John Paul “JP” Militar is an alumni of First Gourmet Academy. He wanted to pursue culinary arts because of his passion for food and his family has been into the food business for quite some while. He was offered a job in Malaysia and left the Philippines last August 31. Thank you JP for participating in this interview and we hope you will succeed in your career and tell us about your adventure when you get back.
1. We heard that you got a job in Malaysia. How did you get a job there?
Well, my mom found an ad in a newspaper. She told me about it and asked me to go to that agency. But before that, I have already gone to other agencies. I had callbacks. But my only problem at that time was my passport. I applied last April 2011 then I just got it last July 2011. 3 months of waiting.
2. How are you feeling about it? Are you nervous?
Nervous and Excited. Nervous ‘coz i don’t know what will happen to me there. Excited because it’s a new challenge for me.
3. What is the name of the hotel? Can you tell us more about the place?
The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort. It is owned by Berjaya Corporation. It’s a destination spa and a hotel. It will be opening its doors this September 2011. It will be the first organic destination spa in the world.
4. Why do you want to work abroad?
To gain more experience and to earn some money. (I’ll be a hypocrite if I don’t say I don’t want to earn money.) It was not a easy decision for me to work abroad because I have to leave my family and friends here in the Philippines. But I also want gain more experience.
5. What are your future plans? How do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Future plans? Hmm… I want to travel. I want to see and taste other cuisine. To know other cooking techniques. To enhance my palate. 5 years from now? I don’t know what my future holds for me. Maybe have my own restaurant. Come what may as I say.
I want to thank First Gourmet Academy Family especially to Chef Mats for teaching me how to enhance my culinary skills. Without him, I will not make this far. Ma’am Emilou and Kuya Marlon – they mould me to become a better chef/person. To my classmates/Batch 5 – thank you for the competition and fun times.
Eto na pala =) Thank you FGA! =)