Introducing Association House's Culinary Program Facilitator, Chef Tenoch Ang! After many years of planning and strategizing, Association House launched its culinary program for returning and justice-involved citizens in 2022. With over three decades worth of experience, Chef passes on his expertise in the culinary field and prepares graduates for positions in professional kitchens.
Tell us a little about yourself!
I am half Chinese, half Filipino, and multilingual. I love to cook and eat. I was an International Banker after graduating college, but I found myself cooking and baking after working in the bank. My father was a chef in China, who discouraged me from being a cook/chef, as he believed that people in the culinary business are not paid very well.
What about your work inspires you?
Since I was 18, I have loved to cook, bake, and travel exploring the food of the world. Through cooking, I want to be able to be of service to the community. I love to teach and share my experiences to people who don't have the financial resources to take up culinary.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment at Association House?
I have been told several times that the management of Association House has been eagerly and actively planning to put up a culinary program for years. Finally, we did it last year, amidst the difficulties!
What's a fun fact about yourself?
I love learning different languages. I speak Chinese Mandarin, Chinese Taiwanese, Chinese Fookien, Filipino or Tagalog, English and am currently honing my Spanish. I was a professional Folkloric Dancer when I was in college, and a martial artist with a specialization on jitkundo. During my free time or weekends, I explore the food of new restaurants. My favorite dish is paella.