Filipino’s creations and works of art continue to impress the global arts scene, this time in the field of cake designs as Filipina pastry chef Jade Saducas was hailed as the first Filipina cake designer world champion, representing the United Arab Emirates and millions of Filipinos around the world.
In the latest episode of TFT Lifestyle TV, Chef Jade shared her humble beginnings as an artist from a laidback family in the provinces back home in the Philippines: “We lived in the province and we didn’t even have a colouring book! We didn’t have that option like I was colouring at a colored book,”
The award-winning chef shared that she first started sculpting at a young age. I was trying to discover myself, like after it rains I try to sculpt under the house because there’s this clay. It’s not like the other sosyal kids like they have this clay doh, me I had this real clay that I was sculpting. Putik talaga. While I was doing that, I discovered that I can sculpt in cakes,” shares Saducas.
Creating remarkable cake designs
Chef Jade realized that she can divert her frustration from her childhood having limited resources and channel her creativity through each pastry and cake that she creates: “I discovered that I can sculpt using fondant – that’s where everything started. And I was just passionate and that’s where I diverted my frustration, through cakes because I can sculpt, I can paint, I can design dresses on cakes. I can challenge myself.”
Growing up to her adult years, she first tried to juggle a corporate job, a photography stint, while baking on the side. However her mind was already set to being a successful chef. “When a big company in Dubai asked me to join them, I did not hesitate to say yes because I really wanted to be a chef,” shares Chef Jade.
Representing the UAE and Philippines through works of art
Chef Jade managed to learn about the competition when her boss Mr. Andy placed his trust on her to carry the UAE flag and represent both the company and the country at the competition. “When Mr. Andy told me to compete, I took it as a big responsibility. I’m bringing the name of the United Arab Emirates to the world. I remember before going to Italy that Mr. Andy told me that ‘Jade, bring home the gold.’ I felt that it was a very big weight on my heart like, and I just said ‘Jade, just relax and enjoy the competition,” recalls Chef Jade.
However it wasn’t all smooth flowing as Chef Jade also shared that she too went under pressure during the competition. But even then, she took things on a more optimistic view to help guide her hands and mind to create a stunning spectacle: “During the competition, it was nerve-wrecking. There were a lot of countries – they know each other so well. It was a first for Dubai. It was very challenging but if you can visualize it, all of these positive forces will work towards it. I looked at the trophy and I said to myself that I’m going to get it.”
A win for the UAE, a legacy for the Philippines
When Chef Jade was hailed as the champion for the international cake designing competition, it began a series of life changing moments as she went on to be recognized at several more award giving bodies. “I won several awards. That includes the Speciality Pastry Chef of the Year of Pro Chef Middle East. And next was the Caterer Pastry Chef of the Year. And here I am now working as a Pastry Chef of the Madinat Jumeriah Conference Center and our biggest hospitality industry,”
She also thanks Emirates for giving her a platform to share her inspiring story for fellow expats: “I’m grateful to Emirates for sharing my story because it is my legacy to the world to inspire people to not to give up despite all the challenges.”
Her advice for fellow Filipinos? Keep pursuing your dreams and goals in life while maintaining your humility. “To my fellow Filipinos (and to those watching right now), keep reaching for your dreams and never be afraid to take risks. And when you’re up there, keep your feet on the ground,”
TFT Lifestyle TV is a weekly show that tells the life stories and shares the lifestyle of OFWs based in the UAE. A new episode is shown every Friday so be sure to check the Facebook page of The Filipino Times to stay updated with each episode.
In case you missed it on our Facebook page, here’s the video:
