Iron Bar Chef in Philippines Gets Attention

A show called Iron Bar Chef in the Philippines is getting international attention. The program that was started by the Manila’s New Bilibid Prison puts six teams of inmates against each other, tasking them to create an appetizer, a main course and a dessert in 60 minutes.

This is an effort of the largest Philippine prison to make inmates productive while in prison. Most of the inmates who participated worked as chef before they entered jail.

One of the judges, executive chef Mark Crisologo of All Seasons Resort in Katherine, Australia, was impressed.

“I was very surprised with the dishes that they created, with the limited time and the limited resources,” he said.

The contestants were delighted with the day, both with their gourmet creations and cash prizes. The top winning team received P15,000 ($340) while runners-up got P5,000.