They say that learning never truly stops, and back in 2019, I decided to put that philosophy to the test in the most delicious way possible. Guided by a desire for continuous personal growth, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a cookery class at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM) in the Cebu campus.
Looking back, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the moment we stepped into the professional kitchen, the experience was an absolute whirlwind of excitement.
I had so much fun learning the mechanics behind the culinary arts—from mastering precision knife cuts to understanding the delicate science of balancing flavors under pressure. The energy in the kitchen was infectious, turning tough, fast-paced challenges into moments of pure joy.
The hard work paid off in a big way. After months of intense training, sweat, and dedication, I was proud to share that I passed the TESDA Cookery NC2 assessment somehow. Holding that certification feels amazing, but as validating as it is, the greatest lessons I took home weren’t printed on paper.
While ISCAHM taught me world-class techniques and technical standards, the real education began when I looked beyond the classroom discussions.
I’ve come to realize that being a truly effective cook isn’t just about memorizing a recipe. It demands active, continuous practice. It’s about getting your hands dirty, refining your instinctual muscle memory, and building the confidence that only comes from spending time at the stove.
Most importantly, this journey taught me the ultimate truth about food: cooking is only ever truly tasteful if it is cooked from the heart and from experience. You can follow a recipe to the exact gram, but without genuine passion, intention, and love poured into the pan, a dish is just food. The most unforgettable meals are seasoned with our own stories, our memories, and our mistakes. ISCAHM gave me the tools and the foundation, but life and love will always be the ultimate ingredients.
Here’s to the next dish, practicing every day, and always cooking with heart!
