Tastesetters Victors Night: Celebrating Innovations in the Food and Beverage Industry

 

April was said to be the month when Filipino food is celebrated, and what a way to keep it alive and remarkable than having one at the Tastesetters Victors awarding night at the Yuchengco Museum last April 11, 2024.  It was when Tastesetters brought together culinary experts and enthusiasts to celebrate the innovations that continue to push the food and beverage industry forward. 

Tastesetters believes that food is a work of art, which is why they have chosen the snazzy Yuchengco Museum to be the setting of the event. By combining complex flavors and intricate plating techniques, gastronomic masterpieces are created that surprise and delight the senses. They also partnered with local artists Mario “Ram” Mallari Jr., Nina Bantoto, and Bimbo Yance, bassist of The Dawn, who generously exhibited their skill and expertise that commemorate the creativity that food and art share. 

Upon my  arrival, I was greeted with cocktails at the outdoor reception area.  Sweet and savory creations were served to set the tone for the evening.  Next to the registration table was a dirty ice cream stand, which I thought was just there to amend for the heat, it was actually a unique treat that transcends all your understanding of the ice cream.   I could'n stop myself trying out Manong Sorbetero’s Adobo Caramel Sorbetes with Pork Floss and Kare Kare Sorbetes with Tulip Dark Chocolate Paste and Jif Crunchy Peanut Butter.  They were absolutely and surprisingly yummy without being overwhelming.  the taste of savory melds in perfectly with the sweetness from the featured ingredients.  Had Chef Sonny not told me about them I would not have tried them.

On to the appetizers such as Palabok in Pani Puri, using San Remo Angel Hair Pasta with Clara Olé Cream-based Pasta Sauce Crab Flavor, Kinilaw na Hamachi at Scallops with TABASCO Sriracha, and US Beef Belly Kansi, which were all=together impressive teasers for the feast to come.

At the main hall, the event started with Tastesetters displaying their expertise by speaking on the food and beverage innovations that they spotted. In the past years, they identified emerging trends that eventually made it big in the scene–like the dominance of matcha, the return of black-colored dishes, the craze for Korean cakes, and more. 

This year, they presented various upcoming innovations that will excite and inspire chefs and diners alike.

First is Gastronomic Artistry, which is the theme of the event. This interprets the plate as a blank canvas that encourages chefs to create illusions, illustrations, and even sculptures that turn dishes into awe-inspiring masterpieces. 

The second looks back on how Korean culture has increasingly influenced local industries, notably through its cuisine. Samgyeopsal and bingsu have become favorites, while ramyeon and kimchi are now pantry staples for Filipinos. The Next K-Wave invites culinary experts to discover the new ingredient, flavor, or dish that will be the next big sensation in the country. 

Tropical ingredients like coconut, mango, calamansi, and watermelon get the spotlight it deserves on the third trend. This invites industry leaders to get a Taste of the Tropics by incorporating these island elements into dishes in unexpected ways. 

Complex heat in food has slowly emerged through the years. From just challenging others with increasing intensity, this fourth trend creates a wider spectrum of spicy flavors up and down the spicy scale. Turn the Heat Up by being more clever in adding that more intentional kick of spice to food and drink.

Now is the opportune time to put Health on a Plate. This fifth trend rides on people’s shifting behaviors to, now, being more mindful about what they eat and put into their bodies. By swapping certain ingredients to go for more wholesome alternatives or indicating the calorie count of each item on the menu, restaurant owners can create healthy and refreshing plates that revitalize from the inside. 

Getting in on the Saucy Secrets may be easier said than done. With this sixth trend, popular dishes, like sisig, are remade into intriguing condiments. Its iconic flavors are taken from the sizzling plate and put into bottles that can be used as a surprising addition to other dishes. 

Lastly, Gourmet for All democratizes certain elements of upscale dining to create food that’s within the reach of a wider market. Fine ingredients like truffle and caviar are put into more accessible food like chips, instant noodles, fries, and more. 

After all the forecasted food trends were presented, the evening transitioned into the awaited degustation dinner. Created by Tastesetters’ very own Chef Sonny Mariano and Chef Wado Siman, the menu celebrated iconic Filipino cuisine. The chefs pushed the envelope further by adding surprising twists and flavors with SYSU products that updated these beloved dishes. 

The experience started off deliciously with the Benguet Corn Chawan Mushi and Reconstructed Tokwa’t Baboy with TABASCO Chipotle.  The above photo, which partially looks like sliced turon (sweetened banana rolls) evokes a staple Filipino savory snack with a hint of Mexican taste from the chipotle sauce.  While the other is inspired by the Japanese steamed egg custard but accentuated with truffle oil, which I truly enjoyed.

The guests, including  me dined salu-salo style enjoying reimagined Filipino classics such as Balamban Lechon Baboy seasoned with Old Bay Seasoning that had three sauces, including one made with Clara Olé Pineapple Jam.  It also included the "burong mangga" in local craft beer.  I went fancy over the three "sawsawan," as it was typical for us Filipinos to have one especially if we are eating with grilled or fried meat, in this case, the Cebu-based roast.  The addition of Clara Ole Pineapple jam gave the lechon an exquisite taste with the mix of sweet and tangy flavors, giving that Taste of the Tropic trend.

Making the feast healthier, the Adobong Pusit Adlai, was the absolute compromise from the regular rice dishes.  It was prepared using the Clara Olé Pasta Negra Sauce, and made more delightful with the Burrata cheese and tomato confit.  I love how it was presented, looking like a magical garden with a semblance of moss and edible florets, makes you really dig in for the priced carbs.

Of course, a meal course isn't complete without a vegetable dish, hence, Kare-Kareng Gulay, which was made with Jif Peanut Butter complimented with a vegan bagoong.  The addition of crispy pechay or Chinese cabbage was a game-changer.

A homage to the Quezon fiesta is this Seafood Habhab, the chefs' rendition of pancit habhab,  When the triangular bowl filled with vinegar was placed on the table, I instantly knew what was served next.

More meat dishes came in the form of saucy and vibrantly presented and executed manner.  If you think there's nothing more to do with Kaldereta as it is glorious in itself already, wait till I tell you how I enjoyed their version.  

The tender and succulent beef was rendered in Bugnay wine and it was evident they used US Short ribs cooked ala Bourguignon served with a yummy mash of sweet potato and carrot.  But wait, the experience was made more elevated with braised onions, making me remember Julia Child.

How about a different Chicken Inasal, something that is drenched in its own juice but with a citrusy flavor already?   Too bad, I was not able to try the crunchy chicken skin served with it.

The final course included a Cassube Flan, made with McCormick Ube Flavor, and a Cashew Mazapan, made using Embassy Chocolate’s Zen 33% White Couverture and McCormick’s Vanilla and Ube Flavors, intended to be eaten with the edible menus–much to everyone’s surprise. 

Once the guests were delighted by the feast, the much-anticipated awarding ceremony commenced. The Tastesetters team identified three nominees that embodied each of the five categories and one winner that stood out from the pack. 

First, the Rookie-Up and Coming award celebrated the businesses new to the Tastesetters scene. They are the ones to watch and are anticipated to make it big in the industry. While Lawson and Chick n’ Juicy were nominated, Mrs. G Cakeshop Corporation took home the custom trophy by artists Ram Mallari and Nina Bantoto. 

Second, the Operations Efficiency award highlighted establishments that optimized workflow, customer service, resource management, and the like. Binondo Foods Corporation clinched the award after being nominated with Waffle Time and Philippine Seven Corporation. 

The Marketing & Promotions award was up third with the nominees being Pho Hoa, Binondo Foods Corporation, and Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings. This accolade puts marketing efforts front and center. Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings ultimately won because of their impactful strategies that made waves online and offline. 

Being the bread and butter of Tastesetters, the Menu/Product Development award focused on those who create innovations that consistently impress their customers–whether they’re regulars or newcomers. Philippine Seven Corporation won the prize after being nominated with Bon Chon and Hopia King Bakery. 

Finally, Collaborator of the Year celebrates establishments that initiate productive partnerships, keep good supplier relationships, and more. Frankie’s New York Buffalo Wings and Hopia King Bakery were nominated alongside the category winner, Authenquick Foods Corporation. 

To close the event, Miss Sandy Cu, the Product and Business Development Head of SYSU International, led a toast to celebrate the coming together of industry experts and enthusiasts for an evening of impeccable food, beautiful pieces of art, and inspiring displays of innovation.

Stay tuned for exciting news on Tastesetters’ upcoming events, workshops, seminars, and more. Be the first to know when you follow Tastesetters on Facebook. For more information, visit their website. 

LOVE THE FLAVORS, LOVE THE PHILIPPINES: The Philippine Eatsperience opens in Rizal Park and Intramuros in Manila

 

One of Luneta’s pocket gardens transformed into a bustling food park on Wednesday (April 3), as over 30 food joints  offer dishes like Cebu lechon, Chicken Inasal, Ilocos empanada, to Bicol Express, among other iconic food that represent the Filipino way of celebration. 

The new Filipino fiesta-themed food and lifestyle market at Noli Me Tangere Garden is now open to the public starting Thursday, selling various regional cuisines for one year. It is accessible to commuters and cars, just a stone’s throw away from Roxas Boulevard and Kalaw Avenue.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco led the traditional pot breaking to launch “Philippine Eatsperience” to celebrate the Filipino Food Month 2024. 

Newport World Resorts Gives Prominence to Local Dishes in Celebration of Filipino Food Month

 

What a way to welcome April than with a food binge at nonetheless than the country’s   premier   lifestyle   and entertainment   destination that's a walk away from our home in Pasay. 

Find your way and celebrate Filipino   Food   Month with us  at Newport World Resorts.   In partnership   with   the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA). With the theme of “Engaging the Youth in Shaping the Future of Philippine Culinary Heritage and Gastronomy,” explore and savor the rich flavors and colorful history behind 11 featured dishes by Newport World Resorts’ award-winning restaurants.

What I've Learned Through 40+ Years of My Life

I have learned that...

I don’t have to react to everything that bothers me.

You see, I'm an overthinker... 

The energy it takes to react to every bad thing that happens to you drains you and stops you from seeing the other good things in life same goes when you let it ho over your head, again and again.

Teaching myself to "BE STILL." and "know who God is" in my life gave me peace and enough wisdom to surrender to Him all that I could not handle.

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Lenten Dining Made Easy with foodpanda

This Lenten season, people often opt to look for healthier meals. Luckily, foodpanda has your back. Navigating meatless dining during this season has become more accessible than ever making it easier to start your meat-abstaining journey.

foodpanda offers numerous meat-free choices to cater to different tastes. From simple favorites to creative dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate from foodpanda's restaurants. 

Discover the Philippines’ Breathtaking Shores with 7-Eleven’s Summer EsCUPades

n the midst of the summer heat and longing for a refreshing escape, 7-Eleven is treating the country to another round of drinks and exciting getaway trips. This time, customers are invited to rediscover the beauty of the local scenery through the Summer EsCUPades Raffle Promo.

 

As part of its 40th anniversary celebration with over 3,800 stores nationwide, this year’s adventure will be all about exploring the wonders that lie within the islands of the Philippines. With Summer EsCUPades, drinks and destinations go hand in hand as 7-Eleven gives customers a chance to travel to the top luxury destinations in the country: Siargao, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu.

 

7-Eleven celebrates “Forty-gether, Kasama ang Paborito mong Kapitbahay"

 

7-Eleven, the Philippines’ leading convenience store, has always been a go-to destination for essentials, quick snacks, and affordable meals for all Filipinos. This familiarity is thanks to the delightful years spent with the 7-Eleven community spanning over four decades. 

Speak the Language of Love: Discover Your Valentine's Day Gifts with foodpanda

 Have you thought of a perfect dish or surprise gift for your special someone or loved ones this coming Valentine’s Day? Celebrate the day of love by transforming your home into a haven of romance, where a delightful surprise is knocking at your door. 

 

Let foodpanda come in and help you choose sulit and kilig gifts and essentials! Dive into these affordable deals from February 12 to February 14. Use the code:VDAY150 and get P150 off via pandamart or foodpanda shops. 

 

 

Plus, a P200 cashback on food delivery (min order P799) and pick-up (min order P499). Use the voucher code: 200LOVE on February 14 &15, and be sure to use your cashback for another order until February 19.  Who said saving can't be as delightful as the surprise itself?

DOT to host the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) in February 2024

 Plunge into the captivating depths of the country’s underwater marvels as the Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX), returns on February 23 to 25, 2024 at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Pasay City.

Dubbed as the country’s largest platform for the diving community, the PHIDEX prides itself as the only dive show in the region with its value-added event components, including Dive Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) business-to-business (B2B) meetings, a Dive Conference, and post-event dive familiarization tours.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, a certified diver herself and chair of the Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD), hailed   PHIDEX’s “timely” comeback with the Philippines’ recent victories in the dive industry.

To recall, in 2023, the World Travel Awards recognized the Philippines as the World’s Leading Dive Destination. The country also won as Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, its fifth straight win, a testament to the collective efforts to preserve and further promote the dive industry together with the stakeholders from the local government, the private sector, and various dive communities.

"The PHIDEX is a manifestation of the Department's thrust toward strengthening the country's diving portfolio and our diving stakeholders and enthusiasts' commitment to leveraging the country's natural assets beneath our vast waters as one of the favorite diving destinations in the world," she said.

"Being one of the 18 mega biodiverse countries in the world, The Philippines boasts a multitude of marine species from across our regions of over 7,641 islands. I encourage our fellow Filipinos and foreign friends to come and visit us, and see for yourselves the beauty in our waters, finding more reasons to love the Philippines through the PHIDEX," she added.

Themed “Heart of Asia’s Diving: Collaboration for the Ocean Community,” the fourth edition of PHIDEX will specifically showcase the Philippines’ competitive edge as a diving destination for adventurers and enthusiasts alike. It will also provide an avenue for stakeholders to connect, network, and generate investments for local and international experts to share industry knowledge as well as best sustainable practices for ocean tourism in a global context.

Diving is also a key priority for the DOT as part of its multi-dimensional tourism approach, evident through its series of successful dive-related initiatives launched across the country. These included the Anilao Underwater Shootout in Batangas, the DIVE7 Festival series, Davao Dive Expo, NorthMin Dive, Cebu Travel Catalogue, BHOLDEX, MisOr Dive Festival, Samal Island Dive Safari, Bay Deep Mati Freediving Festival, and the inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue held in Cebu last September, among others.

For the exhibition component of PHIDEX 2024, the DOT has partnered with Underwater 360, organizer of the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX), the longest-running and largest dive expo in Asia.

Over 100 exhibitors, representing dive resorts, dive shops, training agencies, insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, marine conservation associations, and National Tourism Organizations are expected to join the expo.

For inquiries, please contact the PHIDEX Secretariat at phidex@tourism.gov.ph. Prospective exhibitors can reach out to Mr. Desmond Ho, Regional Business Manager of Asian Geographic Magazines Pte Ltd /Asia Dive Expo/Underwater 360 ASIA, via desmond@asiangeo.com and desmond@uw360.asia.

7-Eleven Chef Creations x Romantic Baboy's On-the-Go Korean Meals

Convenience and delight have always gone hand in hand at our favorite kapitbahay, 7-Eleven. When it comes to deliciously affordable food offerings, 7-Eleven's Chef Creations line does not disappoint with its array of meals. 

Just last year, its collaboration with Romantic Baboy was met with only finger hearts by customers. Now, this perfect pairing has more mouthwatering choices a few months after its initial launch. After all, only the best K-dramas merit a second season.