When in Manila, there are hundreds, probably thousands of “indie” food businesses that offer a wide array of dishes ranging from desserts, grilled foodstuff, healthy options and more. These “indies” of the food and beverage biz are still on the brink of nationwide success looking to achieve a breakthrough sensation.
Although they have not yet attained the status of food and beverage power houses that have several branches around the country, and even the world, these food enterprises have gained some cult followings through their word-of-mouth and customer satisfaction success.
More than just the palatably pleasurable sensation one gets when eating utterly scrumptious and delectable food, FOODGASM is a gastronomic and exciting food festival organized by the UP Economics Society. Through this food-tasting-event-slash-competition, the featured small-time food fare ventures have certainly gained some newfound fans and friends.
Last Saturday evening, I had a chance to visit the third installment of this grub fest with my college friends, Camille, Luisa and Francis. I was glad I brought them with me because these three can really EAT. As in anything. And eat to their heart’s content, they did.
Check out some of the offerings at this food fair.
Camille, Luisa and yours truly
When you give your ticket at the registration booth, they’ll hand you a plate and some utensils, and you’re free to roam around and get a taste of the many food stalls serving up their best for FREE! We tried out the yummiest selections from more than twenty food ventures. That’s very great value for a Php 250 entrance fee.
Chef-judges, food bloggers, foodies and other guests present at the event rated the dishes they tried out and through the vox populi, the Foodgasm Champion is determined at the end of the event. That’s the beauty of FOODGASM: regardless of whether you work in the food business, or you just love food so damn much, anyone and everyone had a chance to be a food critic for a night.
Here are some of our best bets:
Bagnet Paella from FLAVOR AVE. Flavorful, colorful with a Filipino twist to a classic Spanish favorite!
PASTRY PLAYGROUND’S Rainbow Cupcake: Swirls of color and flavors of lemon and chocolate. YUM!
A Japanese touch to the all-American classic hotdog bun brought to us by SCHMIDT’S GOURMET HOTDOGS. The dori certainly was a nice touch, adding to the little Japanese flags.
ANGUS TAPA CENTRALE’S Organic US Angus Beef Tapa. Juicy and incredibly delish.
Redamon: Cinnamon cupcakes with wine-flavored frosting from THE CUPCAKE DEALER
All throughout the event, the hosts raffled away prizes. Exciting goodies from their sponsors were also up for grabs for the event attendees who played games with the hosts and those who could muster up the courage to deliver their cheesiest and funniest pick-up lines about food. I joined in the game wherein you have to say “FOODGASM” as long as you can. It proved to be a really fun experience, plus I won a rice cooker from Maggi!
Woohoo! New Maggi rice cooker!
“Foodgasmmmmm…”
Luisa tries her luck with a pick-up line.
Drenched in sweat and feeling bloated, we left the event happy and content. Now that was one wild ride.
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This event was Co-Presented by: Midnight Mercato, Maggi, Tastebuddies, Wacoal In Partnership with Maybank, Leslie’s Farmer John
Premium Partner Bloggers: Hefty Foodie, It’s Beryllicious, The Purple Doll, The Ultimate Food Addict, When in Manila
Standard Bloggers: Top Brass, All Loving Chic, Foodamn, Kimiviajera, Dementia Foodista, Stop! Look! And Capture, Yedylicious, Geoffreview, The Food Alphabet, Everyday Sweet Notes, The Hungry Giant, Joei and Me, Satisfying Juan’s Appetite, A Not So Popular Kid, Blissful Guro, Lakad Pilipinas, Aldous Ate the World, Dulce Deleirs, Pig Out Sessions, I am a Dekaphobic, Eyes on Manila
Donor Sponsors: Cha Dao, Luk Foo
UP Economics Society Hits the Spot with FOODGASM Part 3
