“By the end of class, I was more confident. I even went home and cooked dinner for my husband.” – Verniece Enciso
In an era where digital content creators are often typecast into niche categories, one lifestyle influencer is rewriting the narrative: this time, with a chef’s knife in hand.
Known for her beauty and lifestyle content, Verniece Enciso took an unexpected but life-changing leap: she enrolled at the newly opened Center for Culinary Arts (CCA Manila) satellite school located inside the University Hotel at UP Diliman.
“I’ve always wanted to learn how to cook,” Enciso said. “And while we can watch YouTube or TikTok videos, you just can’t learn things like proper knife skills, how to fillet or debone a fish by watching online. You need to be taught those things in person.”
That longing for culinary basics led her to the country’s top culinary institution, CCA Manila, which recently opened its new satellite campus at the University Hotel. Equipped with professional-grade kitchens and purpose-built classrooms, the campus is fast becoming a destination for aspiring chefs, entrepreneurs, and even social media stars like Enciso seeking hands-on culinary experiences.
“I was inspired by my mother-in-law. She’s the best cook. Whenever we visit their home, she always serves 10 different dishes—iba-iba. And I thought, ‘Someday, I want my kids to come home and say, ‘Ahh, my mom’s lasagna.’”
On her first day at CCA’s University Hotel school, dressed in a chef’s apron and surrounded by industrial ovens and stainless-steel counters, the feeling was surreal.
“To be honest, I was nervous. I was used to cooking at home, in my comfort zone. But stepping into that kitchen, I felt both overwhelmed and excited. By the end of class, I was more confident. I even went home and cooked dinner for my husband—proudly showing him the knife techniques I learned,” Enciso said.
Her favorite part of the program so far? Learning how to cook Filipino home-cooked meals, the kind that bring families together. But she’s dreaming big, too.
“When the chef-instructor asked me what my dream dish was, I said either Peking Duck or Cochinillo. Since we’re focusing on Filipino cuisine, I’m excited to learn how to cook Cochinillo soon,” she said.
On CCA Manila’s part, its decision to place its newest satellite campus in a university-based environment is a strategic one.
CCA Chancellor Dr. Veritas Luna said: “This site offers the perfect blend of accessibility, atmosphere, and inspiration. Students can learn in a focused, supportive environment without the long commutes or distractions.”
Programs at the University Hotel campus include weekday and weekend classes in Fundamentals of Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. There’s also Professional Chef Plus, a part-time 6-month program designed for working professionals. More specialized courses in Filipino Cuisine, Sports Nutrition, Culinary Wellness, and even customized corporate or team-building culinary classes are launching soon.
(For course schedules and enrollment details, visit www.cca-manila.edu.ph or follow @ccamanila on Instagram and Facebook)
