Written by Annika Villarroel
Photos by Giovanni Estimada
Most of the time, I can limit my meal’s portion sizes, eat my fair share of fruits and veggies, and exercise at least a few times a week. Although I have multiple cheat days within the month (and I don’t feel guilty at all), I am what we can call a “healthy foodie.” So when I found out about the 11th MAFBEX (Manila Foods and Beverages Expo) about to take place at the World Trade Center, I was more than ready to have my ultimate foodventure!
Before the official opening of the event, we were given a MAFBEX style dance number from their very own crew:
There were tons of important personalities who graced the event this year such as Cynthia Villar and Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat who opened the event along with the executive officers of Worldbex with a large ribbon cutting ceremony!
Just like that, I was armed and ready for food battle. You could only imagine the happiness I felt as I arrived at the entrance of the expo itself and saw over 500 food booths and tons of food samples that came with them! I think I might have found (food) heaven on earth.
Walking through the air-conditioned halls between the booths, I couldn’t help but feel giddy about the vast selection of food choices I had.
Just look at the amount of people present at the event!
There was even this giant Shakey’s bus that I haven’t seen anywhere else before!
The food at the booths looked so appetizing that I couldn’t help but be indecisive about what to sample first.
One second I’d want Persian food, then the next Chinese. I felt like a little kid stuck in a gigantic candy store.
Besides the endless food booths found in the 15,000 sqm. exhibition space, there were also cooking shows and competitions happening within the venue. The first one I watched was sponsored by the Young Hoteliers Exposition (YHE) where HRIM students showed their prowess with different cocktail mixing and bartending skills!
My personal favorite performer was O’Hara who made the Scarlett Drink that featured Bacardi topped with champagne!
Right next to it was a Table Set-Up and Napkin Folding competition to showcase the students’ expertise in their craft.
There was also this Great Gatsby-esque table setting complete with feathers and silver accents by La Consolacion College!
Several cooking shows also took place during that day aiming to give informative talks and exhibitions on their culinary talents on international cuisine and food preparation.
Here’s Thai Chef “Cha” a premier chef at Dusit Thani Hotel preparing their famous Pomelo Salad and Green Chicken Curry.
Chef Mitchie Sison from LSJ Group of Companies prepared her love for intercontinental food mixed with local food ingredients that are available all year round. Her current fave ingredient? Kalabasa or Pumpkin.
After both my information and food cravings were satisfied from the fun festivities of the day, I gave my farewell and am looking forward to the 12th Manila Food and Beverage Expo! Want to experience a grandiose event all about food?
It’s not too late! MAFBEX 2017 will be ongoing from JUNE 14 – JUNE 18!
Entrance tickets are priced at P100 and is for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. Don’t miss the unique chance to see (and taste) the finest Filipino flavors around!
Tell us all about your favorite food expo experiences in the comments below!Â
