JOLLY University Celebrates 4th Year of Grand Cook-Off and Congress

Healthy competition brings about fun and learning. That's what student participants get when they join JOLLY University (JU), a yearly event that offers unforgettable experiences in developing their culinary, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills as future culinary and industry leaders. 

culinary students whipping up delicious dishes

Now on its fourth successful year, JU once more empowers the youth as it fosters industry-ready competitiveness as well as cooperative relationships among students and institutions in the promotion of culinary excellence and business innovation.

winning pasta entry: Lyurot Crema E Manga by La Consolacion College Batangas

A steep and well-fought encounter took place at the Le Pavilion Tent in Pasay City last week with 120 elite finalists from 23 different schools who pulled out their best and most creative JOLLY-inspired dishes. Clinching the coveted titles in the different divisions were the following winners: 

• Pasta (team) - La Consolacion Batangas 
• Mocktails (team) - Lyceum Subic Bay
• Main dish (group) - La Consolacion Manila

• Main Dish (individual)
• 2nd runner up - La Consolacion Manila
• 1st runner up - Manila Tytana Colleges
• Grand winner - University of Sto. Tomas

• Audience Choice - La Consolacion Manila

winning mocktail of Lyceum Subic Bay

With the theme "It's More JOLLY in the Philippines," JU was held in conjunction with the Grand Cook-Off and the JOLLY Congress. I had the pleasure of hearing very inspiring talks by Bryan Kong of Crazy Katsu, film director Ivan Payawal, nutritionist Cheshire Que, Philippine Star's VBerni Regalado, and Jose Mari Oquinena of Gawad Kalinga. I am sure the students got a lot of tips from them as well about life, health, and even love for country.

nutritionist Cheshire Que talked about the long-term benefits of
living healthy while studying in the university

Ralph Rebulanan, Associate Product Manager of JOLLY Food Line, shared, "We believe in fostering competitiveness, innovation, and entrepreneurship skills through programs that support youth development is a great investment that leads to positive outcomes both for the next generation and for the country."

UST's winning entry for the individual category

What he said was affirmed by JU elite finalist Francis Marion Santos of Centro Escolar-Manila, who expressed being thankful and honored to be part of JU batch 4. "The hands-on training, coaching tips, and mentorship by the esteemed chefs gave me and the others a huge confidence boost." 

one of the team of students exhibiting their bartending skills

This year's JU grand winners walked away with P50,000 worth of cash and prizes, trophies, culinary training workshop under CCA Manila, and an internship program under Fly Ace Corporation where they will receive comprehensive, job-ready skills development training from the industry's best practitioners.