Students from UC College of Hospitality and Tourism Management emerged as champions in the Kikkoman Challenge – Campus Cook-Off during the Kikkoman Food Expo 2025 held in Baguio City from December 2 to 3, 2025.

BS Hospitality Management students Jack Rhandel M. Casilla, Jade Athena A. Mariano, and Luigi Gabriel S. Romero led the winning team, supported by student assistants Shaira T. Madiaco and Argelyn Fate Oya. Guided by faculty coaches Ms. Liezel B. Tomaag and Mr. Axel Christian H. Balugo, the group not only secured the championship title but also earned the Special Award for Most Popular in Social Media.

The team impressed judges with innovative Filipino–Japanese fusion dishes crafted using Kikkoman products, showcasing creativity, technical expertise, and thoughtful culinary storytelling.

This victory underscores UC CHTM’s dedication to quality education (SDG 4), industry innovation (SDG 9), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), while preparing globally competitive culinary professionals.