BrightSpathlight | July 2025 Edition Apalit, Pampanga | Student in Australia | Future Hospitality Leader
A Culinary Vision with Global Flavor
This month’s BrightSpathlight shines on Sarah Joy B. Silvestre, a passionate Filipina from Apalit, Pampanga, whose journey blends ambition, skill, and deep family values. From a classroom in Bulacan to culinary training in Australia, Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue growth — especially when it’s anchored in purpose.
On July 21, 2023, Sarah’s Australian student visa was granted with the help of BrightPath Visa Consultancy, marking the beginning of her international academic journey. She is currently completing her Certificate IV in Kitchen Management and Diploma of Hospitality Management at Canberra College of Management and Technology (CCMT), located at Level 5, 162 Goulburn St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010. Her sights are set on completing the Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management — her personal “icing on the cake.”
Where She Is Now: A Slice of Life in Australia
Currently, Sarah is working at Compass Group Australia as a Catering Assistant at the Uniting Thomas Bowden Retirement Village in 279 Morrison Road, Ryde, NSW 2112. From preparing meals to serving with a smile, she finds joy in combining her skills with purpose — bringing comfort and nourishment to the elderly community she serves daily.
Academic Foundations & Global Pursuits
Sarah is a proud alumna of Bulacan State University in Malolos, where she earned her Bachelor of Industrial Technology major in Foods. Her academic journey was defined by dedication and performance — earning CHED recognition for Outstanding Academic Achievement in 2013 and maintaining a solid GWA of 85.
These foundations would soon lead her into the food industry — and eventually, into the world of international education. Her academic and technical background gave her a clear edge, but her heart for service is what truly sets her apart.
Family First, Family Fuel
Behind every milestone is a powerful support system. For Sarah, that means her close-knit family and their shared dreams.
“I am immensely grateful for my family, especially my brother Laurence, who not only runs our family business but also supports the entire process I need to take for me to be able to be here.”
Sarah’s journey isn’t just about personal success — it’s about building something greater for the people who’ve always believed in her. With her family’s encouragement and the support of her faith community, Sarah is making every moment of her international journey count.
From R&D Specialist to Culinary Visionary
Before her student life in Australia, Sarah held multiple leadership roles at Bounty Fresh Food Inc., one of the country’s top poultry brands. She rose from R&D Kitchen Specialist to Process Improvement Supervisor, overseeing three major processing plants in Central Luzon.
Her work combined food science, operational management, and innovation — but on weekends, she embraced a different role: culinary creative and hands-on chef for their family business.
Silvestre’s Events: Where Passion Meets Purpose
Launched in December 2019, Silvestre’s Events and Exquisite Style began as a small catering and event styling service. Today, it’s a growing local brand trusted by clients in Pampanga, Bulacan, and Manila.
Sarah plays an active role in everything from menu planning, food preparation, costing, to inventory management. Her dream? To transform Silvestre into a chain of resto-cafés that offer both great food and heartfelt service.
“Everything I’m learning here — from kitchen systems to hospitality standards — is an investment in our business back home.”
Why Australia? Why Now?
Sarah chose Australia because of its world-class education, vibrant culinary scene, and multicultural environment — ideal for anyone looking to grow in global hospitality.
Her chosen school, CCMT, is known for its industry-relevant curriculum, access to practical kitchen training, and nurturing support for international students. Today, she’s not just learning — she’s also forming lasting friendships, expanding her horizons, and growing every day.
Future Plans: A Businesswoman with a Mission
With her Advanced Diploma on the horizon, Sarah is already preparing her next chapter: bringing global knowledge back to local soil.
She plans to:
✅ Expand Silvestre into a chain of themed resto-cafés
✅ Introduce global flavors and best practices in hospitality
✅ Build a dog-friendly café as a nod to her passion project, Paw Chichay PH
✅ Train and hire local talent to support community development
“BrightPath gave me the confidence and support I needed to begin again — not from scratch, but from experience.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Sarah’s story reflects what we at BrightPath Visa Consultancy believe in: transforming lives through education, with a heart for purpose and a mind for possibility.
From Pampanga to Sydney, from family kitchens to professional culinary spaces — Sarah Joy Silvestre is just getting started.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our BrightSpathlight series.
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