Filipino chef Millena Kristie Dahino has been appointed Executive Chef of AURA SKYPOOL, the world’s highest 360° infinity pool in Dubai. A graduate of Enderun Colleges’ BS International Hospitality Management with Specialization in Culinary Arts, Class of 2011, and the Alain Ducasse Formation programme, now known as École Ducasse Manila, she also becomes Sunset Hospitality Group’s first female Executive Chef. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Filipino culinary professionals, women in hospitality leadership, and the growing global presence of Enderun alumni.

What Is AURA SKYPOOL?

Rising 210 meters above Palm Jumeirah, AURA SKYPOOL is recognized as the world’s highest 360° infinity pool. The destination offers uninterrupted panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, the Arabian Gulf, and some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, making it one of the Middle East’s premier lifestyle and dining destinations.

As Executive Chef, Chef Millena leads the culinary vision behind AURA SKYPOOL’s dining experience. Her role encompasses menu development, culinary innovation, kitchen operations, team leadership, and maintaining the level of excellence expected from one of Dubai’s most iconic hospitality destinations.

Why Is Chef Millena Dahino’s Appointment Significant?

Chef Millena’s appointment represents more than an individual career milestone.

She becomes Sunset Hospitality Group’s first female Executive Chef, reflecting a landmark achievement for both the company and women pursuing leadership roles in the culinary industry.

Her promotion also highlights the increasing influence of Filipino chefs in global hospitality. As more Filipino culinary professionals take on executive positions across leading hotels and restaurants worldwide, they continue to demonstrate the creativity, resilience, and leadership that have become hallmarks of Filipino hospitality.

A Leader Already Recognized Across the Middle East

Before her appointment as Executive Chef, Chef Millena had already established herself as one of the region’s respected culinary leaders.

She was recognized among Caterer Middle East’s Women in F&B 2025, an annual recognition honoring influential women shaping the future of hospitality across the Middle East.

The recognition celebrated not only her culinary expertise but also her collaborative leadership style, commitment to mentoring young chefs, and belief that exceptional dining experiences begin with empowered teams. Throughout her career, Chef Millena has emphasized the importance of creating kitchens where innovation, continuous learning, and mutual respect thrive alongside technical excellence.

Where Did Chef Millena Kristie Dahino Study?

Chef Millena graduated from Enderun Colleges with a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with Specialization in Culinary Arts in 2011.

She also completed the Alain Ducasse Formation programme, now known as École Ducasse Manila, where she further developed the classical techniques, discipline, and culinary philosophy inspired by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse.

Her education combined hospitality management with rigorous culinary training, providing the foundation for a career that has taken her from the Philippines to leadership roles within one of the Middle East’s most respected hospitality groups.

What Can Aspiring Chefs Learn from Her Journey?

Chef Millena’s career demonstrates that success in hospitality is built through continuous growth, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence.

From mastering the fundamentals of the kitchen to leading diverse culinary teams in one of the world’s most competitive hospitality markets, her journey illustrates that technical skill alone is not enough. Leadership, collaboration, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning are equally essential qualities for building a successful international career.

For aspiring chefs, her story is a reminder that every stage of the journey, from culinary school to professional kitchens, contributes to becoming a leader capable of inspiring others.

Enderun Graduates Making Their Mark Around the World

Chef Millena joins a growing community of Enderun graduates who have built successful careers across leading hotels, restaurants, resorts, cruise lines, and hospitality companies around the world.

Her appointment as Executive Chef of AURA SKYPOOL reflects the global opportunities available to hospitality professionals who combine technical expertise with strong leadership and an international perspective. As Filipino talent continues to gain recognition on the world stage, stories like Chef Millena’s inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals to pursue excellence wherever their careers may take them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Chef Millena Kristie Dahino?

Chef Millena Kristie Dahino is a Filipino chef and a graduate of Enderun Colleges’ BS International Hospitality Management with Specialization in Culinary Arts, Class of 2011. She currently serves as Executive Chef of AURA SKYPOOL in Dubai and is Sunset Hospitality Group’s first female Executive Chef.

What is AURA SKYPOOL?

AURA SKYPOOL is the world’s highest 360° infinity pool, located atop The Palm Tower in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. It is internationally recognized for its panoramic views, luxury hospitality experience, and destination dining.

Why is Chef Millena Dahino’s appointment important?

Her appointment makes her Sunset Hospitality Group’s first female Executive Chef while placing a Filipino chef at the helm of one of Dubai’s most iconic hospitality destinations. It also reflects the growing influence of Filipino culinary professionals in global hospitality leadership.

What is École Ducasse Manila?

École Ducasse Manila is the Philippine campus of the internationally renowned École Ducasse network. Formerly known as the Alain Ducasse Formation programme, it offers world-class culinary education in partnership with Enderun Colleges.

What did Chef Millena study at Enderun?

Chef Millena earned a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with Specialization in Culinary Arts from Enderun Colleges and completed the Alain Ducasse Formation programme, now known as École Ducasse Manila.