Calia Pacle has always been a baker and has now been recognized as the best in Canada.

Pacle says that growing up, she was surrounded by baking. "My grandparents owned a bakery in the Phillippines. It was always in my blood, you can say."

With this natural talent, Pacle entered the 22nd Annual Skills Manitoba baking competition on April 11 at Red River College. The provincial contest was five hours long, with Pacle having to present a baked item at the end of each hour. Out of eight competitors, Pacle placed first and was awarded the honour of representing Manitoba at the national competition.

Pacle travelled to Halifax, Nova Scotia with her coach and the rest of Team Manitoba. Pacle says, "At first I was very nervous and I was very stressed because I didn't know what to expect. Once I got to see where everything was [in the ktichen] I got comfortable because baking is my passion and I love doing it, so I got into my comfort zone."

Pacle was incredibly surprised to have won the entire competition - she had never even heard of Skills Manitoba before this year. Pacle says it was an incredible experience and encourages other young people to participate: "Don't be afraid to try. If you are really passionate about your skill, this encourages you to do it more. It will just help you grow as a person."

Pacle says, "I never thought that I would have won, but it is blessing me with great opportunities. And now I can help youth in the future too."

Pacle, a current grade 12 student at Kildonan East Collegiate and cake decorator at Sugar Blooms and Cakes, wants to go to business school in the fall. She hopes to open her own bakery and attend different pastry schools as she says, "You have to learn from the best, to be the best."