Apicius Culinary Arts 13th Graduation Ceremony 2025

Apicius Culinary Arts 13th Graduation Ceremony at SMX Manila

On August 10, 2025, Apicius Culinary Arts, one of the leading culinary schools in the Philippines, proudly celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2025 with the grand 13th Graduation Ceremony, held at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The event honored the hard work, dedication, and passion of over 160 culinary graduates from Apicius branches across the country, while also highlighting the global opportunities that await them through Apicius’ international partnerships.

A Grand Opening with Honor and Tribute

The ceremony began with a solemn Processional, led by the graduates, followed by the Chef Instructors, Apicius employees representing the Parañaque, Legazpi, Naga, Laoag, and Palawan branches, the Administrative Group, the Board of Directors, and Master Chef Wolfgang Rappl, Culinary Director of Apicius Culinary Arts.

An Invocation set the tone of gratitude, followed by a heartfelt tribute to the late Father Arthur, whose memory continues to inspire the Apicius family and community.

Messages of Support and Global Partnerships

The program officially opened with an inspiring Opening Remarks from Ms. Anna Krzak-Danel, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Manila, who praised the graduates for their perseverance and highlighted the growing Poland–Philippines collaboration in culinary education.

Apicius’ international partners also sent special greetings to the graduates:

• HRC Culinary Academy (Europe’s leading culinary school)

• Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH, UK)

• RMC Asia (Hospitality & Culinary Internships in Asia and the Middle East)

  
  

These messages emphasized the culinary internship opportunities, career pathways, and global mobility that Apicius graduates can access after completing their studies.

An Inspiring Keynote from Chef Bruce Lim

The ceremony featured a powerful keynote by Chef Bruce Lim, Executive Chef Consultant and two-time SEA Games Executive Chef, who inspired graduates with his journey of perseverance and creativity. His talk highlighted that success in culinary arts requires not only skill but also discipline, resilience, and a global mindset, qualities nurtured at Apicius Culinary Arts.

Chef Bruce Lim addresses the audience as a guest speaker at the 13th Graduation Ceremony of Apicius Culinary Arts, held at SMX Convention Center Manila.

Recognition of 160+ Graduates Across Five Branches

The heart of the event was the recognition of over 160 graduates from Apicius’ five branches:

• Parañaque

• Legazpi

• Naga

• Laoag

• Palawan

Graduates completed various programs, including:

• CTH Level 3 Diploma in Professional Cookery (CTH, UK)

• Diploma in Culinary Arts Pastry & Baking (DCA)

• Associate’s Degree in Professional Culinary Arts Pastry & Baking (HRC Pathway, Europe)

• Dual Qualification in Professional Culinary Arts Pastry & Baking (Ausbildung Pathway)

• TESDA Cookery NC II

• TESDA Bread & Pastry Production NC II

  
  

In a touching gesture, graduates from the previous year who were unable to attend were also given the chance to walk the stage, symbolizing the school’s commitment to every student’s milestone.

Special Awards and Words of Gratitude

Adding excitement and emotion, Special Awards were presented to the Top 1, Top 2, and Top 3 students of each batch. The awardees only discovered their achievements on stage, making the moment even more heartfelt and memorable.

Each branch also had a graduate representative who delivered speeches of gratitude, acknowledging their families, mentors, and the Apicius Culinary Arts community for their unwavering support throughout their culinary journey.

A student from Palawan receives a medal during the 13th graduation ceremony at Apicius Culinary Arts, celebrated at the SMX Convention Center.

Culinarian’s Pledge and Closing Remarks

The graduates then united to recite the Culinarian’s Pledge, committing themselves to uphold professionalism, creativity, and integrity as they begin their careers in the culinary world.

The program concluded with a heartfelt message from Master Chef Wolfgang Rappl, who encouraged the graduates to remain grounded while striving for global excellence in their craft.

Alumni Messages and Advanced Global Skills Opportunities

A highlight of the ceremony was the LED screen showcase of messages from Apicius alumni now working around the world, in the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, and aboard international cruise ships. Their success stories stood as living proof of what lies ahead for the Class of 2025.

The ceremony wrapped up with an exciting Advanced Global Skills (AGS) presentation, a sister company of Apicius Culinary Arts. AGS provides exclusive culinary internship opportunities and pathway programs abroad, ensuring that every Apicius graduate is equipped to pursue an international career in culinary arts.

A Celebration of Dreams, Dedication, and Global Careers

The 13th Graduation Ceremony of Apicius Culinary Arts was more than a celebration, it was a promise of a future filled with opportunities. It honored the passion and perseverance of over 160 graduates, the guidance of their mentors, and the global pathways that now lie before them.

Celebrating the Apicius Culinary Arts Class of 2025: Graduates gather excitedly in their chef uniforms, marking a joyous milestone at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Your culinary journey begins here, and the world awaits.