Last January 20, 2012, The 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge was held at SMX convention Center. On ordinary days, I wouldn’t brave MOA, but that day, I have meetings on the area and will be checking out mens wide shoes too and of course I was really curious to take a peak of what’s happening on the culinary challenge.
As a media guest, I was given an activity card where I had the chance to explore around and see what’s happening here and there. My first stop was the Bento competition where more than 20 bentos were displayed. We were asked to choose our favorite bento and here’s mine:
Next destination is the sponsors side, where we need to have the card signed up by sponsors. Sponsors for the event includes: Elba, Whirlpool/Fujidenso, PR Gaz, Meat and Livestock Australia, Masflex and Appetite Magazine.
Then, we were asked to watch a short film about Umami and the msg myth.. After the short film, we then proceed to a station where were asked to list down the Umami ingredients present on the photo shown to us:
I didn’t stayed until the end of the challenge, but friend from Umami emailed me the list of the winners and some other highlights of the event:
The highlight of the whole day event is the Awarding Ceremony hosted by Ms. Suzi Entrata-Abrera. Ajinomoto Executives opened the program with a special recognition to Philippine Culinary Icon, Ms. Nora Daza, for her significant contributions in the Food Industry. Mr. Taro Fujie, President of AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION, gave his welcome remarks to congratulate all participants. Wild cheers and applause met Ms. Sarah Geronimo’s memorable performance as the Popstar delivers inspiration and motivation to all guests and participants.
Miriam College bagged the Umami Bowl Award for garnering the highest average score in major competition categories including the Umami Feature Writing Contest: Dr. Ikeda Award. The school brought home an Elba Kitchen Showcase on top of other prizes courtesy of AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES CORPORATION. Mr. John Paul Ventura of Jose Rizal University was awarded the Umami Master title after delighting the judges with his umami masterpiece which he named “Pan-Seared Salmon w/ Veggie Rolls and Micro Green Salad in Spicy Coconut Sauce”.
Other big winners are Lyceum of the Philippines Manila as it topped the Umami Bento and Mystery Umami Ingredient categories. Centro Escolar University got the first place in the Amazing AJI-GINISA Race and the Umami Buzz Jeopardy Challenge. Trinity University of Asia came out first in the 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) while College of the Holy Spirit received the special award “Media’s Choice for Best Plated Umami Bento”. The top three (3) culinary schools that competed for the 5-Ingredient-Umami-Healthy Dish competition are: Global City Innovative College, American Hospitality Academy and MOST Institute Culinary School.
