After blogging for more than a decade, I’m so excited that Manila is entering a new era of awesomeness. 2016 is a tipping point that will transform the food, travel, and lifestyle landscape of Manila.
I believe that the Philippines will be a First World Country in our lifetime! And there’s never been a better time to be in Manila to witness history unfold and be a part of the story.
Here are the 8 things that move me and will keep my fire burning in 2016 and beyond …
1. Next Generation Filipinos
Our Awesome Planet is the story of our family with our 4 boys: Aidan, Joshua, Raphael, and Ysrael. They will inherit the First World Philippines that we are creating for the next generation of Filipinos. We dedicate our life’s work to them and it inspires me to help them become patriotic world-class Filipinos.
2. Madrid Fusion: Culinary Revolution in Manila
Madrid Fusion 2016 will continue to shake up the culinary landscape of Manila and build on the gains of the first Madrid Fusion.
For the first time, the #1 chef in the world–Joan Roca of El Cellar de Can Roca, Spain, the #1 chef in Latin America–Virgilio Perez of Central, Peru; the #1 chef in Mexico–Jose Vallejo of Quintonil, Mexico, and the #1 chef in Asia–Yoshihiro Narisawa of Narisawa, Japan are coming to Manila to share their culinary philosophy and inspire the next generation of chefs in the country.
Don’t miss Madrid Fusion Manila happening on April 7-9, 2016 at SMX Convention Center.
Related Blog Posts:
- MADRID FUSION 2016: The Post Avant Garde Culinary Movement! @MadridFusionMNL #MF16
- Festival de la Paella Gigante: A Taste of Spanish Culture for a Cause! @MadridFusionMNL
3. World Street Food Congress in Manila!
Because of the long lines of Pepita’s Kitchen, Claude Tayag, and Paul Qui during the last World Street Food Congress in Singapore, KF Seetoh Founder of World Street Food Congress was convinced to bring the WSFC 2016 to Manila!
In partnership with the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, and Ayala Malls, the World Street Food Dialogue and Jamboree would start a heritage comfort street food revolution in Manila.
See you at the World Street Food Congress on April 20-24, 2016 at Bonifacio Global City.
Related Blog Posts:
- World Street Food Congress: Making Filipino Food a Global Sensation! (A Photo Essay)
- Announcing… World Street Food Congress in Manila! (April 20-24, 2016)
- Philippines’ First 15-Hour Food Tour Frenzy Safari (Part 1) #WSFC16
4. Philippine Elections 2016
I believe Manila is destined for greatness and that we will make the right choice in the May 2016 elections.
There are only three values that I look for in our next president: no history of corruption, strong political conviction, and patriotic.
It’s awesome to be part of this very important event in our nation’s history. Make your vote count!
5. The Next Generation Mercato
We started Mercato Centrale in 2010 and this 2016 is the year that everything changes as we elevate the experience to a whole new level.
I’m so excited to build the food tourism hub of the Philippines and to promote Filipino Food and Pinoy Food Entrepreneurs.
Related Blog Post: Mercato Has Landed with Baconized Celebration! @MercatoCentrale
6. Travel Blogger Exchange – TBEX Asia!
For the first time, 800 of the world’s Travel Bloggers are converging for a historic Travel Blogger Exchange conference in the Philippines!
This will be the tipping point in Philippine Tourism and I believe that everything will change after TBEX in Manila.
Be there on October 13-16, 2016 at the PICC Convention Center!
Related Blog Post: TBEX Asia 2016 Kickoff with Travel Massive Manila Community! @TourismPHL
7. New Pinoy Mover Movement
New Pinoy Movers: Ace Ramos • Aisa Mijeno • AJ Dee • Amina Aranaz • Anton Diaz • Bianca Gonzales-Intal • Cecile Zamora van Straten • Chappy Callanta • Charina Sarte • Donald Lim • Dyan Castillejo • Erik Cua • Erik Matti • Erwann Heussaff • Francis Libiran • Gabby Dela Merced • James Deakin • Jason Magbanua • Jimmy Alapag • JP Anglo • Atty. Karen Jimeno • Kat Agarrado • Kryz Uy • Leeroy New • Lesley Mobo • Lourd De Veyra • Mark Ruiz • Marlon Stockinger • Melissa Yeung • Mich Dulce • Mika Reyes • Mike Carandang • Nicole Andersson • Nikki Luna • Nikko Huelgas • Paolo Valenciano • Phil Younghusband • Rachelle Ann Go • Rajo Laurel • Reese Fernandez-Ruiz • Rio Dela Cruz • Rj Ledesma • Robby Carmona • Royal Pineda • Sam Gogna • Sara Black • Sarah Geronimo • Teacher Georcelle • Tim Yap • UP Dharma Down
For the launch of the New Rexona Motionsense, with patented microcapsule technology that is filled with a fragrance that burst with friction, Unilever honored the 50 inspirational New Pinoy Movers in our country today.
With the campaign’s tag line #KeepOnMoving, the aim is to inspire the next generation of Filipino movers to never stop making a difference in our country. I’m so humbled to be part of this campaign and be counted as a mover.
The more you move, the fresher you smell, and the closer we get to our First World country vision.
Related Blog Post: Rexona: The New Pinoy Mover & MotionSense Technology
8. 2017 Spiritual Tipping Point
The day of the reckoning is coming in 2017–100 years after Our Lady appeared in Fatima. This is an enlightening read: Our Lady of Fatima – Why 100 Years Matters
This year the Catholic Church is celebrating the Jubilee Year of Mercy and making it easy for more people to go back to the Lord and experience His love and mercy.
2016 is the year to prepare ourselves, to be good and to be of service to mankind.
Related Blog Post: Our Lady of Fatima – Why 100 Years Matters
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Disclosure: I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights. Read Our Awesome Planet Complete Disclosure Policy here.
P.S. Reflection: What moves you? What keeps you going this 2016? Don’t give up, keep on moving!