon, Ms. Nora Daza. President of Ajinomoto Philippine Corporation, Mr. Taro Fujie, congratulate all participants in their “malinamman success.”
The big winners are:
Miriam College – Umami Bowl Award and Dr. Ikeda Award for Umami Feature Writing Contest
* They received an Elba Kitchen Showcase and other prizes courtesy of Ajinomoto Philippines.
Umami Bowl Winner Miriam College with presenters (from left to right) Ajinomoto Director Mr. Takashi Sakurai, Ajinomoto President Mr. Taro Fujie, 3rd UCC Head Chef Russell Bautista, 3rd UCC Competition Director Ms. Nancy Reyes-Lumen, Judge and Cooking Demonstrator Chef Rosebud Benitez.
Mr. John Paul Ventura of Jose Rizal University – Umami Master title
* Ventura won with his masterpiece “ Pan-Seared Salmon with Veggie Rolls and Micro Green Salad in Spicy Coconut Sauce”
Mr. John Paul Ventura of Jose Rizal University is the Umami Master 2012 with presenters.
Lyceum of the Philippines Manila – winner in Umami Bento and Mystery Umami Ingredient categories
Centro Escolar University – First Place in Amazing AJI-GINISA Race and the Umami Buzz Jeopardy Challenge
Trinity University of Asia – First Place in Prep, Shake and TakTakTak competition
De La Salle Araneta University – won the Plate-My-Dish competition and Appetite Magazine’s Capture Umami Challenge (Food Photography Contest)
College of the Holy Spirit – received special award “Media’s Choice for Best Plated Umami Bento”
Top three (3) culinary schools in 5-Ingredient-Umami-Healthy Dish competition:
1. Global City Innovative College
2. American Hospitality Academy
3. MOST Institute Culinary School
All winners in the Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge received cash prizes, medals and various cooking implements from Ajinomoto and valued event sponsors namely Elba, Whirlpool/Fujidenso, PR Gaz, Meat and Livestock Australia, Masflex and Appetite Magazine. Other event partners are GMA 7, Philippine Daily Inquirer and PR Moms Network.