"WHY Monster?"
This is a question that often comes to mind when one speaks of Monster Kitchen Academy. The reason is quite simple, "Because Monster is a modern and catchy name and it is easy to recall," said Jan Uy, owner and general manager of Monster Kitchen CdeO and Monster Kitchen Academy.
"Back in 2008, when monster kitchen started, it was a daring and bold move to name an establishment like that. But that is part of the direction of the institution, to be the trend setter and always maintain leadership in the industry."
Indeed, Monster Kitchen has been that, a trendsetter and a trailblazer in the culinary world.
Proof of this came as MKA dominated Kumbira 2015: Let's Talk Ingredients, the 19th edition of the longest running culinary show and live competitions, held at Atrium of Limketkai Mall from August 12 to 14, 2015.
The CdeO-based baking and culinary arts school, adjudged student category overall victor during this year's Kumbira, has had a three-peat win for the professional category under its belt, from 2012-2014, and decided to give focus on their students this year.
Monster Kitchen lorded it over 30 other participating schools from Mindanao, winning a Bronze for Plated Dessert and for Pica-Pica Platter, Silver medals for Artistic Bread Showpiece and Chef Wars, and two Gold with The Pantry Chef: Salad and Sandwiches and Creative Cake Decorating categories.
The Bronze for the Plated Dessert category came courtesy of Charlianne Lapitaje and Princess Improso whose Coconut Dream Cake and Coconut Fantasy Cake impressed this year's distinguished set of judges.
"It wasn't an easy win because there were a lot of awesome desserts," said Charlianne, "I didn't expect to win but I was hoping for a positive result."
Charlianne is from Malaybalay City and currently visits Cagayan de Oro two days a week to take classes at MKA. "I've heard lots of positive reviews of Monster and they inspired me to also take Baking and Pastry Arts. The chefs are very friendly and accommodating. They always encourage us, students, to do something beyond our imaginations."
It's been a great 2015 for Monster Kitchen Academy so far. Not only has it outshone its competitors during Kumbira 2015, but it has also made gastronomic waves during The Philippine Culinary Cup 2015 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia in Pasay City last August 5 to 8. MKA sent over two competitors to this culinary and pastry competition attended not only by local chefs but have international representation as well.
Chef Cathy Dano, the Program Head for Culinary Arts, brought home the bacon with a Silver Medal. The scoring system during the Philippine Culinary Cup is the same as Kumbira, with chefs needing to accumulate a certain number of points to get a medal. With 60 well-versed chefs in the competition, Chef Cathy's feat was no easy task. Coached by Chef Carsten Radke, her entry for the US Pork Category was sous vide cooked pork loin filled with mushrooms, cave-aged gruyere cheese and herbs with gratinated bramata mais polenta.
Also, MKA brought home a Bronze Medal for "Love Story," a three-tiered fondant cake creation by Chef Rachel Baclay-Ng. This was MKA's entry in the Pastry Competition where there were 25 other competitors. The cake was decorated with paintings depicting a love story, hence the title, as well as sugarpaste flowers, gumpaste couple topper, and piped with string works made out of royal icing.
"It was a very challenging competition," said Chef Rachel, "Because there was a wide range of competitors coming from the best schools in Manila as well as internationally. PCC is where the best chefs meet." She added, "I was hopeful that I would win because I was confident with my entry. It took me two weeks to make the entire cake including prep work, baking, and the string works which involved creating intricate strings using the smallest piping tip."
Chef Rachel is from Surigao City and, along with Chef Cathy and Chef Carsten, is one of the knowledgeable and experienced chefs in the Academy's roster of instructors.
This notable list includes Chef Geni Labadan who is MKA's Baking and Pastry Arts Program Head, Chef Mon Cardenas, Chef Dio Raphael Ratunil, Chef Queenie Subrabas, and Chef Joy Arcenal.
The MKA also has visiting chefs that come to the city, including Chef Albert Chiu, a Wilton instructor, celebrity chefs Mitchie Sison, Pank Ching, and Jackie Ang-Po, and international chocolatier, Chef Joy Pelo.
Tina Chee, MKA school administrator, said, "As much as we can, we would like to give opportunities to our students, to broaden their network in the culinary world."
Monster Kitchen was born out of a simple baking supplies and packing needs store. It started offering lifestyle classes in 2009, inviting chefs from Cebu and Manila, and in 2010, opened its doors to students for Fundamentals in Baking and Pastry Arts, a professional program.
MKA also offers Fundamentals in Culinary Arts (both programs last 4 to 8 months), as well as intensive (shorter programs, crash course) and lifestyle workshops for those who have no time but would like to learn the basics.
For the month of September, MKA is offering workshops in piping flowers, basic fondant, French macaroon, cupcake, pasta, fish and seafood, and steak and ribs, to mention a few.
MKA is located at the 2nd Floor, Jardiniano Bldg., San Agustin-Rizal Sts., near Cathedral, and can be contacted through 0917-707-1245.
When asked what people should expect from MKA moving forward, Jan has this to say: "MKA aims to set the bar in standard when it comes to producing world class, quality chefs. We will continuously improve our classes and teaching skills in order to sustain our mission which is, 'To improve lives.'" (Riain Alfonso)