Written by Israel Balian, Francis Miguel Sayaboc, Mikaela Isabel Pulido, Dona Fe Lopez
The Organization of Student Patissiers is a dynamic student organization from the University of Baguio’s School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management that graces the 15th National Food Showdown and 17th Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Week from October 24-26, 2024, at the famous Baguio Country Club. With excellent mentoring by Chefs Ailene Carillo and Racquel Tacwigan, the organization was able to achieve multiple recognitions to position itself within the highly competitive culinary and pastry world. OSP has been doing great since its rebirth in 2023 under former president Bianca Therese Bogayong.
Today, the organization is thriving under the lead of current president Israel Balian who, joined by the dedicated executive committee and members, leads OSP in serving its mission to inspire students and ignite a lifelong interest in the art of pastries and baking. Student opportunities are unmatched through these programs, both in growing their craft and as well as individuals and as one community. The OSP provides opportunities for student leaders and members to participate in exclusive conferences, personal development training, and the chance to represent the university in top-of-the-line competitions, henceforth developing a new generation of pastry artists ready to tackle industry challenges.
In three days of national competitions, OSP members demonstrated remarkable grit and perseverance, thus competing against top universities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Region 1. Their strong performance has contributed them the accolade that placed the University of Baguio at an excellent standing to place home the coveted Presidential Cup, a significant milestone that speaks of the quality of commitment found in the members of the organization.
Their commitment to excellence was vividly told by OSP in their artistic and innovative entries. In the creative cake category, their “Lost in The Enchanted Forest of Cordillera” won a gold with distinction to the attention and imagination of judges all decked out in whimsical designs inspired by the lush forests of the Cordillera region. In Regional Pica-Pica Food Display, they also won a gold with “Inuman sa Bukid,” another presentation that gave homage to Filipino culture by reimagining pulutan in creative ways.
Aside from the gold-winning presentations, the OSP team demonstrated techniques honed and dedication to cultural preservation through silver medals for their entries in Plated Kakanin. “Pan-Aspulan” Bibingka Galapong, Sweet Harmony: Tupig in Coconut Shell, presented rich flavors and unique preparation methods in traditional Filipino rice cakes that are cooked on charcoal with indigenous Cordilleran ingredients. They earned another silver for the Praline Display category, a creative selection of pralines from local ingredients such as rattan, wild berries, dilis (dried anchovies), wild honey, Sagada arabica coffee, crunchy tapuey (rice wine), and panutsa coconut pralines.
Bronze medals completed the list in the Wedding Cake category with “Adin Manpatingana ay Layad,” a cake that celebrated Cordilleran culture, and the Baby Cake category entry themed, “Geometric Showcasing Local Ingredients.” These pieces showed creativity, attention to detail, and deep respect for Filipino cultural heritage, all under the intense pressure of competition and the added challenges posed by Super Typhoon Leon’s approach.
The success of OSP in the National Food Showdown is not only a result of their skill but also their resilience and adaptability despite the challenges of balancing academic responsibilities and the demands of rigorous practice sessions where students were manifestations of perseverance and camaraderie, qualities that would allow them to overcome every challenge. Each had a share in OSP’s success in a very different way-showing the power of a supportive team committed to excellence in craft.
Through their wins, the OSP inspired many, encouraging more students to join organizations built on friendship, teamwork, and shared passion. The organization stands as an inspiration to aspiring culinary patissiers, showing that with work, mentorship, and a supportive community, one can reach new heights in the culinary and pastry arts. OSP’s achievements speak for themselves, proving that a journey in the world of pastry is as fulfilling as it is challenging.
