Madrid Fusion stays in PH

Madrid Fusion 2017 agreement signing at Manila Diamond Hotel. Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo (middle) with (from left) Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr.; Lourdes Plana, partner and general manager of Foro de Debate; Iñigo Cañado, director of Arum Estrategias Internacionalización; and Maria Leonor “Mielle” Esteban, administrator of Arum

After the presidential elections of 2016, many wondered: Would Madrid Fusion, the globally acclaimed international gastronomic congress, be continued by the next administration?

The Department of Tourism answered this question Wednesday with a resounding and reverberating YES!

No less than Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo led the agreement signing at Manila Diamond Hotel where she announced the theme for 2017—Towards A Sustainable Gastronomic Planet.

Madrid Fusion’s very own director Lourdes Plana personally announced a shortlist of confirmed chefs for Madrid Fusion 2017. Chef Rodrigo de la Calle of Michelin star restaurant El Invernadero leads the list.

De La Calle has the unique title of “gastro-botanical” chef and is consultant to chef Joel Robuchon, one of the most starred chefs in the world. He was also recognized as Chef of the Year in 2011 by Madrid Fusion.

Foodies will also be excited to learn that the lineup includes pastry chef Jordi Roca, one of the three famous brothers behind El Celler de Can Roca, named World’s Best Restaurant in 2013 and 2015. Roca will also be joined by his wife Alejandra Rivas, likewise a highly acclaimed pastry chef, known both in Spain and Mexico.

For the first time, a French chef who was also given the honor of being called Maitre Restaurateur, the highest honor for a French chef at the Bocuse d’Or (1995), will also be joining the list: Regis Marcon of Le Clos des Cimes located in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid in the Haute-Loire, France. His restaurant has maintained its 3 Michelin stars since 2005.

And from Latin America, the pair of Kamilla Seidler and Michelangelo Cestari of restaurant Gustu in La Paz, Bolivia, which was just this year ranked No. 14 in the list of Latin America’s 50 Best and named Best Restaurant in Bolivia, will also be joining the elite roster of chefs who will speak at Madrid Fusion.

Iñigo Cañado, director of Arum Estrategias Internacionalización (Arum), which brought Madrid Fusion to Manila, spoke about the success of the project.

Praising the organizers, he reminded the audience of the main objective of the congress, which is to put the Philippines on the map as a gourmet destination in Southeast Asia. To this end, there has been much success, he said. “There is bigger exposure (on Philippine gastronomy now), not just in the Philippines but also in Europe. We have been seeing a lot of writing in Spain on Filipino cuisine, which was never done before.”

He also noted the coming together of various departments of government for the success of the event, specifically mentioning the departments of Agriculture and Trade and Industry, adding with a laugh, “In Spain, we never do that.”

Cañado also spoke about the incredible hospitality of Filipinos.

“Visiting chefs are overwhelmed by the hospitality and kindness of Filipinos,” he shared. “In the Philippines, most important are the people, second only is food, and third is selfies.”

Then he praised the hard work of private sector event organizer The Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers Inc. and the Spanish Commercial Office.

Tourism Director Verna Buensuceso, who was very thoughtful in giving out awards to certain individuals and companies who have supported Madrid Fusion since it was announced in 2014, said, “This event was made possible through the collective effort of many people. This is a shining example of a successful collaboration among government entities, the private sector, LGUs, the academe and private citizens.” She promised Madrid Fusion 2017 would be more festive, flavorful and colorful.

The next Madrid Fusion Manila will be held from April 6 to 8, 2017. This will be the third year that the event, described as “the most important international gastronomy congress in the world,” will take place in Manila.