When in Manila, people are adventurous; be it a gastronomic experience or a travel adventure, Pinoys are always present!
Chef Drew of Siglo Modern Filipino explaining their masterpiece to Madrid Fusion visitors.
Speaking of gastronomic experience, the largest international gastronomy event in the Philippines, Madrid Fusion 2017 is back in its 3rd edition.
Held annually in the Spanish capital, it is both a conference and a trade show, where some of the world’s top chefs showcase the latest techniques, ingredients, and recipes. This year’s theme focuses on “Towards a Sustainable Gastronomic Planet.”
Without further ado, let me show you a few trends that caught my attention:
7. The Philippine Coconut Authority
Since our country is rich in natural resources like coconuts, the Philippine Coconut Authority joined the event to showcase its benefits to our health and the society.
If you’re into healthy living, experts say Coco Sugar is healthier than the commercialized sugar available in the market.
6. Savores
Savores showcases Zamboanga’s finest resources: seafood and delectable Alavar sauce.
Savores’ Chef proudly poses in front of the visitors.
5. BluCoffee Distributors
Since we are becoming a coffee-centric nation, it’s best to swing by BluCoffee’s booth today. They are offering the best coffee beans, as well as, up-to-the-minute coffee machines.
Because everything is a tap away, BluCoffee, the official distributor of La Cimbali, showcased their barista-free coffee machine.
4.ย Commodity Quest – Chocolate Distributor
These are Couverture typically used by professional pastry chefs and often sold in gourmet and specialty food stores.
If you love chocolates or if you need a good quality supply of chocolates for your baking needs, visit the ComQuest booth.
3.ย Organic Products – Costales

Processed food is out, organic and healthy living is IN. One of the trends in the food industry is naturally organic produce.
This is Costales’ organic salad.
When you visit Costales Farms, make sure to try their organic Japanese cucumber. Refreshing is an understatement.
1. Department of Tourism featuring the CALABARZON region
In keeping with the event theme, the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) region showcased what this region has to offer.
Inside the DOT’s CALABARZON’s booth areย Amira’s Teofely, Wild Juan, Siglo Modern Filipino, just to name a few. Siglo’s concept got my attention, though.
Here’s why:
As explained by Siglo’s Executive Chef Vic Dinawanao, to be aligned with Siglo’s commitment to preserving heirloom recipes and local ingredients using modern techniques, they created a masterpiece called: “Florante at Laura.”
In one of his off quoted immortal lines, “Pag-ibig, pag pumasok sa puso nino man, hahamakin ang lahat, masunod ka lamang,” (love against all odds) became the gateway of Siglo Modern Filipino’s Executive Chef Vic Dinawanao to produce something delish for Madrid Fusion 2017.
Since Siglo is one with preserving the Filipino culture and its innovative ingredients, the Siglo team made a remarkable dish that will represent two of the country’s well-loved dishes on one plate: the Visaya’s pride Kinilaw and Kapampangan’s delectable Sisig.
Additionally, Kabute (mushrooms) is added to the grilled liempo and paired it with smoky Filipino delicacy Tinapa Rolls. The epic dish has organic ingredients like takip kohol, sukang sasa, luyang dilaw, kulantro, malunggay leaves. To love the dish, even more, it is garnished with Gubat Chips (kamote, banana, ube, and carrot) dipped in Alugbati Sauce (a must-try dip!).
The flavors and the taste of Siglo’s Florante at Laura depict bravery as the flavors intertwine in your mouth.
As poetic as it seems, the taste of Siglo’s Florante at Laura will unleash your undying love for Filipino food and culture.
Siglo Modern Filipino is located in front of Picnic Grove in Tagaytay.
Madridย Fusionย Manila 2017 started last April 6 and the last day is today! If you still have time, drop by at theย SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
Essentially, the Filipino cuisine is an emerging influence in the food industry. What elevates in this year’s editionย is the simplicity and versatility of the ingredients, yet it highlights the technique, creativity, and sustainability of the products showcased in this year’s gastronomic festival.
How about you? Did you enjoy the 3-day food congress? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!