Madrid Fusión, one of the largest culinary events in the world, will make its debut in the Philippines as part of Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015 through the efforts of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB). Madrid Fusión Manila is set to take place on 24 – 26 April 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Madrid Fusion Manila will have three simultaneous events: the International Gastronomy Congress, Trade Exhibit, and Flavors of the Philippines. A notable roster of Michelin-starred Spanish chefs and distinguished Asian and Filipino chefs will demonstrate modern and avant-garde techniques at the Congress.
At the Trade Exhibit, which will happen alongside the Congress, the Department of Agriculture (DA) will be promoting native products listed under the Slow Food Foundation’s Ark of Taste, a collection of rare productions that belong to the cultures, history, and traditions of the world. “These food products were included in the list precisely because they are produced in the Philippines. The manner by which these products are prepared reflects the traditional knowledge of Filipinos, passed down through generations,” said DA Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
Heirloom rice, cacao, vinegars, and wines are only a few among the distinctly Filipino and Spanish products to be showcased market-style at the Madrid Fusión Manila Trade Exhibit. Artisanal products from the Philippines from cheese to calamansi and dalandan liquor, muscovado sugar, vinegar, and artisanal salts will also be available. “The Department is promoting these food products in order to support their producers and encourage sustainable production,” Romulo-Puyat added.
The event’s regional lunches will feature the native Filipino produce as well. Other products to watch out for include adlai, barako coffee, batuan, kamias, siling labuyo, and muscovado sugar.
Some of the best known Spanish brands will also showcase their products including fresh, cured, and processed pork products, brandy and sparkling wines like Freixenet, Vallformosa, Masachs, and Codorniu among others.
“This event is an opportunity to brag not only about our best local food brands, it is also an occasion for our artisans to be discovered, promoted, and elevated to become household names. Our net gain from this exercise should be growing brands and strengthening brand loyalty. At the end of the day, we hope this event will yield more excellent chefs who will ignite passion and further commitment towards seizing the culinary limelight in this region,” Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.
“We would like to express the full commitment and support of the Spanish government with the Madrid Fusion Manila project, which was formalized during the visit of President Aquino to Spain,” said Enrique Feás, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines. The Embassy is also in-charge of the exclusive Tapas Night on April 11th for dignitaries of both Philippines and Spanish governments, members from the Diplomatic Corps, prestigious culinary personalities, media partners and other sponsors.
“These are exciting times for the Food sector in the Philippines. With the aid of a robust economic growth, increasing consumer purchasing power and the growth of domestic and international tourism, the opportunities for new products and outlets are also increasing,” said Feás. “It is also a perfect time for the Filipino consumer to enhance their knowledge on quality products as well as upgrading their taste for new and exclusive delicacies.”
The first two days of the Trade Exhibit are exclusive to trade visitors (e.g. bakers, chefs, cooks, restaurant owners, food industry professionals, students of Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management) who can enter the venue for free. While the third day is open to the public for a registration fee of P500.