Wazzup Pilipinas News and Events

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Culinary Samplers from Heaven at Madrid Fusion Manila 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The 2017 Madrid Fusion Manila brings together once again the culinary expertise of many great chefs and restaurateurs from all over the world to the Philippines. It is such a great [pleasure to be among the officially accredited media to cover the event. I don't really know where to begin because there are so many stories to tell especially when the event happened for several days, and participated by so many of our best and brightest food experts. I am proud to say that we have constantly been outdoing our greatness from the previous years. The Philippines have enough talent to proudly showcase to the entire world.

As expected, the first day begins with many opening ceremonies from the formal launch to the ribbon cutting, and even before that was the press conference for media. The days I spent at the event was overwhelming for I got to taste so many awesome samplers from all over the country and the world. I am doubly excited to taste their full version someday. But it was better that they just gave away samplers because with so many giving them out, you won't have enough room in your tummy for everything.

Naturally, you will be tempted to try out everything, and take a second or third serving if the dish was really good. In my case, 90 percent of the dishes that I've tried were more than just satisfying. Was it me or I just love to eat? I am adventurous too in my preference so I welcome all kinds may they be spicy or uncommon. With so many chef being very creative with their masterpieces, there's no telling how many creations were served during those days, and I am proud to have been a part of this event.

So I met Chefs for the first time like Chef Tatung, and met again the likes of Chef Claude Tayag. Got to do a video selfie with the Department of Tourism -Tourism Promotions Board (DOT-TPB) Chief Operating Officer (COO) and celebrity Cesar Montano, also a photo ops selfie with the Secretary of Tourism, Wanda Tulfo-Teo, plus a lot more personalities involved with food and drinks. But the best of all is the opportunity to witness Filipinos emerging as top choices for food preference. Though the country is open to global cuisines, the Filipino dishes remain to be among our favorites.

Wazzup Pilipinas!

How about you guys? What are your comments or reactions regarding these posts about a PR who was said to be rude to a media during an interview at an event where a very popular singer was the brand ambassador. I guess the brand should be aware of this as they may be affected by this issue too. It's better that they do something about it soon before this controversy explodes uncontrollably.

Do you agree that PRs should be courteous and respectful to both media and bloggers regardless of the situation (relaxed or under pressure)? On and off promotional events or campaigns? Should they avoid talking bad or malicious about anyone (whether personally or via online and social media posts)? Bad-mouthing is such a serious offense that they should advocate for mouthwashes.

Kudos to the shout-out rant by an editor of one of the leading newspapers in the country. May there be more of her who are outspoken and gutsy enough to tell the world that she deserves proper treatment. There are ways to do things discreetly, and that should always be the case for PRs.

I have to commend her fellow media friends for the support they are giving her. I hope bloggers would also do the same and stand by with their colleagues when they encounter the same problems with PRs. It's time to stop being "sipsip" and tell our stories as it happens. No more sugar-coating and false or pretentious advertising. Tell the real story without any hesitation.

However, there are so many great PRs out there that should be praised for keeping their minds sane regardless of how badly behaved some personalities are. These are the PRs and their agencies that should be given awards and recognition. May they continue to flourish and remain successful.

Finally, the mentioned rude PR should reflect on this latest issue about her. She needs to realize that there's definitely something wrong about her. Apparently, this PR was moonlighting. The moonlighting issue is already beyond ethical. The rude behavior towards a media who was just trying to do her job is inexcusable. Who knows what else she is doing behind the back of her multi-national company who already asked the victim to remove the company's name from any post because the event was not officially under them. Raket pa more!

I can now rest my case.

Wazzup Pilipinas!
Easter Sunday was made extra special for the children at Buddha-Bar Manila's Magical Easter celebration.

Amidst the gigantic Buddha glaring from the second level, kids were treated to several games, artsy activities, and a magical show, plus a hearty lunch, on a Sunday where the Easter bunny came out form a magician's hat!

Parents bonded with their kids as they played through the different fun challenges and recreational activities specially organized by Buddha-Bar Manila.

I got hooked with the design your own cookie that's shaped like an egg (or was it a huge water droplet? Lol!). The kids got to use their a mix of their favorite frosting colors, together with tiny marshmallows, color-coated candies, rainbow sprinkles and many other edible decors to enhance their creativity. The best part of the challenge is someone gets to win for the best design, and they all get to eat their creations afterwards.

All the challenges would entails some lucky kids to win toy prizes from Buddha-Bar Manila. I love that portable basketball ring!

All children present were also given loot baskets and cupcakes the moment they entered the place so that meant smiling faces already at the very start of the day.

Filling up both parents and children was the sumptuous buffet spread from delightful salads, to yummy main entrees, all the way to sugary sensational desserts of many varieties. There is no doubt the kids enjoyed these treats as well.