The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) at Quirino State University (QSU)-Diffun recently concluded its exciting “QSU-Diffun Bake Off 2024” competition, themed “Quirino Culinary Tapestry: Baking Extravaganza.” Held on March 11, 2024, the event showcased the innovative talents of student participants in the culinary arts.
The opening ceremony took place at the CHTM Coffee Shop, while the baking competition itself was held at the university’s baking laboratory. This initiative aimed to develop new local products utilizing readily available ingredients from the region, promoting these creations for wider commercial appeal.
Twenty-two (22) scholars enrolled in the Bread and Pastry Production NCII program under the Tulong Trabaho Scholarship Program (TTSP) participated in the event. Divided into five teams, each group was tasked with preparing and presenting a unique selection of bread, pastries, and petit fours. All creations incorporated a special twist – locally sourced ingredients like carrots from Nagtipunan and Robusta coffee from Aglipay.
While every participant displayed impressive culinary skills and innovation in using non-traditional ingredients, the competition format declared only one champion team. The panel of judges, led by chairperson Ms. Princess Lady-Lin Erana and including Ms. Ma. Jenelyn M. Busania, Ms. Annalyn Nieva, and Mr. Adam Primo Castillo, unanimously awarded the top honors to Group 2. This winning team comprised Gemma Guray, Abigael Asuncion, Ozen Mae Ancheta, Berlene Angel Soriano, and Sharon Manuel. Their ube pastry and Robusta coffee-flavored petit fours impressed the judges with their superior taste and creativity.
Following Group 2 were the 1st Runner-up team (Group 3) with members Jefferson Bartolome, Richard Jose, Jenny Rose Tobias, Flordeliza Tagalan, and the 2nd Runner-up team (Group 5) with Divinelyn Biag, JC Gameje, Adrian Pantaleon, Noime Pulveras, and Liezel Jane Raymundo.
This TESDA-spondored event was graced by the presence of QSU President Dr. Hemenegildo F. Samoy, Jr., as the guest of honor and Dir. Perla V. Lucas, TESDA Provincial Director. The success of the initiative is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the QSU-Diffun TESDA Unit team led by TESDA Coordinator Mr. Bernard Milla and the BSHM MICE students under the guidance of TESDA Focal Person Dr. Jonathan N. Tariga.