First Gourmet Academy, the Philippines’ first culinary school in the Philippines to be recognized by two of the world’s most respected culinary authorities – the World Association of Chefs’ Societies and the American Culinary Federation, proudly celebrates its 17th anniversary this August, marking nearly two decades of delivering world-class culinary education and producing globally competitive chefs.
Since opening its doors in 2008, the Academy has grown into a trusted name in professional culinary training, guided by founder and industry veteran, Mats Loo, whose decades of international experience continue to shape the curriculum and inspire the next generation of Filipino culinary talent. Together with fellow instructors Thomas Paul, Jojo Bolivar, Ziggy Segunial, and Chris Birt, First Gourmet Academy now stands on more than 100 years of combined global culinary expertise.
As part of this milestone celebration, the academy is offering a P17,000 anniversary benefit to students who enroll or pre-enroll in any of its upcoming intakes within the year. This special offer is available for the whole month of August and applies to new students who enroll in the school’s Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts, or International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry programs.
This anniversary offer reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to making culinary education accessible while ensuring excellence, making it possible for more students to begin their journey in culinary arts under the guidance of seasoned international professionals.
“Seventeen years is more than just a number. It represents thousands of hours of hands-on kitchen training, hundreds of successful alumni now working around the globe, and countless dreams turned into real careers,” says Mats. “We’re proud of what we’ve built, and we’re even more excited for what’s next.”
With branches in Quezon City and Ortigas, First Gourmet Academy opens new intakes every six weeks and offers free sit-in classes for those who want a firsthand look into life inside a professional culinary school. Upcoming intakes are set for August and September 2025 with classes held at their Quezon City and Ortigas branches. The academy in Quezon City also houses Fika, its in-house restaurant, where students apply their skills in a real-world setting, preparing refined dishes rooted in tradition, inclusivity, and purpose.
