Filipinos are certified food lovers, and this is rooted from the country's rich culinary culture. "MasterChef Asia" will have three Filipino home cooks set to showcase the best of Philippine cuisine.
Three Filipinos are competing this year to become the first "MasterChef Asia," and they are backed by their various professions - a paralegal, a finance sales officer and an analyst.
One of them is 31-year-old Rico Amancio whose award-winning career track did not let him leave his love for food. In his official "MasterChef Asia" profile, he has already visited more than 20 countries and states.
His culinary journey started while assisting his aunt in the kitchen who was then part of a school canteen, his profile said. This "MasterChef" Asia contestant is more than just a hopeful home cook as he hopes to use his culinary abilities to help the less privileged communities by providing free cooking workshops to out of school youths.
Throughout his career, Rico has received various awards from the American International Group for his paralegal contributions, his LinkedIn profile said.
Rico might have one of the most adventurous palates among the contestants. When asked about the strangest food he has eaten, he said he once tried eating a tarantula spider.
Paralegal Rico's food journey began with him helping his aunt in the school canteen kitchen. More on Rico: bit.ly/1SyU6Ur
Posted by MasterChef Asia on Monday, August 3, 2015
Next on the list of Filipino contestants on "MasterChef Asia" is 29-year-old Lica Ibarra, a mother and an athlete. Her official profile indicated that she has been in finance for five years but she did not let her profession stop her from fuelling her passion for food and sports.
This "MasterChef Asia" mom reportedly plays football and Ultimate Frisbee, and she has represented her country by being part of the Women's National Football Team. Her profile said she lives with her parents and her son, aged 7.
Single mom Lica not only loves cooking, she also has a passion for sports. She previously represented the Philippines in the Women’s National Football Team. More on Lica: bit.ly/1SyU275
Posted by MasterChef Asia on Monday, August 3, 2015
Third on the list of the Filipinos aspiring to become the first "MasterChef Asia" is 24-year-old Jake Aycardo, who has a very inspiring story to share. He says in his profile that he takes inspiration from her mother and the way she led her life before yielding to cancer.
This "MasterChef Asia" hopeful is said to often make lunches for his colleagues in the banking industry, but gave up on this career to reach his culinary dreams. His profile said Jake hopes to hone his cooking kills and become a successful culinary master.
Fifteen home cooks are vying to bring home the first "MasterChef Asia" title. The show begins on September 3 on Lifetime Channel.
Jake used to prepare lunch for his banking colleagues almost everyday. It was then that he realized that banking was not his passion, so he quit to pursue a culinary career. More on Jake: bit.ly/1SyTCgN
Posted by MasterChef Asia on Monday, August 3, 2015
