Cook for Change - Most Innovative Recipe

I began my culinary career in a Korean-Japanese restaurant—not in the kitchen, but as a dishwasher. Those early days taught me humility, discipline, and the value of hard work. Within just three months, my dedication was recognized and I was promoted to assistant cook. After a year, I became head cook, and I spent nearly seven years honing my skills, learning the craft from the ground up, and discovering my love for cooking. 

In 2011, I took a leap of faith and joined Sodexo as an assistant cook and butcher. One year later, I was promoted to Commis 1, a role that challenged me to take on greater responsibility—from preparing main dishes to expressing creativity through food. Sodexo became a place where I was encouraged not only to execute recipes, but to innovate and grow. 

My journey continued as I was promoted to Chef de Partie, where I had the opportunity to lead a team, manage staff, and supervise daily operations. This role strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of teamwork and accountability. 

In 2024, I reached a major milestone in my career when I was promoted to Sous Chef. In this role, I am entrusted with managing the entire kitchen team—from stewards and Commis to Chef de Partie—a responsibility I carry with pride and gratitude. That same year, my Head Chef encouraged me to share my creativity by developing a plant-based protein menu. I poured my heart into creating an original dish, Daikon Steak, for Sodexo’s Cook for Change competition.

To my surprise and great honor, I was named Philippines Winner, earning the opportunity to represent the country in the semi-finals in China. This was an especially meaningful moment for me—it was my first time traveling abroad, and it was made possible through Sodexo’s full support. 

My experience in China was truly unforgettable. Despite the language barrier, I felt welcomed and supported by the warmth, respect, and professionalism of the local teams and management. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement I received from the Manila and Cebu management teams, whose belief in me gave me confidence on the international stage. Being recognized with the Most Innovative Award was a proud highlight of my career.

My journey proves that with the right support system, hard work, and belief in oneself, anything is possible. Sodexo consistently creates opportunities for growth—turning big dreams into real achievements. I am proud to be part of a company that invests in its people and empowers them to go beyond what they thought was possible.