Pasig City. Philippines – After the exciting Davao and Sariaya leg of URC Flour’s “Bida sa Masa”, Search for Bida Bakerpreneur, it’s time for the Pasigueno’s to showcase their baking and entrepreneurial skills.
Five finalists from the Home Baker and five from the Pro Baker category trooped to Baker John Academy to compete for the Pasig leg of this year’s most anticipated baking contest, sponsored by the country’s leading flour brand from URC.
The event, a flagship initiative of URC Flour’s “Flourish Pilipinas” program, brought together over 80 passionate bakers from Sariaya, Quezon, Davao City and Pasig City, all vying for the chance to turn their baking dreams into a thriving business. After screening from the distinguished panel of judges from URC including brands and technical team, ten finalists from each of the areas represented showcased their original recipes.
For the Pasig leg, finalists from different parts of the city, including nearby areas prepared their special baked goodies, much to the delight of the judges.
The success of the URC Flour Bida sa Masa 2025, Pasig leg, would not have been possible without the discerning expertise and guidance of our esteemed panel of judges. Their deep understanding of the culinary arts, coupled with their passion for Filipino baking, ensured that only the most deserving “Bida Bakerpreneurs” advanced.
Leading the panel is Chef Junjun De Guzman. He was joined by Alrie Joy Torres, URC Flour Product Development and Services Manager, Chinkee Andres, URC Flour Marketing Manager. Pasig LGU were also represented with Angie Roldan and Karen Cruz, Barangay Councilors of Rosario, Pasig City. Rounding out the panel is Wilmar Baguinan, food blogger and content creator.
Together, these judges brought a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to excellence, providing invaluable feedback and mentorship to the aspiring bakers. Their dedication not only elevated the competition but also inspired the next generation of baker-entrepreneurs to continue pushing the boundaries of their craft. We extend our sincerest gratitude to them for their time, effort, and for helping us find the best of the best.
The Pasig leg saw participants, including students and graduates from the Pasig City Institute of Science and Technology (PCIST), undergo a series of stages aimed at honing their skills.
For the Home Baker category, Carol Llabres and her Pie de Marikeno: Everlasting Edition was chosen first place while Maricris Lustre Montero and her Kreamy Kesong Puti Broccoli Bread will be representing Pasig for the championship round, happening on September 26-28.
It was a very tough competition to begin with. Pasig bakers were all ready for the baking showdown. Home Bakers raised the bar with their delicious creations. Kathleen B. Benoza and her Spicy Mexican Chocolate Cream Puffs. Lovely May Balauro teased the crowd with her Butterfly Pea Flower Cake (Blue Ternate). Giselle Caceres Nipa brought her Water Lily Yema Cake. Lastly, Precious Glory Santos shared her Cocquash Cake.
For the Pro Baker division, Delilah V. Polintan introduced her PURBONZO 2.0. Kristin Arielle Adiova gave us her Chicken Ala king Ensaymada (Parade of Ensaymada). Marilou D Limbo mesmerized the judges and guests with her PAN DE BUKID with Kangkong. Another very creative recipe from Via Salazar Balinquit and her Healthy Tinapa- Bangus Floss Bread
The regional legs, which also took place in Sariaya, Quezon, and Davao City, serve as preliminary rounds to identify the top baking talents. The finalists from each city will then proceed to the final championship to compete for the grand prize. Champions from each category will receive a total of P100,000.00 which includes a P70,000.00 cash prize and P30,000.00 worth of baking equipment and URC flour products. Finalists who make it to the championship will also be awarded a consolation prize of P30,000.00 consisting of P20,000.00 cash and P10,000.00 worth of baking equipment and URC flour products.
The URC Flour “Bida sa Masa” event is a testament to URC’s commitment to supporting the Filipino baking community and fostering a nation of baker-entrepreneurs. By providing aspiring bakers with the necessary tools, knowledge, and resources, URC is helping them take a crucial step towards achieving their dreams and contributing to the local economy.
Now that we already have the finalists from Sariaya, Davao and Pasig, all roads will go to Baker John Academy for the final round as we get to witness, who will be this year’s champion of URC Flour’s Bida sa Masa, the Search for the Next Bakerpreneur.
