Joanne Limoanco-Gendrano

Chef Joanne started her career in advertising before deciding to make the big move to join the culinary scene. Now, more than 20 years after completing her culinary education, she has gained holistic experience by working in different F&B establishments from catering, restaurants, academe, and hotels. Her last post before joining UFS was executive sous chef at the Dusit Thani Manila, being one of the first females to break the male dominated kitchen hierarchies in a 5-star hotel during that time.

In between her various roles, Chef Joanne also worked part-time as a culinary instructor for Manila’s prestigious De La Salle University, at the College of St Benilde’s School of Hotel & Restaurant Institution Management. This has led her to become more passionate about providing continuous learning to people working in F&B, which inspired one of her earlier projects for UFS, the Chefmanship Academy. 

Throughout her years working for UFS, Chef Joanne has remained a strong believer in constant self-improvement. She threw herself back in the culinary competition scene which earned her awards that eventually led her to become a WACS certified judge. She has also helped friends open their own restaurants and even did pop-ups with her husband who is also a chef. She is now navigating her way around styling and photography. 

Being a Filipino from Chinese descent, Chef Joanne brings in the Pan-Asian perspective to the team in the region along with her vast experience in continental cuisine.  Follow her on Instagram @hellochefjo to learn more about her work. 

Fun Fact: 

Outside of work, Joanne finds joy in improving herself in barre classes and yoga & de-stressing at Sephora.