By Ludy Duran
“An insightful experience.” This is how I could describe the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center team’s field trip to the Canva office on September 17,2024 with our dedicated team of 10 resident volunteers. It was full of learning opportunities and warm welcome from the Canva culinary team. After mid-morning snacks of cereal and coffee, Chef Chu, a key member of the Canva team, introduced us to Canva’s vibrant culture and the initiatives behind their in-house culinary operations. Chef Ruselle, one of the four main chefs at Canva, also joined to guide us through the day’s schedule.
The tour began in Canva’s state-of-the-art kitchen, where Chef Ruselle explained their unique approach to meal preparation, quality control, and ingredient sourcing. “Sana magawa natin ang ganitong kalinis at organized na kusina sa atin” (I hope we can make our kitchen as clean and as organized as this), one of our resident volunteers shared.
Vertical herb garden, Bokashi method
Our group was particularly impressed by the seamless coordination in the kitchen—a testament to the team’s dedication and the systematic management Canva has adopted. We also explored their storage areas, which gave us an idea of how crucial efficient organization and food safety measures are.
Next, we visited the dining area and alfresco space, complete with a vertical herb garden. This green, refreshing set-up not only provides fresh herbs for daily meal prep but also supports Canva’s eco-friendly approach to culinary operations. Following the dining area tour, we learned about Canva’s waste management practices, which mainly revolve around the Bokashi method, a composting method of fermentation. Canva’s commitment to minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices was clearly evident, and our volunteers appreciated the dedication and foresight for effective waste management.
One more chance
Definitely hungry, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch, which allowed us to enjoy Canva’s diverse menu firsthand. It was a perfect blend of taste and nutrition, showcasing the team’s expertise in providing wholesome meals.
Over-all, the experience was full of hope and promise. One of our resident volunteers shared his thoughts about the field trip, “May mga naalala ako sa aking nakaraan na sinayang ko, sana mabigyan ulit ako ng chance” (I remembered things that I wasted in the past, I hope I can still get another chance).