The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) took to the stage of the ongoing Madrid Fusion (MF) at the Palacio del Congreso to invite participants to the forthcoming Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM)’s fourth edition in April.
DoT Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo, in a statement read by MFM 2018 project director Pamela Samaniego, said, “Madrid Fusion Manila has effectively bound government agencies, private sector, media, academe, and local communities together. We are rallying behind one common goal of establishing the Philippines as a center of gastronomy on this part of the world. We are making great headway. And for this, we are thankful to all of you.”
In partnership with Foro de Debate, owner of the MF franchise, the MFM 2018 with the theme “Innovating Tradition”, hopes to sustain higher awareness and attendance to the much-awaited Philippine culinary event which banners the country’s competitiveness as a gastronomical destination in the region.
Samaniego shared, “Three years ago when we were starting this project, the world barely knew about the cuisine and ingredients the Philippines had to offer. Today, food forecasts name Philippine cuisine as the next big food trend. With your help we can look forward to an even more successful Madrid Fusion Manila 2018.”
The formal announcement was graced by Philippe Lhuillier, Philippine ambassador to Spain, Lourdes Plana of Foro de Debate, MFM 2018 chef presenters Inigo Lavado, Susi Diaz and Gorka Txpartegi, MF 2018 Philippine chef presenter Jordy Navarra, and JP Anglo, featured chef for the Philippine reception and MFM 2018 chef presenter.
The Philippine booth, strategically situated at the ground floor just at the entrance to the exhibit area, has successfully drawn attendees to sample local products such as sweets, snacks as well as freshly cooked dishes as beef sinigang, chicken arroz caldo and chicken adobo, and merienda such as suman, ube halaya, champorado, bibingka, kutsinta, puto, and others. Apart from the hearty tastings, visitors are likewise enlightened on the origins of the food, how these are prepared as well as top destinations to enjoy these unique culinary gems.
Perfomances of Madrid-based Filipino flair bartender Dennis Barela Adiuba also lured visits to the booth.
At this year’s MF, Spain-based chef Inigo Lavado gave visitors a glimpse of his cooking discipline before he joins the many rockstar presenters at the MFM 2018. His presentation, titled “When casualness meets haute cuisine”, highlighted his ‘singular’ advocacy as going beyond technique and innovation but also involving emotions and making the eating experience more interactive and pleasurable.
Already being talked about on the local culinary scene, MFM 2018 sizzles with ultra-dynamic kitchen masters from many parts of the globe. Lavado of Singular will be joined by other highly-respected Spain-based chefs such as Susi Diaz of La Finca in Alicante, Javier Estevez of La Tasqueria in Madrid, Diego Gallegos of Sollo in Malaga, Pepe Solla of Casa Solla in Pontevedra, Roberto Ruiz of Punto MX in Madrid, and Gorka Txpartegi of Alameda in San Sebastian.
Other foreign ace presenters are Matt Abergel of Ronin in Hong Kong, Akrame Benallal of Akrame in France, Curtis Duffy of Grace in Illinois, Maria Fernanda Di Giacobbe of Kakao Bombones Lab in Valenzuela, LG Han of Labyrinth in Singapore, Mingoo Kang of Mingles in South Korea, Aitor Jeronimo Orive of Igg’s in Singapore, couple chefs Floriano Pellegrino and Isabella Poti of Bros ‘in Italy, Hajime Yoneda of Hajime in Japan, Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint in the US and Paul Qui of Kuneho in Texas.
Locally based but equally competitive and admirable chefs JP Anglo of Sarsa, Patrick Go of Black Sheep and Nicco Santos of Hey Handsome complete the star-studded line-up.