MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) is going “all out” to promote the country’s vibrant gastronomy and food culture, together with world renowned Filipino chefs, for the country’s hosting of the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism For Asia and the Pacific on June 26 to 27, 2024.
According to DOT Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco, the Tourism Department has enlisted seasoned and up-and-coming talented chefs from various regions to showcase the best of Filipino food and ingredients during the regional lunch.
"The Department of Tourism is thrilled to announce that we are going all out to promote the Philippines’ vibrant gastronomy and food culture as we host the inaugural UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific. In line with this, we have gathered a remarkable lineup of world-renowned and award-winning Filipino chefs, as well as beloved chefs from different regions of the country, to showcase the richness of Filipino cuisine and highlight the diversity of our local ingredients as we invite our guests to “Eat their way through the Philippines”, shared Secretary Frasco.
(Photo courtesy of DOT)
Among the confirmed chefs to the regional lunch include Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco (Cordillera Administrative Region), Chef Xavier Mercado (Region 1), Chef Jehan Damasco (Region 2), Chef Howard Dizon (Region 3), the Lyceum of the Philippines University Culinary Institute - Laguna (Region 4A), Chef Nathaniel Imson (Region 4B), Chef Andhei Nacion (Region 5), Chef Ariel Castañeda and Chef Paul Dane Aligaen (Region 6), Chef June Rhoses Fernandez (Region 7), Chef Rolf Arwin Lopez Yu (Region 8), Chef Jose Mari Alavar Alfaro (Region 9), Chef Ruthcini Marie Tabique (Region 10), Chef Clinton Gregorio and Renante Raseroni (Region 11), Chef Ronald Ferman (Region 12), Chef Yvette Atis (Region 13), Chef Tahir Malikol and Chef Miguel Cabel Moreno of Office of Muslim Affairs and Mindanao Promotions (OMAMP).
The DOT also revealed that delegates are also invited to an exciting dinner featuring exclusive collaborations from award-winning Filipino chefs, as they present the best of Filipino cuisine and produce, with interesting chef pairing of Chef Margarita Forés and Chef Miko Calo, Chefs Thirdy Dolatre and John Kevin Navoa of Hapag and Chef Carlos Villaflor of Gallery by Chele, Chef Tatung Sarthou of Lore and Chef Aaron Isip of Kása Palma, Chef Miguel Moreno of Palm Grill: Authentic Cuisine of South of Mindanao and Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III, culinary consultant and lecturer with roots from the pre-Islamic rulers of Buayan in Mindanao, Chef Sau Del Rosario and Chef Miko Aspiras, and Chef Reggie Aspiras and Chef Jessie Sincioco.
According to UN Tourism Ambassador for Gastronomy Tourism Chef Margarita Forés, the event is an amazing opportunity for the Philippines to establish itself as a global food destination.
“It's a chance to showcase our diverse culinary traditions to an international audience. This event also opens up great opportunities for us to interact with global leaders in gastronomy and tourism. These interactions will yield valuable collaborations that will boost our local economy and enhance our reputation as a culinary hotspot,” Fores said.
The DOT also confirms that delegates will have a chance to experience technical tours in the Camotes Islands, culture and gastronomy tours in Argao and Dalaguete, as well as Bojo in Aloguinsan, which was named Best Tourism Village by the UNWTO in 2021 during the event.
