As Halson Lapuz of Batch 13 continues to learn at First Gourmet Academy, he just can’t get through with what Chef Mats said to him and his batchmates one day inside the kitchen. Then, a week after that he got this phrase tattooed on his chest. Let’s ask Hal all about it as he narrates what really happened that day.
The phrase “Never ever say I just followed the recipe” strike me, next thing got tattooed on my left right upper chest. I want to remember the phrase until I die and pass it to everyone. Recipes are just guidelines. Following the recipe and did not taste the way it is, that’s the time you in your way of cooking will definitely make a good recipe out of it. That’s why you can NEVER EVER SAY I JUST FOLLOWED THE RECIPE.
When did you start getting tattoos? What made you do it?
I had my first tattoo when I was in Vegas. It was my birthday and it just an impulsive decision. Then the second tattoo, I got it a couple of months ago and it was related to things we are doing in the kitchen. I got that tattoo because the phrase that our instructor Mats Loo told us strikes me in my way of understanding on how to cook. I do it because getting a tattoo is part of my bucket list and it’s a part of me from being artistic and expressing my passion in culinary.
Tattoo is an art. It hurts but you get hooked to it. It’s an art expressing things that you like people to see and know.
What do you love most with First Gourmet Academy?
First Gourmet Academy gave me so much. The best learning experience I’ve ever had. The people are nice. The instructor is good, the facility is world class. And the experience is so much fun.
What made you study Culinary Arts?
My passion for cooking. I do think it’s cool on how you can change a bland food to a great food. And I want to learn different cuisines that exist on this world.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself working in a hotel or having my own restaurant. I’ve learned a lot from First Gourmet Academy. I do hope I can have my own restaurant to apply all the things I learned from Culinary Arts.
What impact do you think will this tattoo give in your life?
It will give me confidence and I will remember why I got this tattoo; the people who made this experience unforgettable and of course First Gourmet Academy will always be a part of me and First Gourmet Academy made a difference in my life.
