Vlad Bunoan

Ardy Ferguson, SPYCA winner for 2024-2025. Handout

Article (news)

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775556218100Ardy Ferguson, SPYCA winner for 2024-2025.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Ardy Ferguson, SPYCA winner for 2024-2025. Handout"/>Ardy Ferguson, SPYCA winner for 2024-2025. Handout</div>HONG KONG -- The depth of culinary talent in the Philippines is beyond question, and there is a great opportunity for our young local chefs to shine on an international level through the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy (SPYCA) competition.SPYCA aims to nurture the next generation of culinary talent by collaborating with senior chefs, partners, and key leaders both inside and outside the F&amp;B industry, while its prestigious annual competition serves as the primary platform for discovering new talents and offering lifelong benefits.These include: participation in academy events, such as four-hands dinners, forums, and competitions, and access to a private Facebook group for networking; engagement in webinars and hands-on workshops; mentoring and internship programs opportunities in the restaurants of the senior chefs; and access to information related to the restaurant industry and working conditionsAside from the coveted title of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award, three additional titles are also at stake: the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, voted on by journalists and industry experts; the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, recognizing sustainable practices; and the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, given to the chef whose dish best represents their heritage with a modern vision.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775556189077Media Luncheon at Louise, Hong Kong.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Media luncheon at Louise in Hong Kong. Handout"/>Media luncheon at Louise in Hong Kong. Handout</div>During the recent media event held at Louise Restaurant in Hong Kong, past winners of the competition gathered to prepare a multi-course lunch showcasing their immense talents and to share their journey as participants of the SPYCA competition.In attendance were: * Ardy Ferguson, crowned the winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024– 2025, and currently the sous chef of 1 Michelin star Restaurant Belon in Hong Kong;* Yasuhiro Fujio, the 2018 S.Pellegrino Young Chef global winner from Japan, leading the kitchen at Middle restaurant in Kyoto, Japan;* Kevin Wong, winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Asia Regional Finals in 2019 and the global Top 3 finalist in the 2019-2021 competition, who is now the chef-owner of 1 Michelin star Seroja in Singapore;* Ian Goh, winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Asia Regional Finals in 2022, also a global Top 3, recipient of the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, and a lecturer at the Institute of Technical Education, Culinary Department in Singapore; and* Julien Royer, a dedicated mentor, has served on the Grand Jury for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, and chef-owner of 3 Michelin star Odette in Singapore, and 1 Michelin star Louise in Hong Kong.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775556164877Past SPYCA competition winners and mentor Julien Royer.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Past SPYCA competition winners and mentor Julien Royer. Handout"/>Past SPYCA competition winners and mentor Julien Royer. Handout</div>In its entire history, only one Filipino, Chef Aaron Shiu of La Spezia restaurant, has reached the regional finals and achieved it twice during the 2019–2020 and 2022–2023 editions.The 2026–2027 edition is officially open with applications being accepted until June 9, 2026. The Grand Finale will be held in November 2027 in Milan, where the global winner will be selected along with the recipients of three special awards. Eligible young chefs must be under the age of 30, have at least one year of experience working as an executive chef, chef de cuisine, sous chef, chef de partie, or commis chef, and be currently employed.Visit the official <a href="https://www.sanpellegrinoyoungchefacademy.com/">website</a> to know more.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has opened its 2026–2027 edition, offering young Filipino chefs a chance to showcase their talent on the global stage and gain mentorship, training, and industry exposure.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition has opened its 2026–2027 edition, offering young Filipino chefs a chance to showcase their talent on the global stage and gain mentorship, training, and industry exposure.

Global culinary stage awaits young Filipino chefs in S.Pellegrino tilt

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Food and Travel

Global culinary stage awaits young Filipino chefs in S.Pellegrino tilt

ABS-CBN Lifestyle,

JC Cailles Lo

Published April 07, 2026 06:06 PM PHT

Read More:

S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy

Hong Kong

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.