Friday, June 25, 2010
JUST a few months ago, I was in Cebu City for the WOFEX Visayas (World Food Expo). Now, it is Davao City once again for the FPP Mindanao where in last year I was invited to conduct a culinary demonstration.
However, I was there to do a different task. This time, it was more challenging and exciting because I was asked to judge not one, but three thrilling and exhilarating events.
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After traveling about 7 fun-filled hours from Cagayan de Oro City passing by the scenic Bukidnon and Buda area, I arrived in Davao in time for lunch. There I was greeted by Ms. Ria Lugtu, Ms. Charie Zarcal (Trade Officers of PEP Group) and Mr. Joel Pascual (President of PEP Group) at the Organizer's booth where my lunch was already waiting. How very thoughtful of them! I also get to meet Ms. Ayen Garcia (managing director, creative media box) and Mark Anthony Blanco (Asst. Trade Officer). After filling my tummy, I was informed that I was being called at the Mindanao Culinary Festival area (this is part one of the activity since there will be a part two sometime in September) to do some judging with the "Sooo Pinoy Dish". I told myself, wow! Another food tasting!
Several entries were presented and plated wonderfully using Tilapia, chicken and Tuna as main ingredients. It was an event sponsored by Unilever wherein each contestant was also asked to use their newest products: Lime Powder and Bango, as part of their ingredients. The be-dimpled and tall Chef Ianne Monfort of Melmont Pinutos Republic and the young and handsome Mr. Joey Macaraeg, Mindanao Area Sales Manager for Unilever and me completed the line-up of judges for the competition. It was exciting as well as delicious tasting the several unique entries using local produce. Good thing I still had room for more food!
The following day was truly memorable because I get to enjoy several sips of espresso, cafe latte and the contestant's own and exceptional concoctions in the morning, since it was the Barista Cup 2010 Competition. Baristas from 8 different coffee shops competed with each other.
With me who served as judges includes the charming Ms. Christine Rebosora, owner of Fagioli Cafe, the striking Mr. Rovic Cuasito, Host of ABS CBN Davao regional show, the attractive and athletic Mr. Michael Soledad, Chef/owner of Molave Bistro and Bar. Technical judges were Mr. Rey Sumania, Sales Specialist and Branch Head, Cagayan Office and Mr. Ariel Garcia, with Mr. Ferdinand Coderias acting as Head Judge.
In the afternoon, about 15 contestants from all over Mindanao vied for the Flair-tending Showdown. This time, I get to sip and enjoy distinctive cocktails (being a sensory judge), together with Ms. Cioni Canete, HRM Coordinator of AMA Computer Colleges and Mr. Ferdie Layug, Beverage Consultant. Technical judges include Mr. Ariel Garcia, Baguio Sales Specialist of Equilibrium Intertrade, Mr. Ferdinand Coderias, Sales manager, and Ms. Cherry M Cruz, owner and general manager of Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation who flew all way from Manila. Needless to say, I was kind of groggy but awake all night! Guess the mixture of coffee and cocktails is still spinning inside my head!
I finally got to roam around the hall of Bangko Sentral on the 3rd day. There I get to meet again some old acquaintances and suppliers from the industry. There were food sampling and free drinks for everyone. Several seminars were held during the 4 day expo on food production and processing, there were cooking and baking demonstrations, talks on the latest technologies and trends in businesses and many more.
I saw Chef James Antolin and Chef Buddy Trinidad doing their thing to the delight of the audience. Later after the demo, I was briefed by Chef James regarding the very 1st Philippines Culinary Cup which will be held during the 10th World Food Expo (WOFEX) in Manila come August 4-7 at the World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center. Several exciting competition categories are now lined up like: Filipino Cuisine Challenge, Young Chefs Team Challenge, Pasta, Local Fish or Seafood, Plated Desserts, Wedding Cakes, Pastry Bakery Showpiece, Best Barista, Flair-tending Challenge, Creative Cocktails and many more. By the way, this competition is open to everyone.
It was indeed surprising for me to see another old buddy, Chef Abet Ros of Fonterra during the fair, whom I haven't seen or heard from for almost 2 years! We talked briefly because he has to leave for an appointment. Dorothy Du of Edesy also had a booth for her tasty shredded pork, fish and beef and again, this is another friend whom I haven't seen for ages! Got to chat with the pretty and smart Olive Puentespina of Malagos Resort where we also exchanged notes. Mr. Julius Rodriquez of Nestle Phils was also around and i was given a few cups of the refreshing Sjora, a new tropical pineapple drink which were being enjoyed by everyone. And of course, Ms. Tetta Tirona of Stram Events who was in town for a project.
Davao city is such a wonderful place to visit. The delicious and innovative cuisine, fresh fruits and vegetables all made my trip to Davao a gustatory heaven! And not to forget of course, the warm, hospitable and friendly people! I had my share of the exotic Durian in 2 occasions, fresh tuna as kinilaw, and many others. Needless to say, I had a wonderful ôfood tripö while in Davao City! And this is another upcoming mouth-watering article!
Many thanks to the wonderful people who made my trip to Davao another unforgettable experience. To the organizers of Mindanao Culinary Expo (Baby Montemayor, Jean Bangayan and Ms. Ruby), for inviting me to judge (hope to see you again in September!), to the organizers of FPP (Joel, Ria, Chari, Ayen, Paul and Mark), to the Equilibrium Intertrade staff for the flowing coffee, to my aunt, Violy Santiago and her son, Sonny for letting me ôalwaysö stay at their beautiful house and the wonderful dinner at Nonki Restaurant (an authentic Japanese Restaurant) and Ice Giants for the ooh-soo-good dessert, to Uncle Bob and his son Geoffrey for the short city tour and eat-all-u-can lunch at the Buffet Palace, to Mr. Rene Esteban for the endless laughs and appetizing lunch at Sankai Japanese Restaurant, to Ms. Ellen Ingan-Eng, the original Tuna Queen for a delightful Tuna lunch, to Chef Ianne for the scrumptious dinner at Pinutos, Rona Naidas for the music-filled night at the KarlÆs Koffee Korner, to Chef Mike for the melt-in-your-mouth Lengua, and most especially to Joey Macaraeg for driving and accompanying me around all these ôfood tripsö.
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http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/5th-food-processing-packaging-technology-expo
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