Fopanormin joins SouthFooDEX '06

By Ed Dychauco

THE first SouthFooDEX was held last September 28-30 at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall. Being the signature food, travel, hospitality show of Southern Philippines, it featured several establishments that cater to good life, food, travel, recreation, fitness and wellness. Several dignitaries were present during the opening on the first day headed by no less than Governor Oscar Moreno. The Atrium was alive with so much food, drinks, presentations, competition, pottery making and live culinary demonstrations

Being a member of FOPANORMIN (Food Processors Association Of Northern Mindanao), we actively participated in the exhibit, which showcases the products of Northern Mindanao. As our commitment to our ever-loyal clients, we gave a lot of food and drinks to the public to taste for three days! Motherland Food Products (Pineapple & Mango juice, Baana preserves & Halo-Halo mixes), nutcracker (assorted peanuts), DARLING Food Products (Longanisa de Cagayan, Chorizo de Cagayan, Sweet Ham), SLERS (chicharon), Pinefoods (Ham), Highland Fresh (different flavored fresh-milk) and POTS & PANS Home Bake & Coffee Shop (mint chocolate fondue with marshmallows & stickbreads).

Needless to say, our booth was a hit among both the guests and exhibitors! "We are not tasting, but we are eating!" screams one of the exhibitor while enjoying what we have to offer. And if I may say so, we were the most visited booth! I also displayed several cakes (weddings, birthdays and christmas themes, using both fondant and boiled icing). Other active members of Fopanormin include Cada, Vitacee, Vjandep, Lwsha, Oroham and many others.

The huge booth also displayed several beautiful and rare plants and ornamentals from the ornamental group and lots of fresh fruits from the fruit growers association. The Department of Agriculture, thru Engineer Edwin Andot of Caffinormin, provided the booth for all of us to share and showcase our quality products and produce.

As part of scheduled activities, I did an hour of cupcake and cookie demonstration using Wilton cake decorating products in the afternoon of the 28th to the enjoyment of the participants. I did another two hours of cooking and baking demonstration on the 30th, highlighting the products of Fopanormin. Several new recipes, which I personally concocted were done and tasted by the delightful audience.

In behalf of Fopanormin, I would like to thank Enzima for the Butane gas and stove and torch, which I used during the culinary show. Also to Equilibrium Intertrade Corp. for the wonderful Torani syrups they gave me. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to Ms. Liz of DTI & Ms. Meriam of DOST for all the help they have extended. Fopanormin have been a part of MinFHEX for the past two years before they change the name to SouthFoodEX this year. To the organizers, congratulations for a job well done! See you next year for another exciting event in July!

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2006/10/05/life/fopanormin.joins.southfoodex.06.html