Chef Mats Loo began his journey in Sweden at just 14, and is now shaping the future of culinary education in the Philippines through his institution, a top school since 2008, First Gourmet Academy.
For Chef Mats, food has always been more than just a profession—it’s been a lifelong journey across continents, cuisines, and cultures. Now based in the Philippines, he is transforming the local culinary scene through the school he co-founded to share his global expertise with aspiring chefs in Manila and beyond.
With a career that spans almost four decades, Mats brings Michelin experience gained from esteemed institutions such as Westra Piren in Gothenburg and Le Meridien’s Oak Room in London, both awarded stars in the Guide Michelin during his time with them. His journey also brought him to two of the world’s once beloved dining destinations, the controversial L’ortolan in Reading and the legendary Le Cirque in New York. As a young chef, Mats honed his skills in high-pressure, fine-dining environments, from the historic 18th century Villa Källhagen in Stockholm to Sweden’s oldest restaurant Tanums Gestgifveri, developing a deep command of classical techniques and modern innovations.
Beyond the walls of traditional kitchens, Mats also served as executive chef on luxury cruise liners, overseeing multi-outlet galleys, global menus, and international culinary teams—from the M.S. Endeavour and M.S. Polaris, where he directed operations with ship-wide responsibilities, to Silversea’s Silver Cloud, where he helped launch the prestigious onboard Relais & Châteaux restaurant La Saletta, in collaboration with corporate chef Rudi Scholdis. He also headed culinary operations aboard Silja Line’s Silja Symphony and Finnjet, managing large Asian and East European brigades while setting standards for food quality and service excellence across up to six restaurants per ship.
Today, all of that knowledge flows into the curriculum at First Gourmet Academy in Quezon City and Ortigas. Students learn directly from Mats and his equally well-experienced instructors, chefs Thomas Paul and Jojo Bolivar, teaching not just techniques, but a philosophy of professionalism and discipline, adaptability, and deep respect for ingredients and tradition.
“For me, this isn’t just about teaching recipes or techniques,” Mats says. “It’s about preparing people and giving them confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose they’ll carry for life.”
His philosophy comes to life at the academy’s restaurant, Fika, where every dish reflects Mats’ belief that food is built on connection. This is a place where Filipino flavors and traditions are honored, shared, and preserved. It is also a workplace committed to inclusivity, welcoming Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) to its kitchen team.
Through First Gourmet Academy and Fika Restaurant, Mats is training a new generation of chefs equipped with international knowledge, local pride, and a deep love for the craft. The story of First Gourmet Academy is still being written in kitchens, in classrooms, and in every student who dares to dream.
First Gourmet Academy opens new intakes every six weeks and offers the following culinary programs: Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts, and International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry.Upcoming intakes are set for May 12, June 16, and August 11, 2025 with classes held at their Quezon City and Ortigas branches.
The school also offer free sit-in classes, and interested participants may inquire by calling tel. nos. 8951-9655 or (0917) 709-6731, by sending an email to info@firstgourmetacademy.com, or by visiting their website at www.firstgourmetacademy.com.
Follow their social media pages on facebook.com/firstgourmetph, instagram.com/firstgourmetph, and tiktok.com/@firstgourmetacademyph.
