The “Chief Baker – Season 2” Finale

CEBU, Philippines – Teams representing 10 participating schools showcased their winning bread recipes – all from surprise ingredients given to them during the competition held at the International School for Culinary and Hotel Management in sitio Panagdait, barangay Kasambagan. The school partnered with Julie’s Bakeshop in the holding of the competition.

For nine weeks, participating culinary students faced several sets of challenges. A set time limit added pressure to the contestants. Team members had to brainstorm, formulate recipes, and prepare the recipes all in only three hours.

On November 28, the contest was brought to The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu, where the season’s chief bakers were finally announced. Ma. Chryzl Castro, Angelo Villo, and Klent Jefferson Bering of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation were declared as the season’s winners. The winning bakers and their coach, Gloria Espiloy, received P30, 000 cash each. Their school received P300,000 pesos.

The first runner-up was the MGB Cebu team, composed of Boy Zwingly Señagan, Jazzy Kristine Buncad, and Andrea Samantha Librea. They and their coach, Felix Gabales, Jr. received P20, 000 each, while their school got P100, 000.

The team from Mandaue City College was second runner-up. Team members Eldie Barz, Lenie Calisang and Christopher Casals, and coach France Byron Guiuan, received Php 15,000 each.

“It is a way of encouraging [the students] to be more dedicated on their craft [as] bakers or chefs. And it is also our way of promoting entrepreneurship among them,” said Julie’s Bakeshop Corporate Communication Director Buen Bontigao. He added that Julie’s was happy that the competition contributed to the learning experience of the participating students.

The final round of “Chief Baker - Season 2” aired by delayed telecast on TV 5 last Sunday.