Pinoy dishwasher noon, top Dubai chef ngayon

Working student si Ricardo Bojardor taking up career in law, nang magtrabaho siya as dishwasher sa isang five-star hotel sa Ermita, Manila para suportahan ang kanyang sarili.

“I began my first job in the kitchen as a dishwasher in one of the five-star hotels, followed by work in fast-food restaurants,” saad ni Bojador.

Ngayon, isa na siyang executive chef sa word-class, fine-dining restaurant sa Dubai.

Bicolano si Bojador, at napilitang mag-drop out sa kolehiyo para suportahan at maging breadwinner sa mga kapatid at magulang.

“In 2006, I moved to Dubai to have a better opportunity. I applied for a job in one of the best Japanese restaurants and received a reply from them the next day,” kuwento ni Bojador.

“Washing vegetables and receiving deliveries were my first responsibilities in the kitchen. I would come early from my usual shift so I could finish my task and have extra time to learn more,” saad niya sa interview with Rappler.

Matapos ang anim na buwan na pagtatrabaho bilang kitchen helper, nabigyan siya ng tsansa para patunayan ang sarili bago bigyan ng big break.

“The head chef let me work in the sushi bar. I was very happy and excited because it was what I had been waiting for,” ani Bojador.

Na-promote siya nang dalawang beses sa loob ng higit dalawang taon.

Nagsimula ang exposure ni Bajador sa high-end dining venues noong 2008 bilang demi chef sa Jumeirah Group Hotel kung saan nagtrabaho siya ng limang taon.

At noong 2013, isa na siyang senior sous chef sa Katsuya by Starck.

“Before the opening, I attended my brand training in Los Angeles, California USA where I learned the culture of the brand. After the training in US, they sent me to Kuwait to be a support group for the opening of the Katsuya restaurant in Middle East.”

Kalaunan ay naging head chef siya, at executive chef.

Nanalo ang Katsuya noong 2018 ng BBC Good Food Awards for Best Japanese Restaurant.

Ngayon, executive na si Bojador sa Wakame fine-dining restaurant na speciality ang innovative Asian cuisine sa Sofitel Hotel, Downtown Dubai.

Payo ni Bojador sa kapwa OFWs, “Focus lang po sa trabaho.

‘Wag susuko at higitan mo kung ano ang nagawa o na-accomplish mo kahapon. Every day dapat may progress ka, maliit man o malaki.”