Unveiled this week were the contenders divided into five groups such as chef Tom Gascon (M Dining), Jann Anis (EDSA Shangri-La, Manila’s Lobby Lounge), and Rene Montoya (Hacienda) of team Hummingbird; chef Josh Boutwood (Savage and Helm), Raoul Cornelio (Alegria), and Eric Jacildo (Polilya) of team Carabao; chef RJ Ramos (Lampara), Kiara Opeda (Limbo), and Arnel Salungsawa (Rambla) of team Tarsier; chef Francis Lim (Tipple & Slaw),  Jason Hussein-Ali (Grand Hyatt’s The Peak), Rodny Protacio (Discovery Primea’s 1824) of team Slug; and last but not the least, chef Kiel Zaguirre (Locavore), Allius Abrazado (Grand Hyatt’s The Peak), and Enzo Luna (Run Rabbit Run) of team Gecko. The groupings were determined at the official Don Papa Chef & Shaker kick off event at Lampara in Poblacion, one of Makati’s popular food districts.

“After having the competition fly through different countries across Europe, we are happy to finally bring the Chef & Shaker competition home to the Philippines. As a brand proudly from a nation with rich tradition in food, Don Papa Rum feels that the time is right to showcase some of our best kitchens and bars through this exciting epicurean adventure,” said Erica Larkins, Don Papa Rum Brand Manager.