Madrid Fusion, touted as the most important gastronomy congress in the world, is back in Manila this April. Photo courtesy of Madrid Fusion Manila.
 
All roads lead back to SMX Convention Center as the most anticipated and most important international gastronomy congress in the world—Madrid Fusion—is back for its second Manila edition this year.
 
SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing Joaquin San Agustin said during the event’s press conference held March 30 at Chef JP Anglo’s Sarsa Kitchen in SM Mall of Asia, “Last year, the Philippines made a major mark at the culinary world with the staging of the first Madrid Fusion exhibition to happen outside Spain. The three-day event held in SMX in MOA was very well attended, and showcased the world’s Michelin star chefs from Europe and Asia.”
 
“This year, SM Supermalls is again the official partner of Madrid Fusion Manila,” he added.

From left, DOT Marketing Development Group officer Dakila Rosales, Tourism Promotions Board Marketing Communications Department’s officer-in-charge Arnold Gonzales, SM Supermalls SVP for marketing Joaquin San Agustin, and SM assistant vice president for operations Perkin So at a Madrid Fusion Manila press conference held March 30, 2016. Photo by Romsanne Ortiguero, InterAksyon.com.
 
On April 7 to 9, MFM carries the theme “The Manila Galleon: East Meets West” as a “celebration of the 450th anniversary of the Galleon Trade that linked Asia with the Western World.”
 
The first MFM was all about “The Philippines and Spain: A 300-year Gastronomic Journey.” This year’s congress, according to organizers, aims to “expand the gastronomic conversation further, not only between two countries but between two very different parts of the world.”
 
Having successfully attracted over a thousand delegates last year, the same number is expected for next week’s congress, according to Arnold Gonzales, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Marketing Communications Department’s officer-in-charge.
 
TPB together with the Department of Tourism are co-organizers of MFM.
 
“We hope to position the Philippines as the gastronomic capital of the world,” Gonzales told reporters.
 
Dakila Rosales, DOT Marketing Development Group officer, said that vision has already been actualized: “I believe that the vision of Madrid Fusion is all about making the Philippines as the center of culinary excellence in the region, in Asia, and to the world. As we have been doing this for the second year, I believe that vision has already been achieved. We are very much looking forward to doing Madrid Fusion in the next years, and hopefully together again with SM.”
 
More dining establishments will be holding special deals and promotions in line with Madrid Fusion Manila and the DOT’s “Flavors of the Philipppines” campaign.
 
Gonzales added, “The concept is the same as last year. We’ll have the conference, the exhibition, then we’ll have the Flavors of the Philippines; and we are excited because last year, there were limited participants but they saw the popularity or the success of last year so there are now more  participants meaning malls, restaurants participating from north to south for that matter.”
 
Atendees of MFM will get to learn about the latest culinary trends from the most respected chefs from Asia, Europe, and Americas.
 
Speakers for the “East” theme are Michael Aspiras (Philippines), Kevin Cherkas (Indonesia), Leah Cohen (US), Amy Besa & Romy Dorotan (Philippines), Yoshihiro Narisawa (Japan), Myke Sarthou  (Philippines), David Thompson (Thailand), Nurdin Topham (Hong Kong), and Jungsik Yim (South Korea).
 
On the other hand, speakers from for the “West” theme are Fernando Perez Arellano (Spain), Ricard Camarena (Spain), Jordi Butrón (Spain), Dani García (Spain), Ángel León (Spain), Virgilio Martínez (Peru), Enrique Olvera (Mexico), Joan Roca (Spain), and Jorge Vallejo (Mexico).
 
A Dinner with the Stars is also slated to happen in various venues featuring the speaker chefs, and other celebrity chefs.

Chef Edward Bugia’s Pansit Paella and Chef JP Anglo’s Adobong Pusit Arrozcaldo. The two chefs will be participating in culinary demonstrations during Madrid Fusion Manila, April 7 to 9, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center. Photo by Romsanne Ortiguero, InterAksyon.com.
 
Chef Dani Garcia will be at New World Manila Bay Hotel on April 4 and 5; Chefs Willam Mahi and Jungsik Yim at Tasting Room, City of Dreams Manila on April 8; Chefs Yoshihiro Narisawa, Virgilio Lopez, and Chele Gonzales at Gallery Vask on April 9; Chefs Jorge Vallejo, Jungsik Yim, and Chele Gonzales at Gallery Vask on April 10; and Chef Kevin Cherkas at Makati Shangri-La on April 14.
 
Meanwhile, SM Supermalls is bringing MFM closer to its customers through various gastronomic activities including “Fusion of Flavors” at 24 participating SM malls nationwide from March 28 to April 15; “Epicurious: Culinary Demonstrations by Gourmet Chefs” at SM Cebu on April 7; and a Weekend Market featuring regional specialties and desserts from Asia and Europe at SM Southmall on April 2 and 3, and at SM Mall of Asia on April 8 to 10.
 
SM is also holding a welcome reception for the congress’ delegates and exhibitors at SM By the Bay. The reception will have Filipino fusion cocktail dishes as well as lechon, which will be prepared in different ways.
 
“The whole month of April is going to be Philippine Food Month starting with Madrid Fusion Manila, and of course, Flavors of the Philippines of which SM Supermalls is actively participating. We also have the World Street Food Congress on April 20 to 24 at Bonifacio Global City. So there’s really a lot of exciting things happening this April. It is really the food month so I urge everybody to participate,  sample our Filipino food, and observe culinary arts from north to south,” Gonzales remarked.