Fusion of Flavors: SM Supermalls Celebrates Madrid Fusion Manila

I believe that we Filipinos love to experiment with food – proof of this is the popularity that local dishes “with a twist” have been getting lately in concept restaurants. Have you tried a Corned Beef Kansi? How about Sinigang with Watermelon? Or maybe we shouldn’t go further and just take a look at our very own Halo-halo, which is probably the epitome of how Pinoys love to mix and match different ingredients and flavors of food.

It’s no secret that the Filipino cuisine has been influenced by a variety of cultures, and this “fusion of flavors” is what this year’s Madrid Fusion Manila will be about. Anchoring on the theme, “The Manila Galleon: East Meets West”, this is the second time that the Madrid Fusion exhibition will happen outside Spain. To give us a sneak peek of what’s going to happen this year, Madrid Fusion Manila’s Titanium Sponsor, SM Supermalls, officially launched the celebration last March 30 with top rated Chefs JP Anglo and Edward Bugia at Sarsa, SM Mall of Asia.

I was thrilled to see Chefs JP and Edward in action, as I’m a huge fan of Sarsa and Breakfast and Pies. Chef JP’s Adobong Pusit Arroz Caldo was rich in flavor, probably because of the generous toppings of tuna chicharon, chopped garlic squid flakes, eggs, and seafood. Chef Ed’s Pancit Paella on the other hand, was a perfect fusion of Filipino and Spanish flavors. Yum!

Chef JP’s Adobong Pusit Arroz Caldo

Chef Ed’s Pancit Paella 

Here is quick run-through of the activities set for the event:

• Gastronomy Congress with the world’s top rated and most acclaimed avant-garde chefs
• Madrid Fusion Manila Trade Expo - a special exhibition for fine food, gourmet products, new ingredients and cooking technology
• “Fusion Flavors” at 24 participating SM malls
• Epicurious: Culinary Demonstrations by Gourmet Chefs 

You can check out the full list of the schedule of activities here.

Aside from the activities mentioned above, cooking demonstrations, culinary school face-off contests, food fairs and workshops will also be held in support of DOT’s “Flavors of the Philippines” Festival. According to Steven Tan, SVP of SM Supermalls, “SM, through its partnership with Madrid Fusion Manila and the DOT, through Flavors of the Philippines, is simply fulfilling its mission to bring families and friends together in one fun place through the enjoyment of everything flavorful.”

(L-R) Arnold Gonzales, OIC Media Relations & Communications for Tourism Promotions Board; Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls SVP for Marketing; Perkin So, SM Mall of Asia AVP for Operations; JP Anglo, Chef of Sarsa Kitchen + Bar; Ed Bugia, Chef of Pino Kitchen Studio; Dakila Gonzales, Department of Tourism Market Development Group for Flavors of the Philippines

Looks like I won’t have to go far this month to go on a food trip!

Here I am with a shameless fanboy picture with Chef JP