Is it really goodbye for Madrid Fusión Manila?

Bicol Express from the Bicol Region booth at Madrid Fusion Manila 2017. PHOTO: Ching Dee
Bicol Express from the Bicol Region booth at Madrid Fusion Manila 2017. PHOTO: Ching Dee

Madrid Fusión Manila is no longer happening this August, according to Philippines Tourism and Promotions Board head Cesar Montano.

And no, this is not an April Fools’ prank.

The annual food festival is “the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusión, the most important international gastronomy congress in the world.” And yes, it will not push through this year as far as this present administration is concerned. The upset happened despite the existing five-year contract between the Philippine government (courtesy of the previous administration under Benigno Aquino III) and Madrid Fusión Manila’s Spanish organizers, which was signed in 2014.

READ: The best things we ate at Madrid Fusion Manila 2017

Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Margaux Salcedo on Sunday wrote about her interview with Montano and laid down the reasons behind the cancellation of Madrid Fusión Manila, as well as what’s in store for the Filipino foodie community.

According to Salcedo, “The present administration, it seemed, did not really appreciate the project. The reason, Montano says: Many are of the impression the government is spending so much money promoting other cultures.”

It is important to take note that Madrid Fusión Manila has three components: the International Gastronomy Congress, the International Gastronomy Expo, and Flavors of the Philippines — which features the culinary artistry of our local chefs and gourmands.

Instead of the internationally acclaimed gastronomical fest, a local project called Buhay Carinderia (which literally translates to ‘Eatery Life’) will take its place.

Buhay Carinderia has been around since 2011 in the form of Karinderya Fiesta by Linda Legaspi of Marylindbert International. According to its website, Marylindbert International is “the unspoken arms to some of the well-known brands in the Philippines and abroad”.

Excited about Buhay Carinderia? Don’t worry, you won’t have to wait too long. According to Montano, it will be formally launched on April 11.



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