the guardian

With a degree in Management from the Ateneo de Manila University, Gigi Varua’s journey with wine started at the Culinary Institute of America where she earned an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts.

During a three-week intensive wine class, her wine professor took her under his wing after showing immense promise. She returned to the Philippines, running Chef Jessie Sincioco’s wine program for 4 years. Given her experience, she earned her certified sommelier pin from the Court of Master Sommelier Americas in 2012. She hopes to share and encourage the appreciation of wine, as she leads guests to understand the nuances of wine flavors while being paired with their dishes at Gallery Vask.