REGION 10 GOES MADRID FUSION 2017 FEATURING THE BEST OF THE BEST

Press release

By: Arnold A. Alesna

Madrid Fusion 2017, the biggest food event of the year, went into a spin as Region 10 brought in the best of the province in a variety of kakanin.  With Regional Director Marie Elaine S. Unchuan of the Department of Tourism (DOT) leading the way, Region 10 aimed to win the heart and stomach of all attendees of the event, local and foreigner alike.

With this year’s delivery of the best delicacies from the region, RD Unchuan aimed to let people knew that there is truly more than what is known about Region 10.  From point to point of the region, the whole Region 10 DOT was ready to wow those in the event with what they were presenting in the 3-days event.  From Bukidnon to Misamis Occidental, a good selection of delicacies was presented as part of the gastronomic wonder of the region.  The delegations are as follow:  RD Marie Elaine S. Unchuan - DOT10, Josephine H. Roque – DOT 10 Focal Person, Leonila S. Arguelles – Kitchen Focal Person, Chef Benzar Aradani , Camille Ambalario – Chef’s Assistant , Nelia B. Lee (Food Sponsor), Agnes Garcia Sue (Food Sponsor – Clarin, Misamis Occidental), Mayor Clive Quino and Mrs. Rina Quino (Food Sponsor -Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon) with other DOT 10 personnel.  

People were won over by the delicious suman from Clarin, Misamis Occidental, the crunchy peanut brittle, the delicate pastel by Vjandep from Camiguin, that grated young corn delicacy called binaki  and chicharon from CDO, the peanut goodness of Cheding’s from Iligan City and the sweet pineapples of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.  Paired off with it were the various coffee goodness of the region.  Not only are delicacies featured but also the Humba de Oro and Ostrich Salpicao; two dishes displayed during the regional lunch last April 8 under the careful hands of Chef Benzar Aradani.

A good number of gastronomic wonders are to be expected and seen at this year’s Madrid Fusion.  Region 10 was all set to give and serve their own tongue-wonder creations and win the hearts of people to come and explore and taste what they have to offer as a region, as a province and as Mindanao.

Bar Crawl in the Afternoon

After seeing the Liquido Maestro in action during the Dine Philippines in Ozamiz, I got to join the Liquid Chef Kalel Demetrio in a bar hop. The aim of this “Bar Crawl” is to see Chef Kalel do his mixes again just like what he did in Ozamiz. We used the term crawl because we are going to try cocktail mixes Kalel is going to make and we might not walk upright afterwards.

 

The Querida

I arrived at the Big Bad Wolf to try out the first mix. Chef Kalel introduced a new way to appreciate Basi. Basi is a strong ginger drink which is popular in the provinces. It was customary in the province that in order to be a real man, you must drink basi.

Chef Kalel gave each of us a shot of Basi Spritz. Since basi is a strong ginger drink, you can still feel how hot the drink is when it goes down the throat. But it can be also be refreshing because it is also topped with orange and cucumber.

Our next stop is Gorda’s.  It has a Latin American touch and I was given a shot of Horchatta Morena which is now one of my favorites. Despite the Old Captain Rum taste, it was delicious and refreshing and it’s really delicious. I find it also creamy as it also affects other senses as well since it is also aromatic.

El Ecuador de Margarita

After the Horchatta Morena, I am now introduced to the El Ecuador de Margarita. It is quite unique since it uses a half watermelon.  It is intended to be shared by using straws which is also fun to drink and it is very refreshing not only because of the watermelon but also with lots of ice.

Our next stop is the organic café Green Pastures. This is where Chef Kalel was last employed before he became a consultant. He recalls that he scouts farms to make sure they are using organic method in their products. This discipline stayed with Chef Kalel as he scouts ingredients for mixes. In Green Pastures, Chef Kalel created an original drink Gayuma which is a Tagalog term for love potion. Although it won’t make the drinker bewitched, don’t be fooled with the presentation because it has lambanog or coconut wine which is another strong drink in the province. I am glad I am not tipsy yet.

Torching the cinammon bark

In our last stop, we went to 2020/XXXX which is my new favorite bar establishment. The bar’s atmosphere followed its pattern to the days of Penguin Café where journalists, writers and theater actors used to hang out. The place also showcased artwork which is also for sale to support the artists. 2020 promotes locally produced drinks like the Barik lambanog which Chef Kalel also developed.

After having a shot of Barik on the rocks, we ended the night with another creation of Chef Kalel: The Querida. In Spain, the term querida is referred to the one you love, but in this country; it diverted and became synonymous to extramarital affair.

Chef Kalel uses named it querida for its original meaning. The love of a querida is also sexy and in drinking lambanog can also be sexy because it is the base alcohol of the mix. After Chef Kalel is finishing the mixes with the presentation, he torched the basil leaf on top. The drink is indeed sexy and it also compliments with the pomelo.

I am glad I am still on my feet after these drinks because I am on my way to watch a movie afterwards.  Catch the Liquido Maestro does his magic with his cocktail drinks at Madrid Fusion this Saturday the April 8^th at SMX Convention Center in Mall Of Asia Complex. Most of the alcohol content and mixes used by Chef Kalel are from Distillera and Locally not because he is their brand endorser but this is part of Chef Kalel's advocacy to support locally produced products by our own farmers.

For more gastronomic and gulping adventures, follow this blog and like W.H.A.T. food blogs on Facebook.

Orman Bag-ao will "RAIN OR SHINE" Berlin for the international Bacardi Legacy

Although I have a favorite among the five Bacardi Legacy entries, it’s hard for me to distinguish who we will send for the international leg of the competition. All five mixers have their own style and unique flair to make it for Berlin, Germany in May.

I have to agree with the Liquido Maestro Kalel Demetrio when he told me that each one is capable and ready in case one of them got chosen and he meant it not because they are his friends but because he is an expert mixer himself.

My favorite Bacardi Legacy entry during the bar tour is Rain Or Shine by Orman Bag-ao. A native of Davao, he applied fruit ingredients and flavors to his mix which I find refreshing. Just before the program, I got to meet Richie Cruz, the first Philippine bet for the international Bacardi Legacy. I asked him what he expects from the finalists when one of them won. He said, he already told them his experiences and gave tips. They already know what to do and they are prepared whoever wins.

 

The five Bacardi Legacy mixers

Once again, the five finalists, namely Alliuss Abrazado, Larry Guevarra, Orman Bag-ao, Kenneth Bandivas and Ralph Allen Santos once again prepared their entries and this time, in front of the judges. These mixers are not only the best, they are also representing the best bar establishment the country has to offer and each have their own support group from their bar patrons. I happen to sit with Alliuss’ group and we had good conversations about the event.

I was glad when finally Orman Bag-ao was selected for to be sent to Berlin on May 17 to 24. After being proclaimed, I saw Richie Cruz and Orman are having a short talk. Cheers to Orman and I will surely have a toast for his success with a Cuba Libre on May the 24^th.

For more bar hopping adventures, follow this blog and like Walang-Hiyaan-Ang-Takaw-Facebook Page.

Dine Philippines in Ozamiz coverage

Whenever we travel to other parts of the country or the world, the sights are not the only sense that matters in a tourist experience. There is also taste. Part of being a tourist is to experience food that is not common in one location because it also represents a heritage.

Whenever we go to different regions, we usually associate the food with the province. For example, it is common knowledge that dishes in the Bicol Region are mostly spicy. I went to Ozamiz City to attend Dine Philippines. It’s a food and beverage fair and most of the attendees are students who are taking up Hotel and Restaurant Management in college.

Since I am blogging about food, I also find it as a refresher course since I also want to hear the insights in the food industry.  The venue, The Promenade, also provides catering by Johann's Cuisine for the event.

Most of the time, what you studied in college may not be enough because the subjects we took does not show us the current situation in the work place. That is why learning is an ongoing process. Experience is the best source of learning and these students are fortunate that they are able to be given a glimpse of the working class.

One of the insights of I got are from resource speaker Mr. Adolf Aran, Jr. about situation of restaurant business in the Philippines. There are comparisons of lifestyle from the past to present. Because of the BPO industry boost in the country, the customer service representatives are in a time-shift event though they are still here in the Philippines because most of their inquiries are from another time zone. Their meal times are now different and when their shift ends which is usually in the morning, it is the only time they can enjoy drinking. One question was raised. Do we have food establishments that can cater to this need?

Chef Jam Melchor with volunteers.

Ozamiz City will soon have a BPO company but there are no convenience stores yet because the city is still living a provincial life. I was told the cinemas here close early compared to Manila. I love the transitions of the topics in the plenary sessions. One of the resource persons is a consultant Jai Ferrer. He specializes in farming and encourages going organic.

I got to talk to one of the attendees present during the first day. Misamis University student Roian Puckering enjoyed the topics and looks forward to learn from Liquido Maestro Kalel Demetrio because he wants to follow the example of his father who does different coffee drinks.

Liquido Maestro Kalel gives instructions for the AweZamiz mix

Speaking of the Liquido Maestro, Mr. Kalel Demetrio got the audience impressed when he created drinks using local ingredients in Ozamiz as if he was performing magic with his cocktail mixes and gave the liberty to the students to name the original drink. Chef Kalel encourages everyone to maximize the ingredients of what the province or city has to offer and experiment. This will also help promote local products that our own farmers produced. Chef Kalel himself is an advocate of locally produced ingredients and uses it in his endorsements in Distileria like the Barik lambanog he used.

But the best part of the event besides the insights from the resource persons is the food of course. Why would there not be Dine Philippines without the food.  I got to try out the food catered and provided by Johann’s Event Place which is the first events place in Ozamiz City.

Dragonfruit ice cream

On the first day, I got to try their Dragon fruit ice cream which is homemade originally at Johann’s. At the trade area outside the plenary, there are different food stalls that got me craving. I got to try out the suman from Klarin. What makes these Suman unique it has different flavors. There is also one booth the offers ube turon. It is smaller than the regular banana turon but quite heavy even though it is bite size.

The chefs have substance in their topics and they have rock-star status because they are entertaining and good with their craft. I cannot blame the attendees if they ask them for selfies. The plenary topics is also participatory. Chef Jam Melchor and the Liquid Chef Kalel Demetrio even ask some volunteers to help them. At the end of Dine Philippines, I asked another student from Misamis University, Donna Kris Eltagon what she taught about event. She told me she learned a lot from this event and she looks forward to attend Dine Philippines again for new insights.

AweZaMiz: an original drink created by the Liquido Maestro during Dine Philippines.

Ozamiz City has many unique food trips but there are more gastronomic adventures in Misamis Occidental which I will continue in my next posts.  Follow this blog and like W.H.A.T. Food Blogs on Facebook for more indulging food trips.

With Donna Eltagon whom I interviewed and the rest of the students of Misamis University who attended Dine Philippines.

The Hunt for the Next Bacardi Legacy

I’ve been to bars but I never tried bar hopping till now. I am going to five bars to try out five Bacardi Legacy cocktail drinks from five finalists. I got to attend last year’s finals night but this is the first time I got to talk to the creators of the new original cocktail drinks.

 

Alliuss Abrazado prepares his "Rosa de Ron"

Bacardi Legacy is a yearly event where the competing mixer creates a drink and a story to back it up. Here’s a trivia. Did you know that the cocktail drink popularly known as the Rum and Coke is a Bacardi Legacy cocktail drink called Cuba Libre? During the time of the Spanish-American War, when the American forces were stationed in Cuba, a Captain Russell ordered Bacardi Gold rum and Coke on ice with a lemon wedge and found the taste pleasurable. It was an instant hit that it became their drink for camaraderie with the Cuban revolutionaries and they toasted “Cuba Libre!” (Free Cuba!) this ignited their thirst for victory and independence.

 

Larry Guevarra and his "La Mision"

My first stop was Bar Mathilde for Larry Guevarra of Alley for his creation, La Mision. Larry has an interesting story that I can totally relate. Like me, Larry also came from the seminary but didn’t finish it which is why he named the drink La Mision. Yes, priests do drink alcohol. The one they drink in the Communion is real wine. Larry used Bacardi 8 because it looks like infinity which represents the Divine.

 

Orman Bag-ao's "Rain Or Shine"

The cocktail entry that I really fancied was Rain Or Shine by Orman Bag-ao of Long Bar. I find it refreshing with carrots with it instead of lemon. Orman explained that this unique drink draws his inspiration from his native Davao.

 

Kenneth Bandivas's Sonreir

The other drinks that was also represented was Sonreir by Kevin Bandivas (Prisma), Rosa de Ron by Alliuss Abrazado (Buddha Bar), and Nos Unimos by Ralph Allen Santos of Bitters. The purpose of this bar tour is to showcase the cocktail drink entries and get feedback from the bar patrons and post online their favorite Bacardi Legacy drink.

 The five cocktail mixers will be gathered in Twelve Monkeys in Makati on March 16 as they will be judged who will be sent to the international leg of Bacardi Legacy will be on May in Berlin, Germany just like last year when Richie Cruz was sent abroad last year for his creation El Tindero. This is the second time the Philippines is sending a representative but most of the entries from different countries are represented by Filipino cocktail mixers.

Besides Mathilde, we also went to The Curator, Penthouse, 8747, OTO Bar and Exit Bar. I am glad I am still walking straight after having eight shots of Bacardi Legacy cocktail entries at five bars. For post event updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Nos Unimos by Ralph Allen Santos.

OZAMIZ CITY HOSTS DINE PHILIPPINES 2017

Dine Philippines is a seminar series organized by Courage Asia that brings together the expert advice, trending concepts, and inspiring ideas that promote a healthier business atmosphere for the food industry. Set in key provincial venues, it is the largest gathering of its kind, reaching an audience of close to 10,000 stakeholders by each year.

The current foot traffic and tourism initiative of Ozamiz City is a key player in mapping the event in Northern Mindanao, specifically in Ozamiz. The culinary flavors of Ozamiz has already been featured in national TV and magazine making more people in the food industry more curious about what the city can offer to the business atmosphere. That makes Ozamiz City ready for Dine Philippines.

Johann’s Cuisine 3.0 The Promenade located in Barangay Lam-An Hi-way is a proud host of the first and ever Dine Ozamiz from March 2-3, 2017 and you are invited to support a strong educational component with several seminars, cooking expedition and networking dinner. This 2 day celebration will feature a travel fair, hotel and restaurants, a job fair and a launch of the ultimate food fair, The OZAMIZLICIOUS.

ACTIVITY FOR MARCH 2, 2017

Trade Fair

Food Fair

EVENT: CREATIVE LUNCH BOX COMPETITION - Make your Own Bento Box

When it comes to a packed lunch, the bento box is one of the most entertaining ways to send kids off to school. It may seems like  it’s all kinds of crazy to spend so much time on a lunch, but as you can see from the following photos, the result is a work of art! At Dine Ozamiz, we will invite different stakeholders to create their own lunchbox masterpiece using San Miguel – Purefoods products & it’ll be super fun!

FIRST PHASE – STUDENTS

Open to all culinary and or HRM students

SECOND PHASE – MOMS

Open to all Moms

CONTEST RULES

·         With a minimum purchase of 500 worth of receipt from any  San Miguel- Purefoods products, anyone can be a contestant

·         Members can be only up to 3

·         Dine Ozamiz will provide ingredients as well as additional tools that can be used for doing the decorations

• Theme: Let your imagination fly :). Can be anything really, it doesn't have to be Japanese either, rational, modern or whatever kind of style is fine as long as it's a meal in a box/container.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

§  Food Balance: We'll not only look at how cute or pretty your bento is, but also if your bento is well balanced. Let's say, a bit of carb, meat, veggies, fruit, etc. instead of just rice with a cute nori face.

§  Colour Balance: People would be more attracted to your bento (including us, judges) if your bento doesn't look too dull.

§  Creativity: Impress us with your creativity

ACTIVITY FOR MARCH 3, 2017

§  Trade Fair

§  Food Fair

CHEF SHOWDOWN – using local ingredients

-          Chef Bruce Lim

-          Chef Dino Datu

-          Chef Datu Pendatun

-          Chef Jam Melchor

-          Johann Dagandara

ACTIVITY FOR MARCH 4, 2017

§  Trade Fair

§  Food Fair

§  Business to business

§  The Promenade Open House

§  Chef’s consultation

White Cut Chicken

Have you tried white cut chicken?

Filipinos are chicken lovers with all the lechon manok stalls, inasal restaurants and breaded fried chicken offered in burger fastfoods here and there. But other than these brown coated meat usually eaten with gravy or sauce, there is also the so-called white cut chicken commonly served in traditional Chinese restaurants. And they are as mouth-watering as the roast or fried versions.

 

Photo credit: http://conceptnewscentral.com

The difference between white cut chicken and other chicken recipes is obviously the color. White cut chicken got its name from its white chicken skin produced through a different but easy cooking method. A whole dressed chicken is marinated in salt and dipped in hot water for 30 minutes to cook. To make it, water is heated and then the fire is turned off when it starts to boil.

Such cooking process leaves the chicken’s skin light-colored or white and its meat tender, moist and flavorful. The whole chicken is then sliced and served with garnish like cilantro, leeks or ginger and a sauce of mixed minced ginger, green onion, salt and hot peanut oil. It can also be dipped in soy sauce, oyster sauce, or chili pepper sauce. The different Chinese restaurants have their own style of serving this tasty dish. 

Source material

http://mvlnunez.blogspot.com/2017/02/make-valentines-more-personal-with.html