10 Reasons why you shouldn't miss this year's MAFBEX

Tweet

Are you ready for the Ultimate Foodventure?

It’s that time of the year again for the biggest food show in the country – the Manila Foods and Beverages Expo, bringing together a flurry of gastronomic wonders on June 14 to 18, from 10:00am to 8:00pm at the World Trade Center Manila. Organized by MAFBEX Events Management (a subsidiary of Worldbex Services International) and presented in cooperation with the Young Hoteliers Exposition and the Organization of Bar Professionals, this year’s show is sure to be packed with tons of surprises and exclusive events. 

To give you an idea, here are some among the many reasons why you should not miss the 11th MAFBEX!

1. Tasting Opportunities

Set to occupy a total of 15,000 sqm of exhibition space, which will house close to 500 exhibitors, explore and sample the diverse array of food and beverage products from both local and international brands. 

2. Fresh Local Produce 

Presented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, a special pavilion will be showcasing local and homegrown goods from all over the country. Among these include Guzto, Pia, Bahaghari Banana Chips, Merl's Delicacies, The Cracking Monkey, Seaweed Products, Wild Honey, Coconut Oil, Organic Salted Eggs, and Tamarraw rice among many others. Select regional offices including the Regional Field Office I, II, III, and IVA will also display their local produce at the pavilion.

3. Franchising Zone

More than just a destination for foodies, those who wish to venture into the food business are encouraged to visit the Franchising Zone. Among the participating companies include Delicious / Feicitas, KJA Globe, Mega Food Cart, Fosse Coffee Kiosk, Masterchef, David Fusion, JC Worldwide, and Pampanga’s Best.

4. Chefs of the World

A highly-anticipated event highlight at MAFBEX shows, the Chefs of the World gives you a unique opportunity to witness renowned chefs in action and even talk to them during the meet & greet session! Headlining this year’s Chefs of the World are Pokwang, Chef Sharwin Tee, Chef Deejay Santos, Chef Michelle Adrillana, Chef Mitchie Sison, Chef Philip Goulding, and Chef Alain Rion of Sofitel, to name a few.

5. Free MAFBEX Seminars

Feed not only your tummy but also your mind at this year’s MAFBEX Seminars. Open to all and free of charge, learn a thing or two straight from the F&B industry’s top practitioners and influencers.

6. Live Cooking Demos

Wouldn’t it be great if you could prepare your favorite dishes at home? Learn from the best as MAFBEX hosts a series of cooking demos by the most prominent chefs in the country such as Chef Boy Logro, Chef Dang Adrias, Chef Jackie & Maai Florendo, and Chef Xavier Btesh.

7. YHE Interschool Competition

Want to try something new? From a grueling Black Box challenge and Cake Decorating Competition to the Flair Cup 2017, Market Basket Challenge, and the Mocktail Punch Competition, bear witness to live culinary competitions for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

8. National Bartending Championships

Enjoy a boozy spectacle with the first-ever HRAP National Bartending Championships. To showcase their bottle flipping and flair skills at the Flairtending Competition are representatives from the Baguio Country Club, Cafe Havana, Dusit Thani Hotel, Holiday Inn, and Resorts World Manila. Meanwhile, to showcase their cocktail concoctions on the spot at the Classic Bartender Competition are contests from the Baguio Country Club, Diamond Hotel, Dusit Thani Hotel, Pan Pacific Hotel, Sofitel, Bellevue Manila, and OKADA.

9. MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition

Like a scene straight out of your favorite reality cooking competition show, feel the action heat up as amateurs battle it out for this year’s MAFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition. Divided into two rounds, the semi-finals and the grand finals, home chefs will be tasked to collect their ingredients on the spot and cook up a culinary masterpiece for the honor of being hailed as champion as well as a chance to win awesome prizes.

10. Eat for a cause

It’s not every day that you eat and get to help someone in need. At MAFBEX, you get to do both as part of the proceeds of the show will go to the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.

For more information, you may follow #MAFBEX on Facebook and Instagram!

Mandala Park: Mandaluyong’s Newest Yuletide Bargain Hub

Tweet

The Holidays are definitely upon us. We will truly enjoy unique holiday finds in many malls and bargain hubs. 

This year, make Mandala Park a part of your Christmas. With your to-do-list for Christmas activities and busy schedules is the annual Christmas gift bargain hunting. Here, you can find feature affordable quality items and delicious food from many concessionaires. 

And there's more, with good food and soulful music set in a space fit for accommodating families and friends, you will relax and unwind with live entertainment here in Mandaluyong’s Newest Yuletide Bargain Hub.

Litton & Co, Inc. spreads the joy in gift-giving this season as its flagship project Mandala Park turns the third and fourth installment of its weekend market series into a two-part Yuletide bazaar this November 28 and December 19, respectively.

The curated list of merchants for Mandaluyong’s community of wellness and sustainability has grown to become a very good mix. Current roster now includes retailers that sell perfect items for those hunting for great holiday finds. Organic hair and skincare brand Zenutrients has a complete line of natural beauty products, while sportswear brand Atsui Alternative Athletics offers apparel that balance style with function and form.

D’Famous Imus Longganisa

What’s more, guests can either enjoy a feast of holiday flavors or take some out as presents for their loved ones. They can take a pick from meat delicacies of D’Famous Imus Longganisa, bottled home- made Muesli of Grapevine Desserts, the luscious confections of Risa Chocolates, or boxed merienda staples of Casa Empanada and Chicken Relleno House.

A Weekend Market with a Heart

For the first time, Mandala Park serves as a venue for communities to give back in this season of hope. The current installment will be held in support of Kcat Yarza, author of the book KCAT CAN - I have a pen that writes.

Diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, Kcat has multiple tumors in her body that need medical attention. She turned to writing to support her expensive medical needs. A compilation of her deep, emotional, and inspiring personal accounts, Kcat’s book allows people to see the beauty in life no matter what the circumstances may be.

Mandala Park also offers its enclosure as a drop-off point for donations to around 1000 families who lost their homes to the fire that razed the Addition Hills neighborhood, 1 kilometer near the enclave, last November 25.

Visitors can also give back by advocating for a movement that valorizes our own farmers. Mandala Park welcomes the Mahalin Pagkaing Atin (MPA) movement by allowing guests to celebrate the holidays in support of a cause that encourages homegrown food. A box of Mahalin Pagkaing Atin treats gets visitors to help out in providing sustainable livelihood businesses to places with high incidences of poverty, disasters, and conflict.

Indulge in a Bountiful Holiday Feast

After the day’s shopping, visitors can sit down and unwind with good food as household names like Sapin Sapin, Mister Delicious and Ribs Manila serve up classic holiday eats that capture the warmth of the season. Gostoso Piri Piri, Wrapped Shawarma, I Am Kim, B&T Mexican Kitchen, and Chili Asylum are also there to fire up spicy cravings, while Edgy Veggy and Pipino Vegetarian puts the healthy twist that people’s weight-watching appetite seeks.

A Christmas feast won’t be merry without the desserts. Set to satisfy visitors’ sweet tooth are saccharine treats served by newcomer Earnest Bakes, along with Mandala Park mainstay Scout's Honor and Fog City Creamery. In addition, Stanford & Shaw is back to freshen everyone with their ginger ale, along with choice beverages courtesy of Fruit Magic’s Pure Nectar line, Pedro Brew Crafters, and Bulletproof Coffee.

Aside from the delectable grub, guests will be treated to jazz renditions of classic Christmas songs as the Mandala Park holiday market features music from Homeward Bound and the Vince Lahorra Quartet.

The Mandala Park holiday market is Litton & Co.’s way of giving back to the community by handing them a venue for bringing people together in celebration of the Christmas spirit. With amazing finds, relaxing music, and hearty homegrown food, the Mandala Park holiday market inspires people to bask in the warmth of Yuletide cheer.

For more information on the Mandala Park weekend market series, follow Mandala Park on facebook at <facebook.com/mandalaparkph>, and on Instagram <@mandalaparkph>.

A new Mandaluyong in bloom, Mandala Park offers sumptuous, soulful, sustainable homegrown fares

Tweet

People have been raving about the newest weekend market nearby thier residences. A new Mandaluyong in bloom as Mandala Park unravels its 3.2-hectare enclave of wellness that celebrates homegrown fares, as a refreshing address along Shaw Boulevard, served goodies from afternoon till 9 pm.

Mandala Park Weekend Market presented a sumptuous, soulful, sustainable homegrown fares during last Saturday, October 24, as we enjoyed yummy food and goodies, chill the night while enjoying soothing jazz sounds from Kat Agarrado of SinoSiKat?

For this month’s installment, the guest performance is courtesy of award-winning singer, producer, and songwriter Kat Agarrado of SinoSikat?, an ensemble known for their soul-infused rhythms.

The weekend markets lets you to experience series of weekly Saturday hangouts with friends. at Mandala Park, to have taste good food from different merchants to support in terms of championing the sustainable lifestyle it upholds.

With good food and soulful music set in a space fit for accommodating families and friends, the Mandala Park weekend market gives visitors a chance to unwind after a tiring work week.

Serving up another feast, the second installment brings back crowd favorites like Fog City Creamery’s organic preservative-free ice cream. Scout Honor’s made-on-the-spot cookies, and Ribs Manila’s smoked pulled pork. While Fruit Magic brings back their cold-pressed juices, Stanford & Shaw is delighting second-timers and newbies with a taste of their guilt-free citrusy ginger ale. Rounding up the list of returning merchants are: B&T Mexican Kitchen, Ramen Iroha, and IAmKim.

New additions include makers of Hawaiian ceviche Poke Boy and the handcrafted delicatessen of Mister Delicious, Mister Fluffies which uses organic sugar in making their cotton candy, and Pedro Brewcrafters who make their beers in-house in San Pedro, Laguna. These four, along with the other chosen merchants are not only great examples of businesses that help the sustainable movement gain more ground in the country, they are also contributors of support for local businesses and industries, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Through the Mandala Park weekend market, Litton & Co. actively gentrifies the urban environment of Mandaluyong by creating avenues that make it easier for people to take a breather while enjoying soothing sounds and sumptuous food with traceable origins.

Green from Inside Out

Mandala Park begins to take shape

Recharging from the city’s entire bustle, and desiring to be more eco-friendly, are things that more and more people are beginning to aspire. The pace of living in today’s thriving districts, however, already makes it hard for urban dwellers to take time out to unwind, let alone adopt green ideals. 

This instigates the role of relaxation and recreation further in helping people live a more balanced existence. Litton & Co, Inc., an emerging real estate player and a witness to the gentrification of Mandaluyong’s landscape, responds by staging another weekend market set to enliven their 3.2-hectare enclave into an avenue of wellness.

By curating merchants that offer traceable homegrown fares, Litton is actually cultivating a community that thrives on sustainable ideals. With the first salvo held last month, the second installment of the monthly affair brings to fore Mandala Park’s gradual transformation as its architecture begins to embody the nature of Litton’s vision.

Merchants that use locally sourced produce help further the sustainability movement. Food prepared with ingredients of traceable origins produce smaller carbon footprints. Less waste is generated the closer the production, manufacturing, and consumption is. Most of the merchants on Mandala Park’s roster exemplify this standard.

An overgrowth of foliage now enveloping the property’s façade shows visitors the depth of Litton’s intent. By having it draped with a green wall that effectively reduces carbon emissions, Mandala Park unravels into a space that will take denizens to a green cleansing, the kind that shows the promise of nature’s integration within the urban ecosystem.

Catch for your favorite food, for more information on the Mandala Park weekend market series, follow Mandala Park on facebook at <facebook.com/mandalaparkph>, and on Instagram <@mandalaparkph>.

#NewMandaluyongInBloom

Eastwood City Launches Food Artistry

Tweet

Eastwood City has unwrapped yet another mouthwatering surprise that is sure to excite certified foodies with the launch of Eastwood Food Artistry. 

The newest dining campaign of Eastwood City, aimed to shine the spotlight on the talented chefs behind its newest restaurants, was formally unveiled during star-studded degustation dinner held recently at the Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. 

Opening the glitzy gustatory event hosted by Tim Yap was Megaworld First Vice President and Commercial Division Head Kevin L. Tan. 

“Apart from highlighting the talents of our chefs and their masterful creations, Eastwood Food Artistry was also envisioned to inspire up and coming chefs to master their craft and eventually become part of Eastwood City as retail partners,” Tan said during his opening remarks, which was followed by a heartwarming mini-documentary featuring Eastwood City’s most respected and sought-after chefs who also prepared the degustation menu. 

Celebrities and media guests were among the firsts to get a taste of the Eastwood Food Artistry Exclusives—masterful food creations handcrafted and intricately prepared by Eastwood City’s topnotch chefs, which will be available exclusively at participating Eastwood City establishments starting August.

Among the celebrities who attended the exclusive event were Liz Uy, Christian Bautista, Tweetie De Leon, Aubrey Miles, Troy Montero, Phoemela Baranda, Camille Co, Mikhaila Lagdameo-Martinez, Arnold Van Opstal and Carlo Orosa. 

Indulging the guests in the 8-course degustation dinner were Eastwood City’s top chefs including James Torres of Potts Point Café who served Risotto Balls as Hor D’Oeuvers, Hideaki Tohyama and Ben Gon of Sandaime who served the appetizer Volcano Roll, Pat Obia of Eastwood Richmonde Hotel who showcased his Trio of Pinoy Antipasti, Robby Goco of Green Pastures who gave guests a taste of his new creation Mushroom and Kale Paella, Chiloy Santos of Kettle who dished up a delectable serving of Brisket Sisig Taco, Chef Avi Shani who delighted guests with his newest gelato creation Tequila Rose Gelato and Gregory Guy of Cheesecakes by Guy who came out with his three of his signature cheesecakes Sugar-free Queso de Bola, Lemon Cheesecake, and Triple Chocolate.

 

Coinciding with the degustation is the launch of #Eastwood30Days Foodstagram Promo. From August 1-30, 2015, Instagram users can post their most creative photos based on the particular day’s challenge with the hashtag #Eastwood30Days and #EastwoodFoodArtistry. Contestants must follow and tag Eastwood Mall’s Instagram account @eastwoodmall_ for a chance to win exciting prizes. 

For more information on Food Artistry at Eastwood City, call the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Concierge at 709-9888, 709-0888 or 0917-8380111 or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.

7 ‘Foodventures' to take outside Metro Manila

Tweet

People are always going out for adventures and food tripping! Check this out and enjoy your 'foodventures'. MyProperty.ph lists seven locales beyond Metro Manila that have made major contributions to the country’s rich culinary culture.

As varied and trendy as restaurants are that pop up almost every day in Metro Manila, there’s nothing quite like going back to homegrown meals you’ll find at their place of origin. Every Philippine province and region has a signature dish they’re proud to call their own, making the task of sampling the best they have to offer an adventure in itself.

Here’s MyProperty.ph’s list of seven places outside Metro Manila that are known not just for their history and practices, but also for their trademark gastronomic delights.

Pampanga

Recognized as the culinary capital of the Philippines, Pampanga is a melting pot of local and international culture when it comes to food. During the Spanish times, colonizers taught the locals the basics of Spanish cooking, which influenced many of the province’s dishes. Some of their more mainstream offerings include the world-famous sisig, lechon kawali, and the cured sweet meats tocino and longganisa. If you’re up for a little adventure, some exotic dishes you might want to sample are adobung kamaru (mole crickets cooked in garlic and vinegar), betute tugak (stuffed frogs), and calderetang barag (a spicy stew of monitor lizard).

Ilocos Region

Have you ever heard of poqui-poqui, kabatiti, and utong? These terms might bring to mind less-than-kid- friendly images, but seemingly funny names are just one of the things that set Ilocano dishes apart from the rest. These are actually dishes made of various vegetables, much like the more PG-13 pinakbet, dinengdeng, and dinoydoy also from Ilocos. But while veggie concoctions seem to be the province’s specialty, one can’t take three steps within the area without stumbling upon other equally famous meat- based foods like Vigan longganisa, Ilocos empanada, and bagnet.

Rizal

When it comes to rice cakes, you can’t beat Rizal. Their recipes and methods of cooking these sweet delicacies were influenced by various cultures, and remain the same to this day. Cainta put their city on the map by baking the biggest rice cake ever, subsequently earning the moniker “Bibingka Capital of the Philippines.” After paying homage to the Virgin of Antipolo, patrons indulge in the city’s version of suman, a glutinous rice treat cooked in pre-made tubes of young palm leaves.

Bicol Region

If you’re a glutton for punishment, heaven for you would be Bicol Region, where some of the country’s spiciest dishes originated. Coconut milk and chilies go hand-in-hand in many of the region’s best grub, such as Bicol express, a pork dish named after a train that travels from Manila to the Bicol region; kinunot, an appetizer made of malunggay and stingray meat; and laing, a vegetable and meat dish composed mainly of gabi leaves.

Roxas City, Capiz

The “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” has an economy that thrives on aquaculture due to the plethora of marine life in the area, which is why their local dishes celebrate the diversity and flavors of their most abundant yield. Angel wing clams (locally known as diwal), crabs, scallops, oysters, and shrimp are often simply steamed so one can enjoy them in their fresh form; however, many locals have learned to kick their preparation up a notch with fusion cooking.

Cebu

Who can forget when world-renowned chef and food critic Anthony Bourdain went to Cebu and declared the province’s version of lechon (roast pig) “best pig ever”? Whether in belly form or in its whole skewered glory, what distinguishes Cebu lechon is the combination of herbs like lemongrass and leeks that give it its unique flavor as it roasts. Cebu’s suckling pig is so acclaimed, in fact, that you can buy them at airports in boxes to bring back home. Apart from Cebu lechon, a few common local favorites when it’s time for dessert are otap, caramel tarts, and dried mangoes.

Sulu and Tawi-Tawi

As a location unaffected by Hispanicization, foods in these areas are not influenced by Spanish cooking, but their techniques are more closely related to nearby Malaysia. One standout trait of foods in the region is the use of spices not common in the country, such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin. The satti—a local version of Malaysian satay—is skewered and grilled meat usually served in a bowl of sauce. Rendang, which traces its roots to Indonesia, is a dish composed of beef, lamb, or goat and various spices and is typically served during ceremonies such as weddings and Eid al-Fitr.

Celebrate Filipino Culture and Cuisine at Robinsons Manila Malls! Join "Pistang Pinoy" and "Flavor of Manila" Food & Culture Festival

Tweet

It has often been observed that the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines is seamlessly captured through our equally enticing cuisine. Indeed, the tapestry of our geographic diversity and historical influences is well-reflected in the way that our best-loved dishes (both savory and sweet) are interpreted.

Through a remarkable array of exhibits, demonstrations, parades, workshops, and performances, two of Manila’s most popular malls will highlight the amazing synergy that exists between Filipino culture, art, and food.

From August 28 to August 30, Robinsons Place Manila, premium mall in the heart of Manila and a favorite shopping destination of tourists will feature “Flavors of Manila”, which will offer a unique activity for each of the three days it will be held. Day one will present a water lilly bag making workshop, with a traditional rondalla performace delighting visitors on the next day. The final day kicks off with a cooking demonstration by “Master Chef” sensation Chef Myra, followed by a water lilly gown parade and a cultural performance. Throughout the entire duration of the festival, visitors can indulge their cravings for Filipino food via an impressive line-up of tenant booths and stalls. 

Meanwhile, Robinson’s Place Otis will begin the festivities a little earlier, beginning on August 22 and lasting up to the 28th. In order to conclude the “Buwan ng Wika” with delighful flair, the Pandacan area’s most contemporary shopping complex brings wonderful new meaning to “Pistang Pinoy”. The Fiesta-themed event will feature exciting and interactive traditional Filipino games, as well as performances from the country’s leading cultural dancers (Tingob and banga dance, tinikling, karatong, katzudaratan and singkil) and singers. Needless to say, a vast selection of customary Filipino dishes, delicacies, and pasalubong items will be readily available to take customers on a veritable culinary tour of the Philippines. 

Flavors of Manila and Pistang Pinoy will be held in partnership with Mangan Filipino Restaurant, Bacolod Inasal, Vibes Massage, Dermstrata, and BGT Healthcare Center.

For more information about this cultural and culinary renaissance in the heart of Manila, please visit www.robinsonsmalls.com