My 17th blog:

A Whisk and a Wish: My Journey in a TESDA-accredited Baking Class

After the Holy Week, I decided to take a short break from blogging to embark on a new adventure—a TESDA-accredited baking class. Looking back, I can confidently say it was worth every moment. Why, you ask? They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but this experience proved otherwise. It’s a win-win—I’m picking up invaluable tricks from our outstanding chef, Ms. Gee, to refine my baking skills, all without spending a single cent (or perhaps just a minimal amount). What’s not to love? 

As someone who thrives in solitary pursuits, I initially approached this baking class as a practical stepping stone—a straightforward opportunity to learn, grow, and master the art of baking, all while minimizing the need for interaction. Working closely with others was not something I anticipated with enthusiasm, especially given my tendency to struggle under close supervision. Yet, as the days passed, this class became more than just a platform for acquiring techniques and recipes. It revealed something entirely unexpected—the joy of collaboration.  Through this experience, I have learned to step back and make space for others to shine. At times, I’ve simply observed in silence, soaking in their insights and techniques, and realizing how much more there is to learn when I embrace the collective energy of a group.

By actively collaborating with my classmates, welcoming constructive feedback from my chef instructor, learning to swallow my pride when I made mistakes, and embracing the art of give-and-take, I discovered growth not just as a baker but as a person. Each shared moment and experience is molding my character, pushing me beyond my limits, and steadily guiding me toward becoming the best version of myself.

Among the diverse and vibrant personalities in our group, one shines particularly bright: Aidan, a male classmate whose energy is simply unmatched. His wit and humor are the perfect recipe for infusing our kitchen sessions with boundless laughter and joy, turning even the most meticulous tasks into moments of shared delight. Aidan has shown me that baking goes beyond the precision of ingredients—it's about the camaraderie and the connections formed over shared experiences, which truly make the process sweeter.

Aside from Aidan, our class is a rich tapestry of remarkable individuals—some serious and focused, others mellow and easygoing, soft-spoken yet wise, quietly observant, or wonderfully gregarious. Each personality adds its own unique flavor to the mix, creating a dynamic blend that mirrors the perfect harmony of ingredients in the dough we work on together.

This newfound appreciation for teamwork doesn’t diminish my preference for working alone. In fact, it complements it. I’ve come to realize that while my independent streak serves me well in certain tasks, there’s something magical about collective creativity—a balance that enriches not only the outcome but also the journey.

As I whisk together butter, sugar, and flour, I also mix together the lessons learned here: the importance of growth, the beauty of community, and the joy of shared laughter. So far, this experience has been the icing on the cake, and I’m excited to see what’s next.