Samsung Digital Appliances Grand Cook Off Winner

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (SEPCO) recently staged its second Samsung Digital Appliances Grand Cook Off held at the GalaStars Culinary School. The Grand Cook Off showcased local bloggers show off their cooking skills by creating their signature Filipino dishes. This is Samsung’s way of recognizing Filipino cuisine’s richness and innovativeness, as well as the value of food in bringing the family together.

Judges carefully inspecting the dishes from the taste to the overall presentation

 Adding to the excitement of the cook off were the Samsung Digital Appliances Brand Ambassadors, a group of esteemed culinary masters, who also served as guest celebrity judges. And I can't wait to share with you who won the cook-off! Read on and find out!

Samsung Digital Appliances Brand Ambassador and famed culinary star Chef Ernest Gala is the managing director of GalaStars Culinary School. At this school, he fulfills his commitment to instill the love for food and cooking into his students. He also develops mouth-watering recipes for various food companies and writes for Philippine Star, Mabuhay Magazine and Celebrity Recipes.

Chef Rolando Laudico, commonly known as Chef Lau, is one of the most sought-after chefs in the country. He is also a host in the Amazing Food Challenge’s Fun in the Philippines. His various restaurants like Guevarra’s and Bistro Filipino showcase his talent for creating highly delectable dishes loved by many Filipinos. Believing that creativity can be best expressed through food, he was excited on how the contestants will satisfy his craving for innovative cooking.

With Chef Lau is his other half, Chef Jacqueline Laudico, a true chocolatier with a gift for creating award winning desserts for Patisserie Filipino. Highly experienced in the art of preparing sweets and chocolates, Chef Jac was looking forward to seeing who will be the most creative to get her nod in this Grand Cook Off.

During the cook off, the judges had their eyes on the Ginataang Manok prepared by Karina Ramos of Digital Filipina. According to the judges, the dish had the best and most remarkable flavor, as well as perfect balance of creaminess and smokiness. All the judges agreed that it had a unique smoky flavor that they have not yet tasted from a traditional ginataan dish.

Karina showcased their family recipe – Ginataang Manok

Aside from capturing the judges’ heart and taste buds, Karina’s Ginataang Manok also won her a brand new Samsung Inverter Refrigerator and a Php 20,000 in cash to take home.   

“At first, I was a little worried that the Ginataang Manok might taste burnt rather than smoked. However, after tasting it, I know I will never look at a ginataang dish the same way again. I also appreciated the way Karina prepared her dish, which she made from scratch. This compliments the art of Filipino cooking,” Chef Lau shares.

Samsung Digital Appliances Brand Ambassadors, Chef Ernest Gala and couple Chef Rolando and Jac Laudico, with the Cook Off Champion Karina Ramos

Aside from agreeing on the winning signature dish, the judges also expressed their delight on how the contestants brought their A-game, how the cook off gave them a different judging experience, and how they are looking forward to more competitions like this. The judges said the contestants exceeded their expectations. “Overall, I am happy and definitely impressed with the contestants’ huge efforts on their cooking preparation and performance. The winners truly deserve their awards!” Chef Lau exclaims. 

Chef Jac, on the other hand, shared that the cook off was a breath of fresh air for her. “It was different from my usual judging experiences. As compared to competitions I usually attend to, this cook off is more casual and relaxed. The cook off felt like a Filipino family gathering where everyone is excited to prepare, showcase, and share their unique dishes,” Chef Jac says.

L-R: Samsung’s Business Unit Head for Digital Appliances Victor Filart, Samsung’s Head Marketing Communication for Digital Appliances Joyce Lucio, Chef Jac Laudico, Chef Rolando Laudico, Grand Cook Off Champion Karina Ramos, and Chef Ernest Gala

Seeing how the Filipino culinary heritage is continuously developing while staying grounded to its roots made Chef Ernest thankful for Samsung’s cook off. “With this competition, I had a chance to interact with the contestants, offer my expert opinions on cooking, share my advice, and also learn from them. I hope Samsung will hold more competitions like this in the future,” Chef Ernest ends.

At the end of the day, Chef Lau, Chef Jac, and Chef Ernest are fulfilled as cooking mentors and as Samsung Digital Appliances Ambassadors. They witnessed how Samsung Digital Appliances are made to fit to every family perfectly, catering to and keeping up with the unique needs of diverse and ever-evolving Filipino homes. Truly, the Samsung Digital Appliances can be the reliable partner in creating and building a happier home – the extension of who we are.