PLATO-NIC LOVE:
FOOD STYLING CONTEST

In partnership with Culinary Services and our Marketing teams, our very first food plating contest, Plato-Nic Love: Food Styling Contest, was held last February 11, scheduled just right before Valentine’s Day. A total of 7 excited participants joined the contest, and each was given a bag of CPFI products that they would use in their live plating demonstration. To top off the experience, they were also provided a CPFI-branded apron that was to be used on the day of the event as well.

There were seven (7) contestants from different departments and business units: Lady Barro from Canned Meat, Jasmin Gamana from Dairy Division, Donna Macatangay of Corporate QA, Jerricson Serrano from the Corporate Procurement team, Natz Trino and Rica Mamangon, both from Domestic Sales, and our very own Mark Louie Avancena from Corp HR.

The event was hosted by Cheska Mungcal of CPG-RSPo Foundation, Inc. and yours truly, Muj Muhi from Corporate HR. The contest was star-studded as we invited the best judges that we could find! George Wang – VP for HR and Corporate Affairs, Bryan Lingan – Emerging Business Marketing Director, Ray Guinoo - Dairy Marketing Director, Karen Singian – Sardines Marketing Director; Bea Martinez -- Product Manager, and Chef Ysa Bungabong from our Culinary Services, all happily and excitedly heeded our invitation.

As part of the mechanics, the participants were instructed to cook and prepare a pasta dish using the bag of ingredients that we have provided. They were given the option to add ingredients that they felt would be suitable for their dish. Prior to the event, they were allowed to pre-cook their dishes and prepare other ingredients that will be used for their live presentation. During the activity, the contestants were required to keep their cameras on as they styled their dishes live. But of course, what’s an HR activity without fun? While the participants were busy doing their presentation, the hosts asked each of them fun and random questions to entertain the audience. “Ano ang nauna, itlog o manok?” “Bakit bitter ang ampalaya?” “Bakit yung gitna ng itlog, pula ang tawag, eh kulay dilaw naman ito?” Such Q&As and attempts to distract the contestants successfully made not just the judges, but the whole audience, laugh heartily that evening!

The Plato-Nic Love Food Styling Contest had three (3) categories that awarded 3 of our amazing contestants. The winner for Kailangan Kita, Ngayon at Kailanman: Best in Use of CPFI Products was Donna Macatangay from Corporate QA. The next award, Plating Kitang Pipiliin: Best In Hugot Line was won by Natz Trino from Corporate Sales with the hugot line “Hotdog ka ba? Kasi kapag nakikita kita, my heart goes Dog-Dog-Dog-Dog”. And last, but definitely not the least, the #NoFilter: Best In Plating award was won by Bim Serrano from Corporate Procurement. It was a tough decision for our judges to choose the best plated dish, indeed, but we are sure and proud that all of our participants showed their best and enjoyed the experience.

Each of these awardees won Php 2,000 worth of Sodexo gift certificate and of course, bragging rights. Congratulations to all our winners!