Westin chef to represent PH at Barilla Pasta Championship Asia finals

Chef Aaron Joseph Gulinao and his winning dish. Handout

MANILA — Chef Aaron Joseph Gulinao of The Westin Manila has been named the Philippines’ national winner in the 2025 Barilla Pasta Championship Asia, earning him a spot in the regional finals to be held this November.

Selected from over 70 entrants across the country, Gulinao bested five other finalists at the national cook-off held at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. His winning entry — Barilla Spaghetti in Alaminos Longganisa Ragu with Smoked Kesong Puti — was praised by judges for its bold fusion of Filipino flavors with traditional Italian technique.

Gulinao, who began his culinary career as a trainee at Marriott Hotel Manila, said the dish was inspired by his wife’s love for Alaminos longganisa, a garlicky pork sausage from Pangasinan. His reimagined carbonara featured the longganisa in place of Italian cured meats and was elevated by a mousse of smoked kesong puti, a soft carabao cheese from his hometown in Bulacan.

“It brought a smoky, creamy depth that balanced the richness of the ragu,” said Gulinao, who also added calamansi zest and crispy chicharon for a final Filipino touch.

The competition judges — including Barilla Asia Pacific executive chef Andrea Tranchero and culinary leaders from the Philippines and abroad — evaluated the finalists based on taste, technique, and presentation. They described Gulinao’s dish as simple, yet rich with flavor.

The Asia finals will bring together national winners from across the continent, with the overall champion earning a culinary experience in Parma, Italy — home of Barilla and one of the country’s gastronomic hubs.

Gulinao, now a demi chef at The Westin Manila, said competing abroad has been a long-held dream. “I’ve made it a goal to challenge myself through this competition and to see how far I can push myself in the global culinary stage,” he said.

“Competitions like this allow me to express who I am as a Filipino chef. I appreciate the opportunity to share our local flavors on an international stage and even prouder to represent the Philippines in the regional finals.”

The Barilla Pasta Championship Asia finals will be held later this year, with participants from nine countries vying for the regional title.