Philippines Hosts Barilla Pasta Championship Asia Finals
Chef Seigo Fuchigami Takes Home Gold as Southeast Asia’s Top Chefs Compete in Manila for World Pasta Day
Manila, Philippines — October 25, 2024 — For the first time ever, the Philippines took center stage in the culinary world as it proudly hosted the Barilla Pasta Championship Asia Finals on World Pasta Day. Held at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management in Manila, this event brought together top chefs from Southeast Asia for an exhilarating competition celebrating the artistry of pasta.
In a thrilling finale, Chef Seigo Fuchigami emerged as the Champion with his inspired dish, Sublimation of Climate. Chef Fuchigami’s dish captivated the judges with its innovation and technical mastery, securing his place at the top. Chef Terence Chuah earned Silver with his rich Braised Duck Leg Pasta with Hazelnuts, Lemon Zest, and Marsala Cream Sauce, while Chef Jimmy Loi took Bronze with his bold and flavorful Har Mee Spaghetti, a homage to Malaysian cuisine.
A Generous Surprise from Barilla:
In a memorable first, Barilla announced a special reward for all finalists: an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy. This unique opportunity will allow each finalist to delve into the heart of Italian pasta culture, meet legendary Italian chefs, and experience Barilla’s heritage firsthand—an incredible opportunity to deepen their culinary journey.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of Werdenberg International Corporation, the food service partner of Barilla Philippines. The event was further enriched by the presence of Santis Delicatessen, the Italian Chamber of Commerce Philippines, esteemed food vloggers, and members of the media, who contributed to making this day a truly unforgettable celebration of culinary creativity and cross-cultural connection.
“We are honored to be the bridge that brought the BARILLA Pasta Championship Asia Finals to the Philippines for the first time. This competition not only highlights the immense culinary talent in Southeast Asia but also strengthens the bond between our countries and the heritage of Italian cuisine.We are proud to support Barilla in creating this platform for chefs to showcase their creativity and connect with the world of pasta in new, inspiring ways.” – Mr. Werner Berger, President & CEO of Werdenberg International Corporation.
In celebration of World Pasta Day, the competition highlighted the growing popularity of pasta in Southeast Asia and brought together food lovers, chefs, and culinary enthusiasts for an immersive experience. Attendees enjoyed exclusive tastings of the competing dishes and an opportunity to speak with the talented chefs and Barilla representatives, immersing themselves in the diverse possibilities of pasta.
Chef Andrea Tranchero, Executive Chef of Asia Pacific Barilla Group, also expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying, “This competition showcased not only the skill of these remarkable chefs but also the versatility of pasta as a canvas for Southeast Asia’s rich culinary traditions. It’s an honor to see our pasta celebrated in such creative ways, and I look forward to welcoming the finalists to Italy, where they can experience the essence of Barilla’s craft and Italy’s unique approach to food.”
Chef Margarita Marty, Chairperson of the Culinary Arts program at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the partner school for the event, shared her pride in hosting the competition, saying, “We are thrilled to have been part of this historic event with Barilla, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to world-class culinary education. This competition has provided our students and faculty a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the innovation and passion that Southeast Asia’s finest chefs bring to the culinary arts. It is a true inspiration for our next generation of chefs.”
Following the success of this inaugural event, Barilla’s pioneering event has set a new standard for culinary excellence on the international stage.
