PANADERO TURNED KUSINERO... with my classmate Ms. Claudine

I just started with my Culinary Arts Class today (January, 21). Although I miss my classmates from Pastry Arts (FYI: Tracy, Jeca and I had lunch at Gateway just the other day and Pia has been a constant textmate, plus email updates from almost everyone is regular... so basically, we are in touch) , I know that this new class is an opportunity for me to meet more people and gain more friends, apart from my primary goal to be the best all-around chef in the universe (hehehehe).
My elder sister, Agnes, is part of the class this time (so I expect free breakfast every Saturday morning...hihihi). Hyuri, my nephew's girlfriend is a classmate as well. Oh, and so is Ms. Claudine Barretto.

Me and Ms. Claudine

Me, Claudine and Ate Agnes
(halata bang starstruck kami?...)

Well, needless to say, her presence made our class extra special. Not only is she my classmate, she is also my group-mate (sorry, Ate Agnes group 4 ka..hehehe). And, for the entire duration of our course, the other "superstar" is our culinary mentor, Chef Manoj.

CHEF MANOJ

I was a bit scared of him at first because a former classmate told me that he was strict. But he turned out to be really funny, down-to-earth, smart and really sensible.

Chef giving instructions to the class

Chef slicing side by side with Hyuri

Chef teaching Ate Agnes how to use the ruler (bwahahaha!)

We weren't able to cook any dish on our first day because we were taught the different types of vegetable and potato cuts (there are actually 18 different ways to cut a potato... unbelievable). So, I wasn't able to post any finish products here (and I'm not about to post the different types of cuts.... mag-enroll kayo noh!). So I will just be posting some of the pics of my new found friends/classmates.

Grace, Dave, Hyuri and Ate Agnes

Me, Dave, Hyuri and Ate Agnes

Me and Grace


It was a great first day!
Be prepared to see pics of mouth-watering dishes next time!