Culinary Movember |05 December 2025

Absa’s Men’s Forum hosts Movember cookoff with STA

The story of this year’s Movember celebrations unfolded in the heat and heart of the kitchen, where flavours, friendships, and purposeful conversations came together in a memorable chapter of collaboration.

The newly launched Absa Bank Seychelles’ Men’s Forum joined forces with the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) to host a vibrant Creole cookoff – an event crafted not just as a competition, but as a journey of learning and mentorship.

Held at the Seychelles Tourism Academy on Friday November 28, the event brought male and female Absa colleagues into a spirited showdown, each team supported by STA’s skilled culinary students. Together, they embarked on the challenge of preparing a blind five-course Creole-inspired menu – one that honoured Seychelles’ rich cultural heritage while testing teamwork, creativity, and technical skill.

The cookoff represented a new chapter in corporate engagement, where culinary adventure met community empowerment. The students, serving as sous-chefs, added their own narrative to the experience: a chance to apply their training in real time, guide new learners, and share the traditions of Seychellois cuisine.

From the early hours of preparation to the final plating, the kitchen became a space where diverse stories merged. The cookoff was months in the making, with Chef Ryan Marie of STA supervising menu development and observing teamwork throughout the week.

“I was shocked at how fast the Absa teams developed their ideas and brought them to life. They adapted to a completely new environment within a matter of hours and were able to serve their guests without fail. Considering that these individuals are not culinary professionals, what they accomplished in such a short time was truly impressive. The hard work and sheer determination they displayed was inspiring to watch,” affirmed Chef Ryan.

Absa’s commercial director and Patron of Men at the Core, Vincent Otim, described the initiative as an important Movember activity aimed at supporting male staff and dismantling stereotypes. “We wanted to break that stereotype that men don't belong in the kitchen,” he said. “This was about building confidence and showing what men can do,” he added.

Participation was voluntary and inclusive, drawing employees from corporate banking, governance, operations, and retail – each adding their own story to the shared journey.

For the six STA students assisting both teams, the cookoff served as a formative chapter in their training.

“Quite an impressive outcome in regard to the end product. Regarding the kitchen brigade, they were collaborating and the learners also showed team building. It is a good initiative, and I think collaboration should repeat again,” expressed Velma Agricole, In-Service Head of Programme at the Seychelles Tourism Academy.

The distinguished judging panel featured Velma Agricole, Chef Robin Etienne (Executive Chef at Avani+ Hotel), Chef Jean-Luc Savy (Freelance Chef), Valerie Vital and Marcus Fred (representatives of Absa) and Chef Ryan Marie from STA. They assessed the dishes through a blind tasting that measured creativity, presentation, and flavour. Their feedback offered professional insight and added depth to the friendly rivalry.

After all dishes were sampled, the men’s team emerged as the winners of the 2025 Absa Movember cookoff challenge. Their culinary journey was shaped by teamwork between Randolph Monthy, Wayne Gendron, Jeshua Cedras, Benjamin Herbu, and Alvin Mondon. The women’s team, comprising Hanifa Eugenie, Verita Leon, Aisha Padayachy, Sylvia Morel and Terina Telemaque, delivered an equally commendable performance, showcasing talent and dedication.

All participants were recognised by the Absa gift bags, and the winning team received trophies marking their achievement. The chairman of the Men's Forum, Marlon Esparon, presented the management and team of STA with tokens marking the collaboration.

Beyond the flavours and friendly rivalry, the cookoff spotlighted Movember’s deeper mission: encouraging conversations around men’s health and mental wellbeing. The Men’s Forum and Absa Seychelles both underscored the importance of supporting male colleagues through initiatives that build confidence, provide safe spaces, and promote open dialogue.

The cookoff forms part of an ongoing collaboration between Absa Bank Seychelles and the Seychelles Tourism Academy – one that aims to promote practical learning, cultural appreciation, and community engagement. For the Men’s Forum and all partners involved, the event marks the beginning of many more chapters that inspire unity, wellbeing, and shared experiences.

As this year’s culinary journey concludes, it leaves behind a rich story of teamwork, mentorship, and purpose – proof that the most meaningful chapters are often written together.

Contributed