Beginning this Monday, April 8 at 11:15am, 9 finalists vie to become the first "Luto-Negosyo" star on TV5's reality cooking and business competition "Karinderya Wars."

Filipinos are known for their fondness and appreciation for good food. Slowly gaining popularity around the world, Filipino cuisine is as colorful as the country’s history. Favorites at the dining table are also as varied as they come: from the staple adobo and pancit to the elaborate paella and kare-kare. In celebration of all things related to Filipino food, TV5 and Futuretainment have cooked up the next big food program, Karinderya Wars.

Unlike other food-oriented programs, Karinderya Wars looks at Pinoy culinary classics in a different light. The show is the Philippines’ first search for the next “luto-negosyo” star and is hosted by known actor and food entrepreneur Marvin Agustin. Premiering on April 8 (Monday), the daily program looks at the humble karinderya as a testament to the Filipino’s passion for food. Combined with the Pinoy’s trademark street smarts and uncanny business sense, the humble karinderya could very well be the home of the next big name in the Filipino food industry.

What makes Karinderya Wars different is its practical view on setting up and sustaining a food business. Each week, one out of the nine finalists will be eliminated after a series of challenges to test their taste buds as well as their business savvy until the last contestant standing is proclaimed the winner. The winning finalist will then take home PhP1M worth of cash and negosyo showcase to help them start their own culinary empire.

The nine contestants vying for Karinderya Wars’ grand title are: former OFW Vivian Pinlac, self-proclaimed kitchen performer Cesar Enriquez, mother-figure Rose Estanol, lively Mary Jane Ahunciacion, all-around hottie Rona dela Rosa, hardworking Sha-Sha Resimolo, spice master Aashish Mirpuri, former model Aiman Perea and jolly Agot Evangelista. The show will not only test the contestants’ cooking—Karinderya Wars will also challenge them to be smart and practical when taking their food to the streets.

Karinderya Wars marks Marvin’s third project with the Kapatid Network, having been one of the hosts during last year’s Artista Academy and the executive producer for the recently-concluded reality singing search Kanta Pilipinas. Of the partnership with TV5, Marvin said: “Passionate talaga ako sa food and alam kong marami tayong mga Kapatid na may kaparehong hilig sa pagkain—sa pagluluto man o pagbebenta. Super thankful ako sa TV5 dahil with Karinderya Wars, maraming nabibigyan ng opportunity and nai-inspire para i-pursue ang pagkakaroon ng kabuhayan with food.”

Karinderya Wars premieres on April 8 (Monday) and will air weekdays at 11:15 AM on TV5. The show is presented by Knorr (Knorr Cubes, Knorr Complete Recipe Mix and Knorr Sinigang Mix), Alaska Condensada and Alaska Evaporada.