Manila hosts Madrid Fusion again in 2016

MANILA, Philippines - It has often been said, and with good reason, that one good turn deserves another,” said DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. at the signing of the MOA between DOT and the ICEX España Exportacion e Inversiones (Public Export Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain) last Nov. 26 at Crimson Hotel. “In the history of events sponsored by the DOT, no event — I repeat, no event — deserves a repeated celebration than Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM).” 

MFM will have its second run from April 7 to 9, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. MFM is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusion, which has been celebrated annually in Spain since 2003.

“Madrid Fusion is the single most important conference for culinary in the 21st century where everyone goes to see the future of food,” Jimenez said. “And we envision for the Philippines’ hosting to be sustained year on year, as we aim to establish the country as a center of culinary excellence in the region. MFM will also be one of the highlight events as we celebrate ‘Visit the Philippines Again (VPA) 2016.’”

The theme of MFM 2016 will be “The Manila Galleon: East meets West,” in celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade that linked Asia with the western world. The initial batch of chef presenters for 2016 include Amy Besa and Romy Dorotan of Purple Yam Manila and New York, Mike Sarthou of Alab, Philippines, Joan Roca of El Cellar de Can Roca Restaurant in Catalonia, Spain (3 Michelin stars, No.1 and one of the world’s 50 best restaurants), Yoshihiro Narisawa of Les Creations de Narisawa Restaurant in Tokyo, Japan (2 Michelin stars, No.2 in Asia’s 50 best restaurants), Dani Garcia of Bibo Andalusian Brasserie and Tapas in Malaga, Spain (2 Michelin stars) and Virgilio Martinez of Central Restaurante in Lima, Peru (1 Michelin star, No.1 with distinction as one of the world’s and Latin America’s 50 best restaurants), Jose Andres of Think Food Group, USA, Kevin Cherkas of Cuca Indonesia, Leah Cohen of Pig and Khao, USA, David Thompson of Nahm, Thailand, Nurdin Topham of Nur, Hong Kong, Jungsik Yim of Jungsik, Korea and Jorge Vallejo of Quinotnil, Mexico.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Spain Secretary of State for Trade Jaime Garcia-Legaz at the signing of the MOA for Madrid Fusion Manila 2016, which will be held from April 7 to 9, 2016.

MFM 2016 will again 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.

Jimenez added that MFM 2015 was not only expertly executed, well attended and roundly applauded, but its success comes from the fact that led both countries on a journey of rediscovery.  “MFM 2015 proved to be an emotional reunion between close friends who had not shared a meal in a very lone time,” he added.   “We note with special pride the reciprocal involvement of the public and private sector of both Spain and the Philippines.”

“The first Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 contributed in placing the Philippines on the worldwide gastronomic map,” said Spain Secretary for  Trade Jaime Garcia-Legaz. “As you know, there is no better way to celebrate our common cultural and historical links than by enjoying and appreciating good food and wine.”

MFM 2015 had a total of 22 countries and 88 exhibiting companies participating in 175 exhibit booths.  There were more than 6,000 trade visitors and 1,381 congress participants. The International Gastronomy Congress featured 10 Michelin-star Spanish and Asian chefs and 10 of the most respected chefs in the Philippines. The conference consisted of presentations on distinct menus and food preparations. The Trade Exhibit brought together international and national food and beverage companies, which showcased their products, equipment, and technology to over 6,000 trade buyers and decision-makers from many countries. The Flavors of the Philippines Festival was a month-long cultural and gastronomic feast in many parts of the country featuring food tours and tastings, gourmet meals by celebrity chefs in restaurants, roving food trucks, bar crawls, and more.

“MFM 2015 was truly a delicious success,” quipped Jimenez.  “We fully intend to experience it over and over again as we encourage all who will be a part of it to ‘go build another success story.’” 

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For information on International Gastronomy Congress, e-mail congress@madridfusionmanila.com, call 893-7973 or visit www.madridfusionmanila.com.

For information on the Trade exhibit, call 929-7993,929-7963 or exhibits@madridfusionmanila.com.

For information on the Flavors of the Philippines Festival, email flavorsofthephilippines1@gmail.com. or call 832-5401.