“GREAT to be 1” was an appropriate theme choice of the Culinary Institute of Cagayan de Oro (CIC) to echo the school’s achievements and aspirations on its two-day first anniversary celebration held last May 7 to 8, 2011.
As explained by CIC Program Director, Chef Maria Lourdes Caudal, “Great! to be 1” not only refers to the first year anniversary, unified as one family but likewise alludes to the superior academic programs it offers in Culinary Arts and in Baking and Pastry Applied Science and exalts in the fact that CIC has established a number of significant firsts -- 1st Professional Culinary School in Cagayan de Oro and the whole Northern Mindanao and the 1st Culinary School in the whole Philippines to fully integrate substantial Holistic Nutrition into its curriculum.
With the able leadership of Elinesa E. Abamonga, CIC School Administrator, the celebration kicked-off with the 6th Toque Ceremony of Culinary Batch 7 followed by a formal dinner fellowship party at the city’s premier Business Hotel, Mallberry Suites, attended by Batches 1 to 8 CIC student chefs (now numbering 140-man strong) who gamely did entertaining batch presentations.
The affair was highlighted by the giving of plaques and certificates of recognition to CIC’s “jewels” – it’s highly valued Manila and CDO chefs, its professional troop of school officials and staff and its promising set of student chefs who received high commendation from their respective On-The-Job training establishments for their skills and discipline during this industry immersion and who further are loyal and dedicated to CIC’s vision.
The two-day anniversary celebration culminated the next day with a motorcade around the city leading to SM Cagayan de Oro.
Restie Garcia, CIC Marketing and Promotions Officer, shares that SM expressed keen interest to support CIC programs and invited the school to undertake its anniversary inside the activity center coinciding with the worldwide celebration of Mother’s day by conducting an impressive Food Demonstration by no other than CIC’s celebrity chef, Chef Hasset Go, as witness which was participated by SM patrons and visitors.
As the Institute moves onto its second year, CIC, the first Culinary School in Northern Mindanao, is abuzz with activities. According to Carla Helario, the School Registrar, the first Graduation Rites of home-grown Chefs will be held on July 2, 2011. These pioneering Batches 1 and 2 earn the distinction of being the first professional Chefs in Northern Mindanao.
The following day, July 3, there will be a blessing of two new kitchen laboratories and recently renovated facilities to accommodate Culinary Institute of Cagayan de Oro’s growing population. At the same time, this is an occasion to launch the new course, Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts, to all interested parties. Everyone is welcome to attend. CIC’s personable chef instructors will be there to entertain you.
On July 9, the school will have its 8thToque Ceremony for Batch 9 students while the 5th batch of Culinary Arts with Holistic Nutrition will have their Grand Buffet on July 23 at 6 pm. This is the culminating activity of the extensive eight month culinary program, an affair to showcase their prowess as they move on to the next level, which is their OJT.
Finally, to celebrate the Nutrition month, also on July 23, CIC is offering “Healthy cooking around the world” featuring senior chef instructor Chef Ziggy Segunial. This will be a cooking demo featuring seven nutritious dishes from seven continents.
For more information, visit the CIC at the 3rd Floor of Legacy Building, A. Luna St. Cagayan de Oro City or contact the marketing department at 309-3319, (08822) 727248, 0939-2588882 or 0926-6765989. (PR)
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on June 26, 2011.
