Some people’s school grades are critically low; others have the “F” kind of low. Their room walls showcase posters of their favorite player or cartoon instead of accomplishments. These, however, do not define what they ought to become.
Raphael Ongchiong surprised himself, perhaps a bunch of others too, when he turned out to be the person he is now.
It may be safe to assume that majority of his prayers as a kid included cancellation of classes. According to him, he never liked studying. He was not a fan of any subjects but Math and Science. That was the reason why he took up a course at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, where most of the lessons were application and where he could graduate after only a year of attendance.
After securing a diploma at the age of eighteen, he started to take on the real world.
Although he was already earning, he was still the happy-go-lucky person he was back then. His mind was preoccupied by his video game character even during working hours. His free times were consumed in front of a computer to level up on a game. In fact, he even often skipped work just to play basketball.
One day, he decided to get serious.
He abstained himself of video and computer games. Working, he puts his mind and heart at what he is doing. Also one of his goals is to stay fit so he started following the “Paleo” or “Caveman” diet and a work-out routine that took a lot of his free time. No doubt, his burning self-discipline was the key to lessen his body calories—justifying his sexy built.
He became hungry for new knowledge as he studies recipes and comes up with his own; and he shares these to everyone in the kitchen, including the dish washer.
Humble as he is, he does not brag about his own successes but the successes of his subordinates. He is proud to say that most of those working under him did not undergo formal cooking school but are now capable, excellent even, in producing mouth-watering delicacies.
As the executive chef of Amorita Resort in Bohol, he is already atop the ladder of success by the year 2010.
One of the reasons why guests keep coming back to Amorita, aside from the fact that the place is indeed wonderful, is because it is a home to the fine “Boholano food with a twist” menu by Chef Raphael.
Even the opinionated (as how she describes herself in a certain shampoo commercial) Kris Aquino recently announced publicly on “Kris TV” that Chef Raphael is one of the top three best chefs she has met… ever. The “Queen of All Media” must have been captivated by Chef’s “Fish Sinanglay” dish and, just maybe, his charm.
Executive Chef Raphael Ongchiong is not who he is now because of his outstanding performance at school or his awards. It is because he had the courage and passion to redefine his self – and he is just getting started.
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