TERRY CHUA WON THE CHAMPION IRON CHEF AWARD at the recent Battle of the Iron Chefs held at the Meadowvale Conservation Park in Mississauga. She bested other serious contending chefs Fred Gamboa, Rey Sabatin and Del Palileo who vowed to wangle the title at next year's battle.

          As Champion Chef Terry's award, prominent UPian visual artist Romi MananQuil sketched her likeness, and Terry emerged on canvas with her mischievous eyes and naughty smile well captured. Runner up Champion Fred Gamboa has not yet decided the date he and artist Omel Masalunga would sit with his sketch, as he and wife Diane had to leave the picnic early for another appointment.  

           The crowd heaved a collective sigh of relief that Rey Sabatin did not win because he threatened to pose naked in the shallow river in the nearby site of the barbecue grill, had  he got the prize. Moreover, Rey arrived early in order to cajole the artists among us to sketch him - no go!

            Meantime, Del Palileo was cool all the time; he said he enjoyed participating in the barbecue contest but really prefers to cook his signature "Dinuguan" anytime. He is being encouraged to organize  a "Dinuguan Cooking Contest" soon.

           UPian and president of the Philippine Artists Group, fresh from a successful artists festival in Coaticook, Quebec, led  some of their members in sketching the landscape in the park. Their obras are available for a very reasonable cost to UPians; proceeds will contribute towards our fundraising. 

            Inspite of an earlier forecast of rain, the Battle of the Iron Chefs enjoyed a sunny day. Iron Chef Champion Terry Chua was a last-minute contestant. One contestant pulled out in the last minute and organizers were worried; Terry was asked to purchase and marinade additional meat, and out of the blue, she declared, "Sali na nga ako!" She turned out to become the winner.

            2009 Iron Chef Champion Beth Ruivivar Vasquez said that as this UPAA event has morphed  into a popular annual gathering, a bigger contest will be organized next year.

             Consul General Minerva Falcon, also a UPian, arrived a little late; she missed the   heavenly tasting heaping barbecues as they were all consumed quickly by popular demand. However, she was content with other food on the groaning picnic tables. "Minna," as she is known to Upians and friends, expressed delight in joining UPAA events as she shared robust discussion and laughter amongst us.