MANILA, Nov 28 (PNA) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) over the weekend revealed the names of the initial batch of chef presenters attending the second version of the famed culinary event, Madrid Fusion Manila (MFM) 2016.
Attending chefs include Joan Roca of El Cellar de Can Roca Restaurant in Catalonia, Spain (3 Michelin stars, No. 1 and one of the world’s 50 best restaurants), and Yoshihiro Narisawa of Les Creations de Narisawa Restaurant in Tokyo, Japan (2 Michelin stars, No. 2 and Asia’s 50 best restaurants).
Also attending are Dani Garcia of Bibo Andalussian Brasserie and Tapas in Malaga, Spain (2 Michelin stars) and Virgilio Martinez of Central Restaurante in Lima, Peru (1 Michelin star, No. 1 with distinction as one of the world’s and Latin America’s 50 best restaurants).
Madrid Fusion has been celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003. It was held for the first time in Manila on April 2015. Since then, it has been dubbed as the biggest culinary event in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
The event is set to gather the world’s most renowned chefs in one roof to participate in talks and demonstrations to tackle the fusion of Filipino and Spanish cuisine, its culinary trends and techniques.
DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez. Jr. described the first edition of the event as a “truly delicious success to experience over and over.”
“MFM 2015’s opening day was a realization that it was not just your ordinary food festival, but a gastronomical milestone for the Philippines,” Jimenez said during the signing ceremony between the DOT and ICEX España Exportacion e Inversiones in Muntinlipa City last Nov 26.
ICEX España Exportacion e Inversiones is the public export promotion agency under the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of the Kingdom of Spain.
“It proved to be an emotional reunion between close friends who have not shared a meal in a very long time,” he added.
Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade Jaime Garcia-Legaz for his part, expressed great pleasure to be an active member of this second edition.
“…To put together another year of one of the most prestigious events in the world is but a great honor for Spain. Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 has the Philippines in the world gastronomical map,” Legaz said.
“There is no better way to celebrate our common cultural history but through enjoying and appreciating good food and wine,” he further said.
The Philippines is confirmed to host the second year of Madrid Fusion Manila scheduled to take place on April 7 to 9, 2016.
“No event deserves repeated celebrations than Madrid Fusion Manila,” Jimenez pointed out.
“Not only because it was expertly executed, not only because it was well attended, not only because it was roundly applauded, but more because it was a journey of rediscovery, a renewal of friendship, and of kinship,” he added. (PNA)