On August 11, multi-awarded Filipino chef Miko Aspiras took to social media to announce that he will be featured as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia Season 17’s finale.
Aspiras is best known for his pastry creations, from queso de bola macarons to ketchup and mayo ice cream. After serving as a commis chef at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel and working in top hotels as a dedicated pastry chef, Aspiras made a mark on the country’s dessert scene with ventures such as Scout’s Honor, Le Petit Souffle, Poison Doughnuts, and Gelato by Chef Miko. In 2018, he was recognized along with four other Filipinos on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list. After working and building a name for himself in Sydney’s culinary scene, Aspiras returned to the Philippines in 2022 to join Visum Ventures as the food and beverage group’s Executive Pastry Chef.
“I’m excited to meet [the contestants] all at tomorrow’s Grand Finale and challenge you with the final pressure test,” wrote Aspiras on a Facebook post announcing his appearance on the show.
MasterChef Australia, a spin-off series from the original British reality TV competition MasterChef, has seen an intense and captivating season, with 20 former contestants returning to the show for another attempt at the coveted $250,000 grand prize. Contestants Laura Sharrad and Callum Hann have both made it to the show’s grand finale, having both placed second in 2014 and 2010, respectively. Jamie Fleming, the third and last finalist of the season, came fourth on his original season in 2014.
