I still can’t believe that Madrid Fusion is coming to the Philippines! I’m very excited to see our favorite Filipino and Spanish Chefs share the same stage in Madrid Fusion Manila, which will run from April 24 to 26, 2015.
To help build more excitement, I’d like to share my awesome learning experience at Madrid Fusion Spain. I can’t wait for my fellow Filipinos to experience it in Manila!
EN ROUTE TO MADRID FUSION
Majority of the Philippine delegation flew via Qatar Airways from Doha to Madrid.
The Philippine Delegation to Madrid Fusion was well-represented by Filipino chefs, online and print media personalities, the Madrid Fusion Manila organizers, and SMX and DOT representatives.
We were all excited to showcase the flavors and culture of the Philippines, even if it meant paying for overweight baggage.
We stayed at Pullman Hotel, a boutique hotel by the Accor group, which was literally across the venue.
One could easily see the Palacio Municipal de Congresos, where Madrid Fusion was held.
Most Spaniards don’t have breakfast. For those who do, this would usually be a light breakfast of Jamon Iberico, cheese, fruits, bread, and coffee.
MADRID FUSION CONGRESS
The Madrid Fusion presentations were impressive and organized. The whole event was a multi-sensory experience.
The most impressive presentation was from Andoni Luis Aduriz of Mugaritz, Spain, about the inspiration and genius behind his culinary creativity.
Our very own José Luis “Chele” González of VASK was recognized by Maestro Andoni during the presentation.
The live culinary presentations were fun to watch, with creative videos, images, and flawless execution.
At the end of the plating, each individual dish is captured in the APICbase.
FIRST PHILIPPINE BOOTH AT MADRID FUSION
I’m proud of our first ever Philippine Booth at Madrid Fusion, which was prominently located at the first floor beside the registration area, near the Auditorium.
Watch the video above to know more about the design and concept behind the Philippine booth.
It was fun to see the the Spanish patrons visiting the booth.
They loved the caramelized pili nuts!
Proud to showcase our premium lambanog, Lakan!
PHILIPPINE KINILAW
This was also the first time we’ve presented Filipino Food–the Kinilaw to the world in Madrid Fusion.
A proud moment of showcasing Filipino ingredients and how we prepare our Kinilaw.
Watch the entire presentation of the Philippine Kinilaw at Madrid Fusion!
Congrats to Margarita Fores and Myrna Segismundo for the awesome Kinilaw presentation!
MADRID FUSION TASTING
Lunch in Madrid is usually at 2.30pm. The VIP press was treated to a degustacion of the best food from particular regions in Spain.
It served as the inspiration for the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao VIP degustacion tasting event in Madrid Fusion Manila (watch out for that). 🙂
The food exhibition hall was massive, with tastings happening for 3 days (no selling was allowed).
We were able to sample the premium Jamon Iberico with pink fat, which tasted like milk.
I also enjoyed the Tempranillo wine tasting from 15 different wineries.
I was impressed with the booth presentations–very colorful and well-designed.
The owners themselves were manning the booths and talking to customers–mostly in Spanish though.
Artisan breads.
Hot Spanish dishes.
Single malt.
Different cheeses.
Even Coca-Cola had an interesting cocktail bar.
MADRID FUSION MANILA – PHILIPPINE RECEPTION
Ambassador Carlos Salinas presented Madrid Fusion Manila to the International Press delegation during the Philippine Reception at Rameses.
It was a proud moment for us all! 🙂
It’s still surreal to see Filipino and Spanish Chefs on the same stage!
I got to meet Elena Arzak! I can’t wait for her to visit our country!
I’m also very excited for one of my culinary idols–Maestro Andoni Luis Aduriz of Mugaritz–to visit the Philippines and ignite the culinary revolution in Manila!
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: We were invited by the Embassy of Spain to cover Madrid Fusion 2015. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights. Read Our Awesome Planet Complete Disclosure Policy here.
P.S. Andoni will have a one-night-only dinner at Vask! Don’t miss that. 🙂
WOW, great experience and great pic!!
congrats and welcome to Madrid!