Teacher Feature: Jerome Castro- Baking on National TV

Baking is an art that brings together creativity, technical skill, culture, and personal identity. These skills can lead to unexpected opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom or kitchen. At Tec Voc High School’s Baking and Pastry Arts program, instructor Jerome Castro demonstrates this every day, showing students how those skills translate into real world experiences. This spring, he competed as a contestant on popular Canadian reality baking show Bake Master Battle, representing Winnipeg School Division and bringing his craft and identity to a national stage.

A Teaching Style Rooted in Culture

Castro’s journey as a pastry chef began long before he stepped into a teaching role. As a graduate of Tec Voc’s own Culinary Arts program, he returned years later to give back to the same community that shaped him. “I’ve always wanted to work with kids in some capacity,” he shares. “Over time, that evolved into wanting to mentor and guide students who are figuring out their own paths.”

His classroom today reflects that philosophy, with a focus on hands-on, industry-based learning that is deeply rooted in relationships, culture, and community. “I believe food is one of the most powerful ways to connect people, so I try to create a space where students feel they can bring their backgrounds, their experiences, and their flavours.”

Throughout the program, students have opportunities to work with local businesses that mentor them in skills such as being a barista or working in a professional ice cream shop. They also take on real-world projects, including creating a dessert table this year for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“At the end of the day, I see my role as more than just teaching recipes or techniques. It’s about helping students build confidence, discipline, and a sense of identity through food.”

That same sense of connection and passion for the craft led him to the competition. After meeting Pastry Chef Marie Mallari of Sugar Blooms and Cakes while judging at Skills Manitoba 2024, the two bonded instantly. “She suggested we audition for the show together in July 2025,” Castro recalls. “After going through the process, we were selected for filming.”

Rising to the Challenge

The competition and filming itself was intensely defined by tight timelines and high expectations. Once in the kitchen, the pressure was immediate, Castro recalls. Contestants were challenged to create a towering spring themed waffle cake in just one hour followed by an elaborate dessert scape completed within three hours. “It was all about creativity under pressure” Castro explains. “Timers, cameras, judges…it forces you to trust your instincts.” Despite the stress, he found the experience energizing and credits the competition with pushing him to elevate his skills.

Filmed over a single day in August 2025 Castro and Mallari had to keep their participation under wraps until the episode aired this April 2026. “That waiting period was tough because you are excited but cannot tell anyone yet” he says.

A Sweet Victory

During their participation, Castro and Mallari impressed judges with desserts that combined refined technique and personal storytelling, ultimately winning the competition of that episode. Their creations highlighted bold vibrant Filipino flavours from pandan macarons with white chocolate ganache and calamansi curd, to a reimagined turon dessert. “It is hard to pinpoint one winning item” he says. “Everything we made focused on balance and telling a story on the plate.”

While the prize money was a rewarding bonus, Castro emphasizes that the bigger win was representation. “Being recognized on that platform representing my skills and my community meant a lot. This win was not just ours it was for the Filipino and Winnipeg community.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

For his students, Castro hopes experiences like these serve as both inspiration and a reminder of what is possible. “I want them to see that what we do in the classroom is real. It translates directly into the industry” he says. More than anything he encourages his students to take risks and embrace their identities. 

“Do not be afraid to take up space and share your culture through your work. There is value in your story and your perspective.” Through his teaching and his example, Castro continues to inspire the next generation of chefs and pastry chefs, proving that with passion, discipline and creativity, the path from classroom to national stage is closer than it seems.

Castro’s episode is part of Bake Master Battle Season 1 and can be watched on demand through Citytv+ and Amazon Prime Video.