Chef Jackie Ang Po: Found Her Sweet Spot—In the Kitchen and at Home

Chef Jackie Ang Po debuts at Simpol today, bringing with her a career built on craft, character, and an unbeatable sense of humor.

 

“At 4 PM, I turn off work. I help with homework. I cook whatever my kids ask for—even Beef Wellington. Then, at 8, I go back to the kitchen. That’s balance, right?”. 

That’s Chef Jackie Ang Po, a mom, a mentor, and a maker of truly memorable desserts. Known for her foolproof recipes and playful personality, she has become one of the country’s most respected pastry chefs—without losing the humor or heart that drew so many fans in the first place. With Chef Jackie baking her Simpol recipes, fans are sure to discover new ways to delight in her creativity.

Before she became a household name in pastry and TV kitchens, Chef Jackie was a student, a teacher, a competitor, and like many of us—someone who just wanted to make a decent cake without failing spectacularly. She brings with her decades of experience, but more importantly, an instinct for making things simple and achievable, a skill that shines through when Chef Jackie Ang Po is baking Simpol creations.

This year, she joins the Simpol family as its newest resident chef—bringing her warmth, humor, and signature practical approach to a new generation of bakers. Whether you’ve never touched an oven or want to master the basics, Chef Jackie baking Simpol is here to guide you through every whisk, scoop, and preheated step.

From “Just a Job” to Lifelong Passion

Chef Jackie’s story didn’t begin with a grand dream. It started with practicality and evolved into her well-known Simpol dishes for everyone. For her, just like when baking Simpol, it was always about making the process simpler.

“Honestly? I just needed a job! But I got lucky. I found a career that I love.”

She trained at the California Culinary Academy, opened Fleur de Lys Patisserie in Quezon City, and has since represented the Philippines in global pastry competitions, from the Asian Gelato Cup to regional judging panels. But beneath the medals and frosting is a woman who wakes up early, manages her team, bakes, shoots videos and picks up dinner duty.

Family First, Always

For Chef Jackie, baking is personal—because family is at the heart of it. Indeed, with Chef Jackie baking Simpol creations, the emphasis remains on simplicity and family joy.

“In my house, I cook for my kids and my husband. Kung ano gusto nila kainin, sila masusunod! One time they requested Beef Wellington because I made it for my students daw.OMG talaga!”

Between school reviews, dinner preps, and work calls, time is her most tightly managed ingredient.

“From 4 PM to 8 PM, I’m offline. That’s my time with the kids. Lessons, dinner, being present. After 8 PM, resume na tayo work.”

Her daily routine? Emails and social media by 5:30 AM, then straight to the kitchen at 8. Whether it’s R&D, shoots, or events, she stays rooted in the kitchen.

Motherhood didn’t change her as a chef, but it did give her more empathy.

“Many of my students are working moms. I understand their pressure. That’s why I make sure my recipes are easy. I live that life too.”

No Drama, Just Real Life

There are days, she admits, when the balance tilts.

“You can’t do everything at once. Some days I feel like I’m dropping the ball. But I ask myself: Did I show up today? That’s enough.” Baking, especially Simpol recipes with Chef Jackie, follows this philosophy—embracing mistakes and starting again.

She doesn’t believe in perfect.

“Do it right the first time. If you make a mistake, repeat. Bawal ang tamad.”

Asked if her kids are budding chefs, she laughs.

“They like to bake—but hobby lang. That’s okay. I just want them to enjoy it.”

Career and Family

She laughs, but her point is clear. There was no either-or.

“I balance it. My husband is very supportive. As long as I make time for us, okay siya.” In the end, Chef Jackie’s Simpol baking caters to both her career ambitions and family commitments.

To young women trying to pursue both a culinary career and family, she offers this:

“Kaya mo ’yan. If I did it, you can too. You just need time management.”

“Si Chef Tatung lang ang pinagpipili ko—love or career!“

She laughs, but her point is clear. There was no either-or.

“I balance it. My husband is very supportive. As long as I make time for us, okay siya.”

To young women trying to pursue both a culinary career and family, she offers this:

“Kaya mo ’yan. If I did it, you can too. You just need time management.”

Baking with Heart, Teaching with Humor

Beyond her accolades, what sets Chef Jackie apart is her approachability. In the world of baking Simpol, Chef Jackie makes everyone feel at ease. She meets people where they are.

“Don’t be afraid to try. If you make a mistake, don’t post it yet! Just do it again.”

Whether it’s a batch of crinkles or a big catering order, she’s learned the art of repeating, refining, and moving forward.

And when asked what dish she’d serve her dream guests, Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, she lights up:

“Lechon baka! And for dessert? Sans rival or brazo de mercedes. Para they remember the Philippines—and me!”

Just don’t ask her to eat everything from Bahay Kubo.

“Okra, upo, ampalaya? Nope. We’re not friends!“

A New Chapter with Simpol

Chef Jackie’s addition to Simpol marks a fresh, exciting chapter in how we teach and inspire through food, emphasizing her ability in baking Simpol methods.

“My goal is to make our recipes accessible and foolproof. So even first-timers won’t mess up. And yes—you can post your dish right away!”

Whether you’re starting your baking journey or finding your way back to the kitchen, Chef Jackie baking Simpol is here to help—with less pressure, more laughter, and results that speak for themselves.

Watch Chef Jackie in Action

She walks you through every step—no fluff, no fear. Just real baking from a chef who gets it. To watch the full video, click here.