Mario Morala is beyond grateful to his former employers in the Philippines and here in Australia, saying they played a big role in shaping his skills in baking and cooking. Thanks to their guidance, his Aussie pies have been consistently recognised as winners in the Great Aussie Pie Competition in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Credit: Mario Morala
At just 16, Mario Morala left for Manila to work—and it was there that his employers helped shape his passion and skills in cooking and baking, a journey that would eventually take him all the way to Perth, Western Australia.
At just 16, Mario Morala left for Manila to work—and it was there that his employers helped shape his passion and skills in cooking and baking, a journey that would eventually take him all the way to Perth, Western Australia.
Key Points
Mario Morala, originally from Batuan, Bohol, is currently working as a cook and baker at Jacks Bakery in Mandurah, Western Australia.
In 2021, Mario—along with a few fellow Filipinos—began joining baking competitions and earned recognition from the Baking Industry Awards in Perth for their outstanding Aussie pies and cakes.
From 2022 to 2024, their creations claimed the top prize at the prestigious Great Aussie Pie Competition, held in Melbourne and Sydney, where thousands of entries from bakeries across Australia were judged. This coming September 2025, Mario is set to return to the competition, aiming once again to bring home the championship title.
Mario Morala is beyond grateful to his former employers in the Philippines and here in Australia, saying they played a big role in shaping his skills in baking and cooking. Thanks to their guidance, his Aussie pies have been consistently recognised as winners in the Great Aussie Pie Competition in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Credit: Mario MoralaThe Official Champions of the 2024 Great Aussie Pie Competition, Mario Morala [L-R] third person standing holding the award. Credit: The Great Aussie Pie Competition Facebook
Ginagawa ko ang best ko dahil gusto kong makatulong sa pamilya sa Pilipinas. At ang prinsipyo ko kahit anong trabaho mataas, mababa, madali o mahirap man, sa maliit na paraan, pwedeng makapagbigay ng karangalan sa Pilipinas.
Mario Morala, cook at baker- Winner Great Aussie Pie Competition 2022,2023,2024
Mario Morala receiving the award on behalf of the bakery he works for, at the Baking Industry Awards. Credit: Mario MoralaMario was honoured alongside his colleagues from Jacks Bakery at the 2022 Baking Industry Awards. Credit: Mario Moralacredit: Mario MoralaThe Sausage Roll and Seafood Paella Pie are among the winners of the Great Aussie Pie Competition. Credit: Mario MoralaMario Morala admitted that it was only when he arrived in Australia that he learned Australian pies are savoury or mildly salty. It was his very first employer in Mandurah, Perth, Western Australia who taught him everything. Credit: Mario MoralaMario considers his wife, Winnie, as his lucky charm—from their time in the Philippines all the way to their life in Australia. Credit: Mario Morala
