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Our Facilities

Students train in professional-grade state-of-the-art kitchens, modeled after cruise ships and international kitchen standards, to give students real-world readiness from Day One.

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Each kitchen can accommodate up to 20 students, with a 15:3 or 18:3 student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring personalized guidance and hands-on learning in every session. Fully equipped with industrial-grade grills, six-burner ranges, ovens, and sinks, the space is built for real-world culinary practice.

 

Designed by School Director Mats Loo, the layout reflects the flow of international and cruise ship kitchens, training students to thrive on a global scale.

Ortigas Branch

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. 

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Quezon City Branch

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

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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

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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

©2025 First Gourmet Academy

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