(L-R) Unilever Food Solutions Channel Activation Manager Nicki David, Senior Sous Chef Brando Santos, Real Chef Challenge winners Demerlito Tulaylay and Bong Ronquillo, Chef Boy Logro, Chef Edward Bugia and UFS Philippines Managing Director Colin Butler.

MANILA, Philippines – After a three-month search for the best tasting dishes innovated using mayonnaise, Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) Philippines hails today the first ever winners of the Lady’s Choice Real Chef Challenge—a first of its kind culinary competition that challenges cooks and chefs across the Philippines to test their culinary acumen by revolutionizing dishes with the use of Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise. The culinary experts with the most irresistible Salad & Sandwich Combo and the most exquisite tasting Hot Dish win the crown.

“Last July 2015, we have announced a first-of-its kind culinary competition that opened opportunities for chefs and cooks all over the Philippines to showcase their kitchen prowess through the Lady’s Choice Real Chef Challenge,” said Nicki David, Channel Activation Manager at Unilever Food Solutions. “We are very pleased with the recipe entries we have received, which truly show the ingenuity of the Filipino culinarian.”

UFS Philippines Channel Activation Manager Nicki David and Executive Chef Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano

After the rigid scrutiny of the panel of judges, which included celebrity chef and executive chef of Chef Logro’s Institute of Culinary and Kitchen Services or CLICKS, Chef Pablo “Boy” Logro, owner and kitchen geek of Pino Kitchen Studio and Backyard MNL, Chef Edward Bugia, and UFS Senior Sous Chef, Chef Brando Santos, 25 interesting mayo innovations submitted from across the country have stood out.

In a grand taste testing event held at Glorietta 3 Activity Center, the top 25 chef finalists prepared and served their dishes before the chef judges and the public to determine the dishes from the Salad & Sandwich Combo and the Hot Dish categories. Both categories were judged based on taste and concept, presentation, and how the use of Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise elevated the texture and taste of the dishes.

“The top 25 mayo innovations that have made it to the finals prove that with the use of Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise, there are just so many recipes you can create and the possibilities to food innovations become endless,” said Chef Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano, Executive Chef at Unilever Food Solutions. Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise is made of real ingredients that help enhance the flavor of dishes, making them richer. Its creamy texture and taste definitely add a distinct flavor that elevates the taste of dishes.

Aside from showcasing various recipes that are made interesting with the use of mayonnaise, Lady’s Choice Real Chef Challenge also became a venue for the chefs and cooks to bring out their amazing talents and expertise in running their food establishments that are often not seen by the diners.

“At Unilever Food Solutions, the maker of Lady’s Choice, Knorr, and Lipton, we believe and support the one true mission of every Filipino chef and cook—to delight their customers with exquisite dishes,” said Colin Butler, Managing Director of UFS Philippines. “As such, we strive to help them develop their craft through the products and services we carry so they can continue to deliver a remarkable dining experience for their costumers. This competition is one of those milestones we’d like to share with them to showcase their amazing talents and creativity.”

Lady’s Choice Real Chef Challenge Grand Winner for Hero Sandwich and Salad division is Demerlito Tulaylay of Best Western Hotel La Corona Manila. His winning dish was the Bulgogi Steak Sandwich and Kim Caesar Salad.

The Grand Winner for Lady’s Choice Real Chef Challenge, Hot SIgnature Dish is Bong Ronquillo of Hotel La Corona De Lipa. HIs winning dish was the Roasted Pork Belly with Spicy Laing Filling.

The winners of Real Chef Challenge brought home P100,000 each and an exclusive TV feature of their establishment and the winning dish. More than this, they also brought home the title of being hailed as the first-ever winners of the Lady’s Choice Real Chef Challenge. ADVT.