Eight BBQ Classes, dubbed as Smoked BBQ PitCamp, were held in 2018 and 2019 out of our desire to introduce this craft to Filipinos and to help them jumpstart their interest on this style of cooking. We were struggling to advance the craft at that time as they find our product new and they had no idea how to use it. I personally went around Bulacan, foodpark after foodpark only to get a head-to-toe stare from confused looking stall owners saying, “Ah tinapa, may nabibili naman sa palengke na tinapa na.” It was heartbreaking, I believe in our products so much and its potential to make a difference on people’s lives whether as a hobby or for starting up a business. It was also enlightening and only fueled the fire inside of me to do better, that’s the time I began entertaining the idea of holding BBQ classes, forming hands on lesson plan in mind. It was executed in 2018, with the help of the Pitmasters Club of the Philippines Inc. founding members, and it has been the class flow for the next seven classes we had. The only way to make our dream into reality is to expose this craft to Filipinos and teach them how to craft low and slow BBQ on their own.
Three years after, we put all our classes on hold due to the pandemic and focused on building the BBQ community, feeding as much info as possible to PCP members, this culture of helping and support has been very evident since. The effort of every member in the club has impacted a lot of BBQ crafters and helped SMEs find a living especially in the most difficult time we are in now. This FIRED up PCP leaders to build Pitmasters Club Ph Academy that aims to conduct classes regularly and last 4th of July, the first ever PCP BBQ Camp 101 was held in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The class served as a small reunion after more than a year of hiatus due to the pandemic, it’s always fun to see PCP Leaders and OMs in one place to do what all are passionate about. Facilitating and assisting beginners is our own little way of giving back to the craft that helped us in so many ways. The recent camp was able to raise additional fund for PCP to continue their outreach and giving back programs for members who are in need, thanks to the sponsors and thanks for having BarrelPro as co-presenter to the event. We believe in the leadership and we know that every centavo we shed will be used for PCP future programs. We are living in uncertain times and circumstances, we are hoping that things get better so we can make a greater impact through this craft we all love and enjoy.
Stay safe and keep the FIRE burning! See you on the next class!
