DOT steps up promotion for Madrid Fusion

The Philippines aims to attract more Spanish food enthusiasts into the country for the fourth edition of the Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) this April.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said MFM 2018 project director Pamela Samaniego invited participants of the ongoing Madrid Fusion (MF) at the Palacio del Congreso in Spain to take part in the Philippines’ version of the annual event.

“Madrid Fusion Manila has effectively bound government agencies, private sector, media, academe, and local communities together. We are rallying behind one common goal of establishing the Philippines as a center of gastronomy in this part of the world. We are making great headway. And for this, we are thankful to all of you,”Samaniego said.

The MFM is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusión, the most important gastronomy event in the world, celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003.

Last September, the DOT announced it would hold the fourth edition of the MFM on April 19 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia complex.

The DOT hopes to sustain higher awareness and attendance to the much-awaited Philippine culinary event which banners the country’s competitiveness as a gastronomical destination in the region.

“Three years ago when we were starting this project, the world barely knew about the cuisine and ingredients the Philippines had to offer. Today, food forecasts name Philippine cuisine as the next big food trend. With your help we can look forward to an even more successful Madrid Fusion Manila 2018,” Samaniego said.

To attract visitors to MFM 2018, DOT has set up a booth at the MF in Spain.

The booth offered sweets, snacks as well as freshly cooked dishes such as beef

sinigang, chicken arroz caldo and chicken adobo, and merienda such as suman, ube halaya, champorado, bibingka, kutsinta, puto, and others. Visitors were also enlightened on the origins of the food, how these are prepared as well as top destinations to enjoy these unique culinary gems.

Among the roster of chefs that will take part in the MFM 2018 are Michelin Stars-studded Curtis Duffy, Hajime Yoneda, Aitor Jerónimo Orive, Lg Han, Mingoo Kang, Diego Gallegos, Pepe Solla, and Roberto Ruiz.