+632 8951 9655
About Us
Established in 2008, First Gourmet Academy has been committed to shaping the next generation of par excellence professional chefs grounded on theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and intensive hands-on training.
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Led by globally renowned chef Mats Loo, whose illustrious career spans the hospitality industry, luxury cruise liners, and the esteemed kitchens of Michelin-starred and historically iconic establishments.
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At First Gourmet Academy, we offer a range of culinary courses in our Quezon City and Ortigas branches. From degree programs to short courses designed to equip aspiring chefs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our curriculum, taught by Michelin-trained and internationally-certified instructors, covers both classical and contemporary culinary techniques. We pride ourselves on our personalized approach, providing students with hands-on experience, focused learning with 20:3 student to instructor ratio, and constant feedback to ensure they develop the skills necessary for a successful career in culinary arts.
Whether you're interested in a comprehensive degree program or a focused short course, we have a program to suit your needs and help you achieve your culinary goals.
Overseas Opportunities
Our culinary programs are designed to equip aspiring chefs with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in culinary arts. Our well-crafted personalized programs provide the shortest and fastest track for local and overseas employment.
Extensive assistance is extended to students and graduates who wish to pursue overseas and onboard externship and employment opportunities.
Student Transfer Program and Financial Aid
Students currently enrolled in other institutions who wish to transfer to First Gourmet Academy can take advantage of the student-transfer financial aid with reduced tuition fees. Transfer students benefit from seamless transition, with intakes opening every 6 weeks with 4 sessions per day, and the option to enroll in our Quezon City or Ortigas Center branch.
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Credit card payment options, flexible payment terms, student loan programs, and financial aid programs are available to provide students the support they need to pursue further education in the culinary field.
Our Faculty
Mats Loo
Mats began his culinary journey in Sweden at the age of 14, later refining his craft in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe. With a decade of experience as Executive Chef aboard international cruise lines, he brings deep expertise in global cuisine, food chemistry, and large-scale operations.
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As co-founder of First Gourmet Academy, he now shares his passion and knowledge with the next generation of culinary professionals. He is recognized for his strong grasp of culinary fundamentals and global standards and is the go-to assessor of overseas employment agencies hiring for Finland and Australia.
Thomas Paul
With over four decades of global culinary experience, Thomas is among the most seasoned instructors in the Philippines. From his early days at Hotel Intercontinental in Frankfurt, serving as a cook in The German Army, to prestigious kitchens across Canada, the U.S., and Afghanistan, he brings a rich and diverse perspective to his teaching.
His expertise is complemented by years in the very exacting, fast-paced, and large-scale operations of iconic establishments like Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and MGM Grand.
Jojo Bolivar
A graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management, Jojo deepened his culinary foundation through formal training at First Gourmet Academy. He quickly progressed from local hospitality roles to an international career, working in Saudi Arabia where he was promoted to Demi Chef de Partie, specializing in both hot kitchen and bread production.
With a strong background in food costing, kitchen systems, and menu development, he brings his real-world experience back to the Academy—guiding aspiring chefs with both technical skill and industry insight.
Contact Us
Branches
QUEZON CITY
2/F Capitol Greenstreet Building, Capitol Hills Dr, Old Balara, Quezon City, 1119
ORTIGAS CENTER
Lower Ground Level, East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1552
Contact
+632 8951 9655
+639177096731
Office Hours
QUEZON CITY
Monday to Friday
7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday to Sunday
10:00 am – 9:00 pm
ORTIGAS CENTER