What to Expect at CEFBEX 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Now on its 10th year, the Cebu Food and Beverages Expo or simply, CEFBEX 2018, is gearing up to host another world-class food show that will turn the spotlight on the unique gastronomic experiences that await in the region. Aptly titled as the “Ultimate Foodventure”, this year’s CEFBEX promises to take foodies and food industry players on an unforgettable journey through the rich and vibrant culinary landscape of Cebu. Likewise, the show is expected to open up new opportunities for local businesses to flourish and reach a wider audience.

To give everyone a better sense of what’s in store at the upcoming CEFBEX 2018, here’s a blow by blow account of what to expect at the biggest food event of the year!

F&B trends, delicacies, and specialties galore
At this year’s CEFBEX, visitors can expect to find no less than an extensive and finely curated selection of the freshest and tastiest F&B goods from Cebu’s best and most daring food innovators, brands, and companies. From well-loved delicacies and regional specialties to the more daring and adventurous food trends that evolve from the culinary heritage of the region, CEFBEX 2018 is the place to be for foodies to sample an unbelievable variety of food and beverage choices!

Homegrown goodness take center stage
Aside from an impressive array of culinary delights, CEFBEX 2018 takes pride in being a platform to showcase the world-class produce and homegrown beverage creations of the region. At this year’s CEFBEX, not to be missed is the Cebu Farmers Market area where one can enjoy shopping for fresh and organically-grown fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, beverage aficionados are sure to enjoy the CEFBEX Coffee Fest. Organized in partnership with Linear Coffee Roaster and the Cebu Bartenders and Baristas Association, the Coffee Fest is a great opportunity to sample the different specialty coffee and cocktails by local bartenders and baristas.

Live-action kitchen battle
Just when you think that the show cannot get any grander that it already is, CEFBEX always takes things up a notch with its exciting range of event highlights. Among these include the highly-awaited CEFBEX Culinary Cup which is divided into two major categories. First up is the CEFBEX Culinary Cup: Home Chef Edition. Open to all residents of Cebu with no prior professional cooking experience for the last five years nor a formal academic background in cooking, the Home Chef cooking competition offers passionate home cooks a chance to showcase their self-honed skills and talent in the kitchen.

Apart from the honor of being hailed as the competition winner, the CEFBEX Culinary Cup also rewards the victor with P30,000 cash prize and opportunities for growth. As shared by Junrey Remiter Leadman, the 2017 Home Chef Grand Winner, “’Home Chef Culinary Cup competition was a big challenge to test my culinary capabilities. Instead of working in Construction Company, now I will be working soon in a hospitality industry!”

Student chef showdowns
Another category of the CEFBEX Culinary Cup is the electrifying Interschool Division. Open to all students from the Visayan region, the Interschool Division is a great way for students to showcase and measure up their development in their respective fields. Among the students to participate at the competition include representatives from the Benedicto College, University of San Carlos, and the University of Visayas. The students will then best it out in categories such as Table Set-Up, Fruit Carving, Cake Decorating, Flairtending, Open Latte Art, Pasta Live Cookery, Brewers Cup, Taster Cup, and Cebu Mixology.

Free for all seminars
Living up to its reputation as the most compelling food show in the region, CEFBEX continues to help the industry realize its fullest potential by hosting another round of CEFBEX Seminars. Offered free of charge, this year’s line-up of seminars will be hosted by top practitioners and industry leaders from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Science and Technology. Each of the representatives will be sharing their insights about the current state of the F&B industry as well as the fast-growing franchising business.

Over a decade since its first debut, CEFBEX remains committed in fostering a dynamic and inclusive F&B industry that satiates the appetite of consumers and nurtures the businesses of traders. Organized by Worldbex Services International, the 10th Cebu Food and Beverages Expo or simply CEFBEX 2018 is happening on October 11 to 14 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Admission is free and open for all foodies and F&B professionals. For more information, follow Cebu Food and Beverages Expo on Facebook and @cefbex on Instagram. You may also call (02) 656-9239 or email info.worldbex@gmail.com.

Marian Keeps it Real with Canesten

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Huwag mahiya kasi totoo ka.

Bayer Philippines recently successfully relaunched its #1 anti-fungal cream in the Philippines, Canesten. The event took place at the Shangri-La The Fort in BGC, Taguig City where the brand took the opportunity to introduce its newest ambassador, Marian Rivera. When asked why Marian, Canesten’s brand manager, Emmanuel Cruz explained, “She was chosen as Canesten’s brand ambassador because she embodies what the brand is all about – totoo. The brand was looking for someone who can advocate confidence in one’s own skin. Also, a number one brand like Canesten also needs a number one endorser like Marian”. 
   
Marian Rivera’s superstar quality is undeniable. Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in show business today, Marian’s rise to superstardom throughout the years has made her a household name in the industry and the undisputed queen of her home network, GMA 7.

And today, her star continues to shine even brighter with her immense popularity and fan base as a lead and host in GMA 7’s Sunday Pinasaya and by focusing on other personal projects outside showbiz—proof that she’s a force to be reckoned with as one of the country’s leading endorsers. Marian is Canesten’s newest ambassador because the number one anti-fungal brand in the Philippines deserves a number one endorser.

Known to many as very real, relatable, and someone who truly speaks her mind, Marian embodies Canesten’s latest campaign, which focuses on being true and flaunting it to the world. And although we know her well as a celebrity and actress on screen, Marian authenticity relates to us with her many real-life roles as a mother, wife, daughter, and businesswoman dealing with the same issues we go through. But with her what-you-see-is-what-you-get attitude and undeniable confidence, Marian shows us that she’s the real deal and that there is no shame in showing off your genuine self no matter what others may think or say about you.

“Hindi ako nahihiyang ipakita yung totoong ako sa mga tao lalo na sa mga fans ko. Noon pa man nung nag-uumpisa pa lang ako sa showbiz, people saw the real me and maybe kaya ganoon na lang ang pag-embrace nila sa akin,” exclaims Marian who reveals why she believes she has lasted this long in the industry. She credits her more than a decade-long career to being true to herself whether she’s on or off the camera.

Clotrimazole (Canesten) cream kills the root of the infection and treats the skin from further itchiness, redness, and swelling caused by fungal problems like Buni, An-An, Hadhad, and Alipunga. Making it the “totoong pamatay ng fungi” treatment.

Always honest and true to herself, Marian dares you to do the same with the help of Canesten, your best ally against fungal infections. “Paano ka haharap sa mga tao with confidence if madami kang tinatago sa katawan mo, diba?  Dapat natin alagaan ang ating sarili and if may mga tinatago tayo, ‘dun na tayo sa totoong pamatay ng fungal infection – Canesten.” Now, it’s your turn to show off the real you with confidence and without worries.

Canesten is available in 3g, 5g, and 10g tubes in all leading drug stores nationwide like Mercury Drug. Clotrimazole is the generic name of Canesten.  If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

*Disclaimer: Canesten is an anti-fungal medication which is used to treat various fungal infections, which do not include insect bites. 

Brillante Mendoza’s ALPHA, The Right To Kill Competes at San Sebastian

Wazzup Pilipinas!

World renowned Filipino film director Brillante Mendoza is back in the international scene with his newest film “ALPHA, The Right to Kill” competing in the main competition at San Sebastian International Film Festival in San Sebastian, Spain.

The San Sebastián International Film Festival is an annual international film festival held in the Spanish city of Donostia-San Sebastián in the Basque Country. Since its creation in 1953, it has been established itself as one of the most important cinema festivals in the world, being one of only 14 "A" category competitive festivals accredited by the FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations). This is the first time that a Filipino film is selected as a Main Competition film in this prestigious festival. It is also a first time for Director Mendoza to participate in San Sebastian. 

“We congratulate Director Mendoza who has always brought honor to the Philippines with his filmmaking. He is continuing the Filipino participation in San Sebastian since last year, Daniel Palacio's "Pailalim" was featured in the New Directors Section which won the Special Mention Fedeora Award. We are proud to support ALPHA, The Right To Kill and we wish the team the best of luck,” said FDCP Chairperson and CEO Mary Liza Diño. 

Director Brillante Mendoza walked the red carpet for the film’s World Premiere in San Sebastian together with the cast led by internationally recognized, award-winning actor Allen Dizon and Elijah Filamor. The Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) supported Director Mendoza’s team in their participation through its International Film Festival Assistance Program (IFFAP) and also organized a Philippine Night in San Sebastian last September 23 in honor of Philippine Cinema with international guests and delegates. The Philippine Night was attended by the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Spain, Madame Susana Palomino.

Alpha, The Right to Kill is set against the backdrop of the Philippines Government's crackdown on illegal drugs, a SWAT-led police force launches an operation to arrest Abel, one of the biggest druglords in Manila. Police Officer Espino and Elijah, a small-time pusher turned informant, provide the intelligence for the operation, which quickly escalates into a violent and heavily-armed confrontation in the slums between the SWAT and Abel's gang. Before the investigators arrive at the crime scene, Espino and Elijah walk off with Abel's backpack full of money and methamphetamine. This gesture of survival for one and corruption for the other will soon set off a dangerous series of events, both of them risking their reputations, families, and lives in the process.

Among the long list of awards of Direk Brillante include the Golden Leopard in Locarno with his first film, Masahista in 2005 Best Director Award for Kinatay in 2009 and Ma' Rosa in 2016 which received the Best Actress Award in Cannes International Film festival. In 2017, he produced Pailalim (Underground), by Daniel Palacios, presented in New Directors at San Sebastian. (source:https://www.sansebastianfestival.com/2018/sections_and_films)

The 66th edition of San Sebastian International Film Festival runs from September 21 to 29, 2018 at San Sebastian, Spain.

Photos by Mr. Ulises Proust and Mr. Dennis C. Evangelista