November 23, 2025 | 11:50am
MANILA, Philippines — These days, cheese is no longer just sliced and paired with ham as filling for a sandwich, grated over freshly cooked spaghetti, cubed and mixed into macaroni salad, or sprinkled over pizza to give it a good finish and mouthfeel.
More and more people are learning that cheese is such a versatile ingredient that it can be used in plenty of savory and sweet applications, and the possibilities — from soups, salads and appetizers to main dishes, desserts and baked goodies — are endless. Given how many varieties of cheese, both commercial and artisanal, have emerged through the years makes the possibilities even more limitless.
As global appreciation for cheese’s limitless culinary potential continues to grow, more Filipino home cooks and professional chefs are deepening their knowledge on cheese, familiarizing themselves with its origins and production on how it can elevate even the most familiar recipes into amazing new creations.
Recognizing this growing interest in cheese that is happening in the Philippines, the USA Cheese Guild recently decided to bring its globally recognized USA Cheese Specialist Certification Program to the country.
The training initiative — the first of its kind — equips culinary students and professionals, retailers and importers with in-depth knowledge of cheese, from its history and production to practical use across diverse global cuisines.
For the culinary track, the Guild has partnered with the Center for Culinary Arts Manila (CCA Manila) to integrate a three-tiered certification program (Associate, Intermediate, Advanced) into the second-year curriculum. The program covers cheese families, proper storage and handling, and even artisanal cheese-making, thus giving students the skills to elevate Filipino dishes and innovate in the kitchen.
“By working directly with culinary students, we’re investing in the future of the food industry in the Philippines,” said Dali Ghazalay, regional director for Southeast Asia, USA Cheese Guild.
“These young chefs are the tastemakers of tomorrow, and equipping them with a deeper understanding of cheese, especially U.S. varieties, empowers them to push creative boundaries, elevate flavors, and make thoughtful choices in the kitchen. The USA Cheese Specialist™ certification isn’t just a credential — it’s a creative mindset. It encourages chefs to treat cheese not as an afterthought, but as a versatile, functional, and flavor-rich ingredient that can transform a dish,” Ghazalay added.
According to Dr. Veritas Luna, chancellor of CCA Manila, this milestone partnership enhances the school’s mission to uphold global culinary standards and foster culinary innovation.
“This partnership with the USA Cheese Guild is a milestone for CCA and our students. It supports our commitment to internationalization, sustainability, and continuous faculty development, while also giving our graduates a competitive edge that opens doors both locally and abroad,” Luna said.
Empowering the next generation of Filipino chefs, the USA Cheese Specialist Certification Program was first introduced in Singapore and continues its Southeast Asia expansion with a new chapter in the Philippines.
The program specifically uses cheeses from the United States of America because the U.S. cheese industry blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, producing cheese from high-quality cow’s milk, using sustainable farming practices and advanced food safety standards.
As the world’s largest single-country producer and exporter of cheese, the U.S. offers a multitude of varieties and formats, all crafted to perform well in cooking, deliver exceptional taste, and meet the evolving needs of chefs and food enthusiasts around the world.
Though this program is exclusive to CCA Manila’s culinary students, cheese education and inspiration can begin right at home.
Whether you’re an aspiring chef or a passionate home cook, here are a few simple ways to bring the magic of USA Cheeses into your own kitchen:
Use cheese with purpose
How cheese is prepared affects how it behaves in a dish. Grated cheese melts quickly and evenly, which is perfect for baked spaghetti or Kaldereta (Filipino beef stew). Crumbled cheese adds texture and bursts of flavor to salads or roasted vegetables. Try American Original varieties like U.S. Monterey Jack for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess or U.S. Pepper Jack for a buttery, spicy kick.
Add nutrition, not just flavor
Cheese is not just delicious. It is a great source of protein, calcium, and healthy fats. That means you’re getting real nutritional value with every bite.
Aged cheeses are also naturally low in lactose, making them a smart option for those with lactose sensitivity. And as the dairy proteins found in the cheeses contain all the essential amino acids the body needs but cannot make, they also support muscle development and overall wellness.
Don’t forget dessert
In Filipino cuisine, cheese also shines in dessert. Top a classic puto with melted U.S. Monterey Jack or use smooth, rich U.S. Cream Cheese in your baked treats.
For a unique twist, create a dessert cheeseboard featuring U.S. Cheddar, Gouda, and Cream Cheese paired with local fruits, nuts, or a cup of tsokolate.
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