Philippine Airlines (PAL) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer as the airline’s new head of Catering Operations. The airline is confident that Chef Castillo-Archer’s expertise will enhance the dining experience for their passengers.
With an impressive culinary background, Chef Castillo-Archer brings a wealth of experience to her new role at PAL. Prior to joining the airline, she made history as the first female and first Filipino-American executive chef of Yamashiro, an iconic Hollywood restaurant in Los Angeles. During her time at Yamashiro, she became known as a talented and forward-thinking chef because of how she used creativity and innovation to make Asian fusion food.
PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Capt. Stanley K. Ng said, “Chef Val’s impressive track record and outstanding achievements in culinary arts make her an asset to PAL.”
“She is a welcome addition to the PAL family with her wealth of experience and creative vision. I am confident that she will pave the way for innovation and enhancement to the PAL inflight dining experience for our passengers to enjoy,” he emphasized.
Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer, the new head of Catering Operations at Philippine Airlines (PAL), is set to revolutionize the art of preparing in-flight meals for millions of passengers flying on PAL’s global network. With her extensive culinary experience and innovative approach, Chef Castillo-Archer is confident that she can introduce positive change to PAL’s Catering Operations.
“Leadership means making everyone feel part of the team. I look at teamwork as a dish. Every member of the team is a vital ingredient. All the ingredients will come together to produce desired results,” she explained.
To create the right momentum and synergy within the Catering Operations team, Chef Castillo-Archer said there are basic requirements. “I want to see passion for work, the right skills set for the job, communication and friendship.”
In order to get the greatest results, Chef Val and her team are redesigning the inflight menu in collaboration with supply chain partners. Also, she will be creating a special menu for PAL’s 82nd Anniversary, which will be made available to Business Class customers on flights from Manila to Australia and the United States starting in March.
“The distinct change is going back to the basics. It is going back to our roots. It is understanding what service is all about. The engagement between PAL and crew must be memorable.”
Her areas of expertise include food safety, menu development, quality control and team management.
Before working at Yamashiro, Chef Val had her own dessert shop. Her extensive network of connections includes A-listers from Hollywood. She has become a well-liked and influential person in the culinary world because to her philanthropic endeavors, which include giving shoes to underprivileged people in the Philippines and offering free meals in American hospitals.
She and her sister were reared by her grandparents for her first six years of life. Her father was a US Air Force employee. As a result, the family finally relocated to California, where she resided for 30 years until returning home last December 2022. Earlier relocations had taken place to Hawaii, Clark Air Base in Pampanga, and Hawaii. She was presented with the position of PAL’S new Executive Chef on this visit, which she eagerly and with confidence accepted.
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