Tuesday, August 17, 2010
HAVING been to the two other expositions (World Food Visayas at Cebu International Covention Center in Cebu City last April and World Food Mindanao-FPP at Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Davao City in June) this year, this is by far the biggest, largest and grandest activity for WOFEX 2010 because aside from celebrating their 10th year in the industry, this is held concurrently with the very 1st Philippine Culinary Cup, where the best of the best in the gastronomic world compete with each other.
The exposition was held August 4 to 7 at the World Trade Center and the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia.
For the past several WOFEXes, I have been invited either to conduct culinary demonstrations or serve as a judge. This year was more exciting because I get to do both. I was tasked by Comfort de Vie Inc., a Manila-based company that distributes Stoneline Cookware (commonly known as Stonedine), a unique German technology and product that offers the hardest resistant surface in cookware to do not only one but three exciting cooking and cookie and cupcake decorating in three separate days!
I was truly amazed at the large scale trade show. With many existing and new national and international business firms, it was such a blast to see new products and technology being presented to the public. If one has to spend time in scrutinizing all the machinery products and equipment, plus tasting all those delicious “food samples” being offered by the different establishments, I don’t think one day is enough! A sight to behold and filled tummies at the end of the visit!
Korean cooking was my first assignment at the main stage of the trade hall on a
Wednesday afternoon. I shared my recipe and cooking techniques in Bibimbop and
Chap Chae, two very famous Korean dishes. And of course, the proper usage and handling of Stoneline products which has a 25 year guarantee!
By Thursday, I did my “Mediterrenean Cuisine,” again highlighting and using Stonedine pots and pans. It was healthy Pasta Cooking: Aubergine Pasta and
Sardines Pasta. Many thanks to Ligo Sardines for providing us the delicious spicy sardines and of course, the “samples” given to me. I remember growing up with Ligo so it was really heart warming and gratifying to see a come-back for a wonderful company!
Friday afternoon was spent judging the Barista Cup upon the invitation of Ms.
Chery and sponsored by Equilibrium Intertrade Inc. Several baristas from all over the Philippines competed showing their skills in making a perfect Espresso, Latte and their Signature Drink using Rancillo Coffe Machine. Over-all, there were eight finalists. Bo’s Coffee Club of Cebu City won the grand prize while the 2nd place went to Kangaroo Coffee of Davao City.
An exciting event where I have to sip three distinctive coffees from each competitor (total of 24 sips!) and rate them together with my fellow sensory judges like Chef Aileen Anastacio of QTV’s True Confection; Mr. Henry Magalona, chairperson of the Barista Guild of the Philippines, and a third guy whose name
I forgot. The event was hosted by the hilarious but witty Mr. Rico Robles of the Pinoy Big Brother fame.
Decorating cupcakes and cookies using simple tools was presented on Seminar Room B on the last day of the fair.
Aside from the cookware, Comfort de Vie also carries a wide range of cookie, candy and decorating accessories. Hence, this delectable demonstration. Using Zeelandia’s Donut Mix, the cookie cutters made the donuts look more thrilling and appetizing. Mr. Neil and Mr. Alex of Zeelandia was all out support for this event, together with Mr. Daniel of ABMauri (for the yeast used), PSG Company for the beautiful cupcake toppers, Ms. Abigail of Peotraco Food Industries for the
Powdered Sugar, Gummix, Glucose, Glycerine, Cocoa powder, Ms. Sonia of RSDKI for the Americolor and D’Chef decorating tips, pastry bags, cupcake liners and sprinkles, the chocolate blocks of Mr. Riki and Ms. Therese of Dutche Chocolate, Mr. Tony of SinMag Machineries for the mixers and Lucy Orolfo Enterprises. Truly a conglomeration of foodies!
On my spare time, I got to check out the other booths and also made new contacts. It was also the time to renew friendships with old acquaintances.
New-found friends, Ms. Gina and Mr. Kurt of Gilamar Enterprises Inc. offered and gave me free-flowing hot and cold Gold Leaf Teas which I enjoyed tremendously.
Their Blueberry Vinegar Tea was out-of this world! I also got to converse briefly at different occasions with Ms. Dolly Dy of Flavor Magazine who was with hubby and Ms. Nancy Reyes-Lumen of Cooks Magazine who was conducting “Home Cook” Competition. Befriended also Mr. Redj, a graduating student of Chef Gene Gonzales’ CACS. Spent some time with Mr. Gil of KLG, too.
Aside from the new equipment and accessories and learning new fad, it was also time to shop. There was just so much to buy! People I met were all complaining!
They would go home full of newly bought paraphernalia but with their wallets drained! Funny, but it happens to almost everyone!
I went to SMX Convention Center to check out the competition pieces. They were all gorgeous! At par with the best there is. The cakes were stunning, the dessert pieces were so dazzling and artistically done, so with the bread pieces display and the pulled sugar designs were just astonishing! Judges for the 1st
Philippine Culinary Cup were composed of well-known Chefs in the Philippines headed by Chef James Antolin and Chef Buddy Trinidad and other foreign Chefs.
There I also get to chit chat with Ms. Penk Ching, Chef Jill Sandique, Chef
Fernando Arracama, Chef Mia Manuel, Chef Sau del Rosario, and many others. And of course, there were picture-taking to document the affair and the beautiful people I met along the way.
It was indeed a surprise to meet an old classmate from Mambajao, Camiguin during the Barista Competition. Having been out for so long, I get to meet Ms. Jojo Bautista-Hsieh. I was treated to a sumptuous dinner at Hong Kong Emperor Restaurant at the MOA by Jojo. The food was really good and service is fast and superb. Another surprise for me was to know that my high school classmate in
Philippine Chin Hwa School, Mr. John Dy’s good-looking son was working in the restaurant! And because of that, I got to reconnect with my high school buddy whom I haven’t seen or heard for more than 25 years! A small world indeed!
To sum it up, it was a remarkable and spectacular four day event and I can’t wait for next year’s WOFEX again! Thank you to my Wofex family, Mr. Joel, Ms.
Chari, Ms Ria and Mr. Mark for all the assistance, Comfort de Vie family, Mr.
Bebong, Ms. Elaine and Ms. Jo for the wonderful Stoneware Cookware which I promise to use in all my future culinary demonstrations, Ms. Abigail of Peotraco
Industries for all the baking and cake decorating ingredients which I always use and Ms. Gina and Mr. Kurt for the boxes of Gold Leaf Teas which I am enjoying and will always look forward to sipping everyday and lastly, to all the wonderful audience who participated in all my culinary demonstrations. (Email:
potsnpans1976@yahoo.com, website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment