International Manila Food Festival 2025
World Food Congress
- LE CORDON BLEU ATENEO DE MANILA -
Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo organized and led a panel discussion in the recently concluded “World Filipino Food Congress” of the International Manila Food Fest (IMFF). A rich and dynamic exchange of views and beliefs on the topic: “Filipino Cuisine: Traditional and Modern Interpretations - Which Way Forward ?” ensued.
Philippine cuisine champions and luminaries: Claude Tayag, Erwan Heusaff, Jam Melchor, Angelo Comsti, Danny Cancino and Kenneth Cacho formed the Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo panel. To provide a sociological perspective on Filipino cuisine, Ateneo School of Social Sciences Dean Czarina Saloma-Akpedonu and renowned Filipino anthropologist Dr. Fernando Zialcita also formed part of the curated panel. Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo Institute Director Liza Hernandez-Morales served as moderator.
The panelists expertly answered the thought-provoking questions. Then the featured chefs of the IMFF shared their reactions and own experiences in cooking and serving Filipino food in foreign countries. Some of them were emotional as they recall long held memories of Filipino food and the challenges they currently face such as being questioned if they are Filipino enough to cook Filipino food, since they spent most of their lives in a foreign land. Chefs Tara Monsod of Animae in San Diego, Melissa Miranda of Musang in Seattle, Francis Ang of Abaca in San Francisco, Erica Paredes of Reyna in Paris and Monique Feybesse of Tarts de Feybesse in San Francisco were some of these internationally-awarded chefs who opened up during the panel discussion.
Distinguished members of the Philippine culinary community followed suit with their reactions and opinions which led to an even more exciting and robust conversation. Some of the culinary experts and culinarians who joined the spirited conversation were Chefs Chele Gonzales, Carlos Villaflor, Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, Waya Araos-Wijangco, and Myrna Segismundo. Iconic food writer and author Micky Fenix-Macabenta also shared her thoughts as well as Bea Trinidad of CCA.
The opinions and views of the panelists and the members of the audience who spoke differs. And, one can feel the tension and emotion in the air. Nonetheless, one thing that unites everyone is the passionate love for Filipino cuisine.