Students from College and Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) showcased their prowess in various tourism and hospitality fields in Cocolinarya Turismo 2025, held by the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators in the Philippines (COHREP) at the SM Megamall MegaTrade Hall, Mandaluyong City from August 29 to September 1, 2025.
After bringing home a major award last 2022, CTHM defended its Championship Title in the Culinary Skills Cup after a back-to-back victory, following the medals earned by students across various categories.
Earning the highest point, BS-Hospitality Management, major in Culinary Entrepreneurship Juniors Mr. Aj Ivan Casilao and Ms. Ma. Hannahlyn Pillarina won Gold in the Creative Coconut Cake Decorating Challenge with their piece “Hands of Abundance: A Coconut Story” highlighting the use of the coconut.
Under the guidance of their coaches, Chef Mary Grace Karmel Labay and Chef Everest De Leon, the competitors were also assisted by Alternate Ms. Shaine Ysabel Sabater and their apprentice, Ms. Ryssa Kaye Dalisay.
Meanwhile, Adrian Zapata showcasing “Burnt Coconut Crusted Fish with Coconut Pepper Sauce, Cajun, Dirty Rice, and Mango Slaw,” secured Bronze in the Main Course Category with his coach, Chef Ramona Olga Ko, assisted by alternate Mr. Alan Jefri Macaraeg and their apprentice, Ms. Balpreet Gil.
Mr. Miguel Luis Rodriguez for the Plated Dessert Challenge, landed Fifth Place with his dish “Coconut-Lime Mousse with Burnt Coconut Biscotti, Coconut Tuile, and Pineapple Sauce.” Guided by Chef Elijah Coronado and Chef Tisha Ortaliz, alongside alternate Ms. Vida Sandina Umali and apprentice, Ms. Kassandra Nadine Gascon.
On the other hand, BS-Tourism Management students emerged victorious clinching Gold in the Tourism Business Pitching with their winning pitch entitled “Coco Corner”. Seniors Ms. Samantha Louise P. Caragay and Ms. Jane M. Inocencio with Juniors, Ms. Kian Nil Adrienne A. Roxas and Ms. Pamela Bridgid C. Lim presented their Start-up Business Plan on the second day of the event. The student received guidance from Mr. Arnulfo Ricardo Butiong, Asst. Prof. Maria Concepcion Ang, and Asst. Prof. Dennis Lemsic.
The delegation was managed by CTHM’s Culinary Entrepreneurship competition point person, Dr. Reinald Andaya and Tourism Management competition point person, Mr. Arnulfo Ricardo Butiong.
Cocolinarya Turismo 2025 was joined by over 30 competing colleges and universities showcasing tourism and hospitality excellence in celebration of culture, creativity, and coconut innovation.