The Philippines hosted the recently concluded WORLDCHEFS Asian Presidents Forum (WAPF) 2023, welcoming delegates and presidents from sixteen (16) member societies, two (2) associate member groups, in addition to organizational heads of the World Association of Chef Societies (WORLDCHEFS). This was the primary time the event was held within the country, with the last occurring in Bangkok in 2019.
Co-organized by the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB) and LTB Philippines Chefs Association, the WAPF kicked off with a gap ceremony on July 31 at Conrad Manila. Forum events ran until August 5 and aimed to bring together culinary experts from throughout Asia to share culinary heritage, industry best practices, and sustainability goals through knowledge-sharing sessions, competitions, and outreach programs scheduled throughout the weeklong conference.
Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco shared that the event was a great showcase of the country, saying that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “envisions the Philippines to have a more primary role in Asia when it comes to with the ability to reintroduce itself to the world, not only on the aspect of fun and adventure, but most significantly, to will let you get to know the center and soul of the Filipinos that lies in our history, our heritage, our identity, and our living cultural traditions, including and particularly, our culinary traditions.”
“We’re given a singular opportunity to listen and learn from experts about developments within the culinary field. The world is more connected, now greater than ever, and this has vastly influenced and altered the way in which we have a look at food, especially lately. People from everywhere in the world are consistently searching for recent gastronomic experiences,” said TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita Montemayor Nograles.
Attending member societies include LTB Philippines, Association of Culinary Professionals Indonesia, Cambodia Chefs’ Association, Chefs Association of Pakistan, Chefs Guild of Lanka, Chefs Guild of Maldives, China Cuisine Association, Hong Kong Chefs Association, Indian Federation of Culinary Associations, Korea Chefs Association, Mongolian Chefs Association, Skilled Culinaire Association of Malaysia, Singapore Chefs’ Association, Taiwan Chefs Association, Thailand Chefs Association, and The Saigon Skilled Chefs’ Guild.
The associate member groups of Penang Chef Association and Karachi Chefs Association were also present.
“So many presidents and so many representatives from WORLDCHEFS member countries, [who] are here within the room, shows that Asia is one among the powerful forces in WORLDCHEFS,” said Chef Thomas Gugler, WORLDCHEFS president.
Also in attendance to offer talks on Filipino food heritage and food sustainability in hospitality establishments were Felice Prudente Sta. Maria and Chef Meik Brammer, respectively. LTB Philippines’ Chef Fernando Aracama hosted a panel discussion with Chefs Stephan Duhesme, Carlos Villaflor, and Jordy Navarra concerning the Philippine culinary scene.
Chef KK Yau, WORLDCHEFS assistant vice chairman, gave an update on WORLDCHEFS Without Borders’ Chef Social Responsibility efforts in Syria. While Chef Alan Orreal, WORLDCHEFS Young Chefs chairman, spoke concerning the necessity of bridging the gap between young chefs and the old guard of the culinary world.
In anticipation of the week’s events, Chef Rick Stephen, WORLDCHEFS Culinary Competition Committee chairman, gave a rundown of culinary safety and competition standards.
Chef Carlo Miguel, LTB Philippines president, said, “We’ve all the time desired to have the ability to showcase Philippine hospitality to our Asian neighbors … We are able to show them how advanced we’re in our culinary skill through the Philippine Culinary Cup as well.”
Organized by PEPTarsus Corp., the World Food Expo (WOFEX), a long-running Philippine food trade show, was held from August 2 to five at SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center. WOFEX hosts the one WORLDCHEFS-accredited culinary competition within the country, the Philippine Culinary Cup, which ran on August 5 together with the semifinals of the WORLDCHEFS’ Global Chef Challenge.
In keeping with Chef Willment Leong, WORLDCHEFS continental director for Asia, the Global Chef Challenge itself had amassed a record variety of participants for the association, with 51 chefs from 11 different member countries engaging on this Philippine leg.
Leong also facilitated the launch of the WORLDCHEFS e-book “Food of Asia, Soul of Asia.” Available on the WORLDCHEFS website, the e-book features authentic recipes across the continent crafted by member association chefs.
Joel Pascual, PEPTarsus president, spoke concerning the advantages of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events reminiscent of the WAPF in boosting local trade and travel. “We’re indicating that the Philippines is open for business,” he said.
Chef Leong said, “Hospitality from the Philippines is unbelievable … This [has been a] tip-top, world-standard forum. We sit up for [coming] back to this beautiful home we call the Philippines.”
Follow the if you happen to want more travel and food-related updates.
Read:
