Barilla Pasta Championship Asia Showcases Filipino Culinary Talent at Manila Qualifiers
As part of the Barilla Pasta Championship Asia, six (6) exceptional chefs from across the Philippines gathered on June 5, 2025, at the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management for a one-of-a-kind culinary showdown.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The event served as a vibrant stage for each chef to demonstrate their skill, passion, and unique interpretations of pasta dishes.
Among the participants were some of the Philippines’ most promising culinary talents, each representing renowned dining establishments.
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
IMAGE from Philippine Primer
The lineup included Manuel Valila of Dough and Grocer, Joshua Alfonso of Tartufo Ristorante, Karl Vincent Manlapaz of Mama Lou’s Group Holdings, Inc., Danilyn Dagle of The Palms Country Club, Aaron Joseph Gulinao of The Westin Manila, and Jan Richard Hubilla of Marriott Hotel Manila.
Six chefs compete in an exciting pasta competition. / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Their participation reflected not only their passion and skills but also Barilla’s continued mission to promote excellence in Italian cuisine while embracing Asia’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.
A panel of esteemed judges evaluated the masterfully crafted dishes. Judges include Chef Othmar Frei, Chief Operating Officer of Werdenberg International Corporation; Chef Margarita Isabel Marty, Program Chair for Culinary Arts at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde; Chef Andrea Tranchero, Executive Chef of Barilla Asia Pacific; and Chef Carlo Miguel, Director for Sports & Socials of the LTB Philippines Chefs Association.
From Left to Right: Chef Carlo Miguel, Chef Margarita Isabel Marty, Chef Aaron Joseph Gulinao, Chef Andrea Tranchero, and Chef Othmar Frei / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Emerging as the champion is Chef Aaron Joseph Gulinao, who wowed the judges with his innovative creation, Spaghetti in Alaminos Longganisa Ragu with Smoked Kesong Puti Mousse, a dish that beautifully fused Italian technique with bold Filipino flavors.
Chef Aaron Joseph Gulinao wins the competition for Barilla Pasta Championship Asia in the Philippines. / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Spaghetti in Alaminos Longganisa Ragu with Smoked Kesong Puti Mousse / IMAGE from Philippine Primer
Chef Gulinao will advance to the next stage of the competition, where finalists from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Korea, India, Japan, and Singapore will face off in the regional finals set to take place in Kuala Lumpur this November 2025.
The Barilla Pasta Championship Asia in the Philippines was organized by Barilla in partnership with Werdenberg International Corporation and Säntis Delicatessen, Barilla’s partner distributor in the Philippines. Säntis Delicatessen has branches in Quezon City, San Juan, Makati, Pasig, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas.
Also Read: Säntis Delicatessen in Makati: A Haven of European Gourmet Products and Fine Wines
