The Winners of Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge

The Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge (3rd UCC): The Battle for the Umami Bowl was a success. The event was held last January 20, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center and was participated by 27 Universities and colleges that offer HRM and Nutrition courses plus five (5) prominent culinary schools here in the country, which is equivalent to more than 300 student contenders.

The  Awarding Ceremony was hosted by Ms. Suzi Entrata-Abrera. a mom and TV Host.

Ajinomoto Executives opened the program with a special recognition to Philippine Culinary Icon, Ms. Nora Daza, for her significant contributions in the Food Industry. 

Pop Princess and AJI-GINISA endorser Sarah Geronimo performs before the crowd of culinary students and other guests during the the 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge Awarding Ceremony

The lists of winners are Miriam College, who won the Umami Bowl Award and brought home the Dr. Ikeda Award. Mr. John Paul Ventura from Jose Rizal University bagged the Umami Master title. Lyceum of the Philippines Manila topped the Umami Bento and Mystery Umami Ingredient categories. The Centro Escolar University won the first place in the Amazing AJI-GINISA Race, as well as the Umami Buzz Jeopardy Challenge.

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.

Also, the Trinity University of Asia, De La Salle Araneta University, College of the Holy Spirit, the Global City Innovative College, American Hospitality Academy and MOST Institute Culinary School bagged special awards during the said event.

Of course, the Ajinomoto 3rd Umami Culinary Challenge became successful through the collective efforts of several sponsors such as the Glutamate Association of the Philippines (GAP), Elba, Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Masflex, PR Gaz, Meat and Livestock Australia, and Anvil Publishing together with their media partners GMA 7, Appetite Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inquirer Libre and the PR Moms Network.