Chef Victor Dagatan, a world-renowned ice sculptor, has been appointed as the ice sculpture coach for Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, the organization announced recently.
Dagatan, currently the pastry chef at Grande Lakes Orlando, brings a wealth of experience and accolades to his new role. A five-time world champion in ice carving, he has also claimed the Best Ice Carver Trophy at the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie in Lyon, France, in both 2017 and 2019.
Born in Paete Laguna, a small village on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, Dagatan’s artistic journey began with wood carving, a craft his family has practiced for generations. This early exposure to sculpting laid the foundation for his future career in ice carving.
“In Paete Laguna, Philippines, where I’m from, ‘Paete’ translates to ‘chisel’ in English, so carving and chiseling is in my blood,” Chef Victor Dagatan explained in an interview. “I learned how to carve wood from my father, and when I moved to the [United] States, I realized there are so many more things you can carve. I started working in hotels in 1999 because there was a demand for carving—whether it was ice, chocolate, fruit, or vegetables. I figured, if I can carve wood, I can carve anything.”
“My background in wood carving definitely influenced my approach to ice sculpting,” Dagatan said in a recent interview. “The precision and attention to detail required in both art forms are remarkably similar.”
After obtaining his hospitality and culinary degree in Manila, Dagatan’s career took him from Holiday Inn to Marriott, and eventually to the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando., where he has been honing his craft since 2017.
Dagatan’s transition from wood to ice was not without challenges. “Ice carving is physically demanding and requires adapting to extreme cold,” he explained. “But with determination and lots of warm clothing, I was able to master this new medium.”
His philosophy of tackling challenges with an open mind and team spirit has served him well throughout his career. “Through trials and errors, success will prevail,” Dagatan often says, embodying the perseverance that has led to his numerous achievements.
As the new ice sculpture coach for Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, Dagatan aims to share his expertise and inspire the next generation of ice sculptors. His appointment is expected to strengthen the team’s position in future international competitions.
Club Coupe du Monde Team USA, which competes in the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie in Lyon, France, has high hopes for Dagatan’s contribution to their future success.
“Victor’s exceptional skills and international experience make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Stéphane Chéramy, president of Club Coupe du Monde Team USA. “We’re excited to see how his expertise will elevate our performances in upcoming competitions.”
Dagatan’s appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring of the Club Coupe du Monde Team USA’s executive board, signaling a new era for American pastry arts on the global stage.
His appointment also underscores Club Coupe du Monde Team USA’s commitment to excellence and artistic growth, promising a new era of creativity and skill in their future competitions.