18 October 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Mexico participated in the 1st World Forum on Mexican Gastronomy held at the Mundo Imperial Hotel and Convention Center in Acapulco, State of Guerrero, Mexico from October 09 to 12.

The event was organized by the Conservatorio de la Cultura Gastronómica Mexicana, the respective Secretariats of Tourism, Culture and Economy and the National Integral Development System, among other government institutions of Mexico.

The Embassy’s Second Secretary and Consul Jason Jovencio A. Anasarias presented a lecture on the evolution of Filipino cuisine, underlining the Mexican influences on the latter which were brought to the Philippines through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. 

This was followed by a cooking demonstration of beef caldereta and turron conducted by Cultural Officer Amelyn Julio-Obong and Mr. Gabino Dingle, chef and proprietor of Lutong Pinoy restaurant in Acapulco where Chef Dingle has been residing for 27 years now.

The accompanying food tasting was a hit among the approximately 100 spectators, mostly made up of Mexican culinary students and enthusiasts who eagerly waited in line to have a chance to savor the flavors and recipes of the Philippines.

The participants of the four-day World Forum included representatives from all sectors of the Mexican culinary industry who took part in lectures, workshops, exhibitions and business roundtables about cultural tourism and food tourism destinations.  Chefs from other Southeast Asia countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, attended the event, bringing with them a strong Asian contingent.

The main objective of the Forum was to contribute to the recovery, safeguarding and promotion of Mexican cuisine which is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.  This year’s inaugural event focused on the mutual gastronomic influences of Asia and Mexico on each other. END