PASAY CITY, Philippines — Worldchefs Recognized School Lyceum of the Philippines University–Laguna (LPU Laguna) once again emerged at the forefront of Philippine culinary competition, securing its sixth Overall Championship at the Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC) 2026, held from July 29 to August 1 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Philippines.
The Philippine Culinary Cup, endorsed by Worldchefs, saw LPU Laguna compete against some of the country’s leading culinary institutions and professionals. Over four days, the team showcased technical precision, creativity, discipline, and consistency across a wide range of culinary and pastry categories.
The championship campaign culminated in an impressive haul of 3 Champion Trophies, 9 Gold Medals — including 6 Highest Gold Medals — 7 Silver Medals, and 5 Bronze Medals, further strengthening the institution’s established record in national culinary competitions.
The achievement also highlighted the exceptional individual performances of LPU Laguna’s culinary professionals, whose results contributed significantly to the team’s overall success.
Chef of the Year: John Carlo Palacol
One of the major highlights of the competition was the recognition of Chef John Carlo B. Palacol as Chef of the Year at the culmination of PCC 2026.
A multi-awarded chef instructor, mentor, and culinary professional, Chef Palacol demonstrated versatility across several competition disciplines. He secured 2 Highest Gold Medals in U.S. Lamb and U.S. Beef, a 1 Gold Medal in U.S. Pork, and additional podium finishes in the Asian Gourmet Challenge, Creative Breakfast Challenge, Burger Challenge, Pasta Challenge, and Pizza Challenge a total of 8 medals, winning all joined categories.
His performance reflected a broad command of contemporary culinary techniques and competition disciplines, further establishing his reputation as one of the Philippines’ accomplished culinary educators and competitors.
Pastry Chef of the Year: Jeriel Encarnado
LPU Laguna’s pastry campaign was led by Chef Jeriel Encarnado, who was recognized as Pastry Chef of the Year during the competition’s culmination.
Chef Encarnado dominated several pastry disciplines, earning 3 Highest Gold Medals in Wedding Cake, Chocolate Showpiece, and Sugar Showpiece, alongside a 1 Gold Medal in Bread Showpiece and a Highest Silver Medal in Modern Filipino Plated Dessert.
His achievements highlighted his expertise across artistic pastry, sugar and chocolate showpieces, bread, and plated desserts. His recognition as Pastry Chef of the Year further underscored the depth of pastry talent represented by LPU Laguna at PCC 2026.
A Strong Showing across Culinary and Pastry Disciplines
The institution’s six Highest Gold Medals were distributed across major competition categories.
Chef Encarnado captured the Highest Gold in Wedding Cake, Chocolate Showpiece, and Sugar Showpiece, while Chef Myko Matienzo earned Highest Gold in Bread Showpiece.
Chef Palacol added Highest Gold finishes in U.S. Lamb and U.S. Beef, completing LPU Laguna’s six Highest Gold performances.
The team’s Gold Medal finishes also included Chef Palacol’s U.S. Pork entry, Chef Encarnado’s Bread Showpiece, and the Young Chefs Challenge entry of Cherry Mae Garcia and Joshua Jimenez.
LPU Laguna’s Silver Medal campaign included strong performances from its chefs and competitors across both individual and team-based categories. Chef Palacol earned Highest Silver in the Asian Gourmet Challenge, while Chef Encarnado secured Highest Silver in Modern Filipino Plated Dessert.
Additional Silver Medal finishes came from Chef Palacol in the Creative Breakfast Challenge and Burger Challenge; Jovilyn Solano and Yancie Baisas in Cupcake and Muffins; and Chef Elizabeth Shane Roldan Cruz, Chef Jovic Ramirez, and Chef Nelson Gamurot in the Dream Team Challenge.
The institution also secured Bronze Medals in the European Gourmet Challenge, Chocolate Showpiece, Amuse Bouche, Pasta Challenge, and Pizza Challenge.
A Championship built on Teamwork
Beyond the medals and trophies, LPU Laguna’s sixth Overall Championship reflected the collective effort of its competitors, understudies, coaches, mentors, faculty members, and support team.
Each entry represented months of preparation, refinement, technical training, and competition experience. From culinary plates and live challenges to intricate pastry showpieces, the team consistently demonstrated the importance of preparation, collaboration, and professional discipline in high-level culinary competition.
The result further reinforces LPU Laguna’s growing presence in the Philippine culinary landscape and its commitment to developing chefs capable of competing at the highest levels of the profession.
With another Overall Championship secured and two major individual distinctions awarded to its culinary leaders, LPU Laguna’s PCC 2026 campaign became another significant chapter in its competitive history.
The sixth championship is not simply another title for the institution. It is a reflection of a sustained culture of culinary excellence—one built through mentorship, education, innovation, teamwork, and the continuous pursuit of higher standards.
For LPU Laguna, the crown remains. The legacy continues.
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