I am one of the 60 finalists in ABS-CBN’s Junior Master Chef Pinoy edition. Unknown to many viewers, there was a huge amount of work involved in the production of JMC. We went through typhoon, traffic, early mornings, late nights, anxiety, pressure. But we also went through excitement, curiosity, friendships, and a lot of cooking.
To my new found friends- the junior master chefs in their own right, I congratulate you. Whether still in the competition or not, all of us deserve a pat on the back for what we have been through. I am writing this blog for you, my friends – the first JMC Pinoy Edition top 60 contestants. Read on….
The top 60 kids
Almost all of you joined Junior Master Chef because you all love cooking and want to learn more about it. Maybe some of you just want to be seen on TV — there’s nothing wrong with that….=)
Together, we anxiously went to the ABS-CBN building for the General Assembly . We looked in amazement as we viewed the set for shows like The Price Is Right, Asap, UKG and other news rooms. We shared a buffet and a mass that blessed us as JMC contestants.
We went to a tour in the ABS-CBN building
The next day , we went to Treston college for training.
First day at Treston
We were there for 2 weeks because we had to practice for the challenge on June. We went through traffic and rains together.
On our first taping day, we got to know each other better during all the long waiting hours. We played, laughed, talked, slept, and cooked together. I miss seeing you everyday. I don’t want to forget you, my friends. I want you to be my friends for a very long time.
Gilbert, you are kind and funny. You always talk to me when I’m alone and you are a good friend.
Eman, you’re a funny person, a good chef and a quiet kid. Don’t stop cooking.
Von, you’re a nice kid because you are quiet , a great chef and a good friend. I miss talking with you when we were waiting around at JMC.
Caitlin, I like hearing cooking tips from you. You said I should always have the right temperature when cooking meals or desserts.
Tricia Baylosis, I don’t mind if you are rich. What I like about you is that you’re you…..
To my favorite JMC tita, Tita Jane Go , I like you because you give me good advice about cooking. You told me once that I had perfect timing. You also told me that there are many cooking contests that I can join .
I also want to thank Kiel, Church, Edward,Yeng, Trisha, Bianca, Jek, Iain, Jhun Ray, Gino, Patrick, Louise Almazar, Philip and the others, for all the fun we had.
Dont forget to cook. But more importantly, like my friend , Pinoy Food writer, Chun Valencia, similarly told me about writing —- always cook with your heart.
It is with honor that I am writing down the names of the first JMC Pinoy edition ‘s top 60 on my blog. Here they are:
- Caitlin Taluban, Quezon City
- Enrico Feria, Quezon City
- Emman Buquid, Muntinlupa
- Kiel Catacutan, Pampanga
- Tricia Baylosis, Batangas
- Trisha Tumbali, Cainta
- Gino Yang, Muntinlupa
- Yeng Titong, Manila
- Aj Guadalupe, Davao
- Bianca Dimapilis, Antipolo
- Cy Yap, Pasig
- Tia Yap, Pasig
- Patrick Baldosano, Parañaque
- Franz Dacanay, San Juan
- Franz Tacuyan, General Santos
- Jek Petalio, Naga
- Iain Johnston, Baguio
- Church Palacio, Cebu
- Inday Lee, Iloilo
- Gilbert Go, Quezon City
- Jeanill Migraso, Quezon City
- Jhun Ray Cañete, Cebu
- Jobim Jalbuena, Makati
- Joey Liwanag, Pasay
- Louise Almazar, Davao
- Louise Mabulo, Naga
- Judel Bautista, Quezon Province
- Mic Mic Alebusa, Iloilo
- Mika Tanaka, Quezon City
- Miko Manzano, Caloocan
- Nique Ybanez, Naga
- Philip Amarillo, Cebu
- Acee Salangsang, General Santos
- Roldan Lantinazo, Naga
- Shatze Ramos, Pangasinan
- Stephen Se, Makati
- Von Kilayko, Parañaque
- Zoe Gabon, Naga
- Venisse Navarro, Bulacan
- Kyle Imao, Marikina
- Lao Flores, Makati
- Mona Buenaflor, Naga
- Courtney Jimenez, Pampanga
- Precious Flores, Cebu
- Nadine Lee Oliver, Naga
- Toto Maapni, Iloilo
- Alexa Apostol, Quezon City
- Athena Garcia, Baguio
- Edward Bonto, San Juan
- Carla Carangdang, Batangas
- Darylle Aviz, Valenzuela
- Juday Vinasoy, Valenzuela
- Gelo Abrenica, Antipolo
- Bea Atienza, Davao
- Trisha Mallari, Pampanga
- Leslie Conopio, Davao
- Doneth Rapanut, Iloilo
- G-ann Magbanua, Bacolod
- Janine Sayson, Bacolod
- Chloe Nicolas, Quezon City
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