There are now many culinary schools in Cagayan de Oro to choose from, without a doubt the offshoot of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel & Restaurant Association’s famous “Kumbira” Culinary Festival which, over its 18 years of existence, has made becoming a chef one of the most sought after careers for young people all over Mindanao.
18th Kumbira Professional Division Overall Champion
But like all professionals who take pride in what they bring to the table, Monster Kitchen Academy (MKA) believes in its mission “to improve people’s lives” there is nothing truer than the old adage about how “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
For the past 3 years it has joined the competition, MKA has won the overall championship of the Professional Division. Last year, it dominated by winning 5 golds, 2 silvers, 2 bronzes and one diploma to sweep its division.
Chef Wars Battle Royale Silver Medalists – 2014 National Food Showdown
And that’s no fluke as the team of Chefs Cathy Dano, Albert Chiu and Ramon Cárdenas, Jr. went to win a sparkling silver medal finish at the Chef Wars Battle Royale of the 2014 held Sept. 23-24 last year at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila.
As to the proof of the pudding is indeed is in the eating, MKA students competing in the 17th Kumbira in 2013 had a glittery Silver Medal finish with 2 golds, 2 silver, 1 bronze and 1 diploma in the hotly contested Student Division.
Last March, MKA graduated its 19th and 21st batches of chefs in MKA Baking & Pastry Arts and 7th and 9th batches for MKA Culinary Arts. These are the two flagship programs of MKA which gives the student two choices to take it: 4 months (2x a week) or 6 months (1x a week). Maximum class size is 16 though the average class size ranges from 10-12 students.
Congratulations to the Graduates of FBPA 16, FBPA 18, FCA 6 & FCA 8
Besides learning the art of baking and culinary, students also get hands-on immersion by creating an event by renting a venue through which they undertake everything from the planning, baking, cooking, and selling their own event.
“Our MKA Baking and Pastry and culinary arts program is still going on,” says Chef Cathy L. Dano, who is also the program head for culinary arts. “The tuition package includes MKA Chef’s Jacket, Cap, Apron, Bag, Recipe Kit, Wilton Cake Decorating Kit and all baking ingredients.
The MKA Culinary Arts tuition packages includes MKA Chef’s jacket, cap, apron, Chef’s Knife Set, recipe copies with binder and covers all cooking ingredients all throughout the course.
June 15 Start of 4 months Mon – Tue -Baking and Pastry Arts
June 28 Start of 6 months Sunday only Baking and Pastry Arts
June 15 Start of 4 months Mon – Tue Culinary Arts
June 28 Start of 6 months Sunday only Baking and Pastry Arts
June 15 Start of 4 months Mon – Tue Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry:
4 months – Every Mon-Tue
Thu-Fri
6 months Sunday
However, for those who cannot afford the luxury of time, MKA offers an Intensive 12-day Workshop for both Baking and Culinary. Batch 2 for Intensive Baking starts June 8 on a MWF schedule 5-8pm with Batch 3 starting June 20 every Saturday 2-6pm. Schedule for the Intensive Culinary will be posted later at the MKA FB Page at this URL: www.facebook.com/
MKA also conducts one-day Lifestyle Classes for baking and cooking aficionados who want to hone their craft for their family and home, or explore possible business opportunities offered by their new skills and knowledge.
For more details, contact 0917-707-1245/ 8512019 or visit Monster Kitchen Academy at its main kitchen at
The 2nd floor, Jardiniano Building, San Agustin-Rizals Street (Facing Gaston Park) or at its satellite kitchen at Mortola St. (facing Ororama, Cogon). Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/