By Lyn Y. Tallio
CEBU, PHILIPPINES -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is pulling out all the stops as world-renowned Filipino Chefs gather here in this historic island-province starting Tuesday, June 26 to promote the country’s vibrant gastronomy and food culture.
Tourism Secretary Frasco bared that the DOT 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.
Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific "The Department of Tourism (DOT) 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.
“This event will not only elevate the Philippines as a gastronomic destination but also provide a platform for collaboration and exchange of knowledge among international culinary experts. We look forward to a successful forum that will provide impetus to positioning the Philippines as a preferred culinary haven for travelers and gastronomy tourism destination", added the tourism chief.
Incidentally, Frasco is from Cebu, which will be hosting the first-ever UN Tourism Regional Forum.
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).
An exciting dinner featuring exclusive collaborations from powerhouse and award-winning Filipino chefs will present the best of Filipino cuisine and produce to the delegates, with interesting chef pairings 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.
“The First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific 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,” said UN Tourism Ambassador for Gastronomy Tourism Chef Margarita Forés.
“The DOT has taken the lead to make the vision of developing the Philippines as a gastronomy tourism destination a reality by spearheading a multi sectoral collaborative effort like this event. Not only is it a good marketing platform but also a great strategy for our cuisine to be more globally relevant,” said Sarthou, who is also an author, content creator, and restaurateur.
In close coordination with the Provincial Government of Cebu, 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.
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