Phoebe Kate Bastian Gut-omen, a proud Igorot baker from Sabangan, Mountain Province, has won the World Chelsea Bun Awards Bake-off Competition 2023. Her Chelsea Bun, made with locally sourced ingredients, was declared the winner in the Instagram Category (non-live tasting) held on May 17, 2023 at Partridges in Chelsea, London, UK.
The World Chelsea Bun Awards Bake-off Competition is an annual event that is open to bakers from all over the world. The competition is designed to revive the baking of Chelsea Buns, a traditional British pastry that is made with a sweet, buttery dough. Chelsea Buns were first created in the Chelsea area of West London in the 17th century. They quickly became popular with the British Royal Family, and they have been a favorite pastry in the UK ever since.
Gut-omen's victory is a significant achievement for her and for the Cordillera region. She is the first Cordilleran baker to win the World Chelsea Bun Awards Bake-off Competition. Her victory is a testament to the skill and creativity of Cordilleran bakers, and it is sure to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
The judges for the competition were impressed with Gut-omen's Chelsea Buns. They praised the buns for their creative presentation, use of locally sourced ingredients, and overall well-thought-out presentation. The panel of judges included:
- Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent
- Actor and patron Lady Jane Asher
- Sir John Shepherd, the owner of Partridges
- Sir Munther Huddad, Chairman of the Children Surgery Foundation
Gut-omen is a beneficiary of the Department of Trade and Industry's Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa program, which provides financial assistance and training to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Philippines.
Gut-omen is grateful for the support she has received from her patrons all over Mountain Province. She is also grateful for the opportunity to compete in the World Chelsea Bun Awards Bake-off Competition. She hopes that her victory will inspire other Cordilleran bakers to pursue their dreams.
"I would like to take this opportunity to voice out tourism in my small town of Sabangan," Gut-omen said in an interview with Igorotage. "I am humbled to have won this award, and I hope that it will help to bring more attention to my hometown."
Gut-omen also expressed her desire to join TV shows such as the Great British Bakeoff.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article! You can connect with Phoebe Kate Bastian Gut-omen on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about her baking journey and her bakery, Parisian Bakery.
