Madrid Fusion Manila 2016 Organizers Meet President Aquino In Courtesy Call

Organizers and participating chefs for the Madrid Fusion Manila 2016 paid a courtesy all on President Aquino on Wednesday as the country hosts the world’s most important gastronomy event.

Among those present during the courtesy call in Malacanang include Spanish Ambassador to the Philippines Luis Calvo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Spain’s Secretary of State for Latin American Affairs and International Development Cooperation Jesus Gracia, Administrator Miele Esteban of the Gastronomy and Special Projects, Arum Estrategias de Internationalizacion and General Manager Inigo Canedo of the Arum Estrategias de Internationalizacion.

In the celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Galleon Trade that linked Asia to the Western world, the Philippines is highlighting the interaction between east and west in the second edition of Madrid Fusion Manila from April 7 to 9 at the SMX Convention Center Manila SM Mall of Asia Complex.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said Madrid Fusion became the entry point to strengthen the position of the Philippines as a center of modern gastronomy in Asia.

After introducing Filipino cuisine to the world last year, this year’s edition of Madrid Fusion highlights how the Philippines influence the world cuisine though the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade.

Jimenez said the success of the Madrid Fusion Manila can be attributed to all the passionate Filipino and foreign chefs who have shared their culinary talents, stories and techniques.

Philippine cuisine will share the spotlight with the different cuisines of the world as foreign celebrity chefs bring influences of their culture this year at Madrid Fusion Manila.

As a tribute to the gains of the Galleon Trade, Madrid Fusion Manila 2016 brings together the shared experiences between the best chefs in the world from the East and West, participating chefs will exchange ideas through culinary connectedness.

The event will feature three major activities: the International Gastronomy Congress, the trade exhibition and Flavors of the Philippines, a monthlong food festival featuring diverse array of exciting food-related activities.

Among the presenters in the Madrid Fusion Manila include Antonio Sanchez de Mora, historian and archivist, Archivo General de Indias from Seville, Spain; and chefs Dani Garcia, David Thompson, Enrique Olvera, Fernando Perez Arellano, Joan Roca, Jordi Butron, Jorge Vallejo, Jungsik Yim, Kevin Cherkas, Leah Cohen, Michael Aspiras, Tatung Sarthou, Nurdin Topham, Oscar Calleja, Richard Camarena, Virgilio Martinez, and Yoshihiro, Narisawa.

Madrid Fusion Manila is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusion, the most important international gastronomy event in the world and celebrated annually in Madrid since 2003.

The event is organized by the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Foro de Debate and Arum Estrategias Internacionalizacion. Other partners include the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry and Espana Exportacion e Inversiones (ICEX).

Last year, the grastronomy congress gathered 1,381 delegates while the trade exhibition attracted more than 6,000 visitors. An equally exciting and more comprehensive Madrid Fusion Manila awaits gourmet professionals aficionados and enthusiasts this year. (PND)