Pilmico, Max’s Corner Bakery Names First Tinapay Natin Pinoy Bread Baking Champions

It was an early start for everyone on 14 October – the Grand Finals of the #TinapayNatin Pinoy Bread Baking competition. Competing teams from Benguet, Iloilo and Cavite were both anxious and excited. The three pairs were vying for a very attractive prize – a chance to sell their Pinoy breads in over 150 Max’s Corner Bakery stores all throughout the Philippines of which part of the proceeds will be given to their chosen charity.

Out of the many teams we have met from the three legs of the competition, the three finalists each had their unique story to offer. Not just about their Pinoy breads, but also how they got inspired to join #TinapayNatin.

But, as with any competition, only one can be declared the champion. And for year 2016, it is Roy Tabocolde and Greegy Cabarrubias from Iloilo City.

 

Road to the Finals

Roy and Greegy are fourth year culinary students in St. Therese MTC Colleges, La Fiesta in Iloilo City. When asked why they decided to join the competition, the culinary seniors said:

“Na-inspire kaming sumali sa Tinapay Natin para ma-prove namin sa magulang namin na hindi lang kami puro gala; na mayroon din kaming skills sa pag-bake and gusto namin na mas maging proud sila sa amin. Malaking karangalan din po na ma-represent namin ang Iloilo.”

Shortly after they won the semi-finals of Tinapay Natin, Roy and Greegy did not waste time. They practiced furiously for 15 days with their coaches to improve their award-winning breads: Cagayan Pastel and the Ensaymada Royale.

They also created a brand new recipe, the Sesame Streusel Roll — their own take on the classic cinnamon roll, but better.

“Ginawa po namin itong recipe na ito kasi gusto namin ma-innovate yung classic na cinnamon roll. Bagong lasa ang makukuha nila sa toasted sesame and caramelized sugar, ka-pareha ng butterscotch na nabibili sa amin,” Roy and Greegy explained.

 

A Resounding Win

Juggling studies and baking proved to be a challenge for the aspiring Chefs. But they did not give up, especially when they learned they had a bigger prize to receive if they win the competition – a full scholarship.

“Napaka ganda po ng prize na makukuha namin sa Tinapay Natin pero isa pa din po sa nagpa-inspire sa amin na ibigay ang best namin ay dahil sa makukuhang scholarship na ibibigay ng school namin. Malaking bagay po sa aming dalawa ito, mas lalo na sa magulang namin na kumakayod araw-araw para sa pag-aaral namin.”

Following hours of intense preparation, baking and waiting, Roy and Greegy were declared the very first #TinapayNatin champions. The judges’ decision were unanimous, their breads were truly an innovative yet familiar take on a Filipino staple – ang Tinapay Natin. Recipes that are easily identifiable as Filipino but can compete on the international stage.

“Sa lahat ng gustong mag-bake, parati niyo lang tatandaan na maganda ang magiging produkto pag galing sa puso. Dapat may pagmamahal ang lahat ng ginagawa,” Roy and Greegy proudly said.

Congratulations Roy and Greegy! Continue inspiring others with your love and passion for elevating Pinoy breads!