Manila Food and Beverage Expo: I came, I saw, I ate. Lots.
I love Food Expos. Telling me that there’s a food expo is like telling a fashion fiend that Fashion Week is on. So last weekend, we found ourselves at the Manila Food and Beverage Expo, purses full, stomachs empty and senses all ready to take in the sights, scents, and flavors.
This isn’t the first time I’ve been to a food expo, we’re regular visitors of the World Food Expo (WOFEX) so I had vague expectations about what the event would be like. At a glance, it seemed smaller than the World Food Expo. Still, there was a lot to be seen, tasted, and purchased.
Going through the schedules, I became painfully aware of all that I was missing. The schedules were loaded with a lot of seminars, demonstrations, and contests that I would’ve loved to participate in or watch. But we were there to shop, and focusing on the events would’ve eaten up our precious shopping time.
On to the shopping. It was definitely geared more towards people in the food business, rather than the casual foodie. Suppliers, whether for food or restaurant paraphernalia where there in full force. Serving dishes and warmers, heavy-duty kitchen fixtures, even restaurant tables and chairs.
One of the first booths visited was Gourdos. While they usually stock a lot of interesting kitchenware in their stores, their Expo booth was bedecked with baking supplies. Cake decorating sets and silicon bakeware dominated their display. They set aside a table for microplanes (I WANT ONE!) but overall, it was more bake-centric. I loved the Silly Feet silicon cupcake molds. It’s a cupcake! With feet!
My first purchase of the day was a bunch of Takoyaki! There was a takoyaki booth there, called Kuya Chito’s Takuyaki which was selling some freshly made ones. Now, I’ve never been to Japan, so I don’t know what real takoyaki’s like.
Kuya Chito’s Takuyaki had a thin layer of light batter around a veggie-filled center. Unlike Hatchin’s Takoyaki which is bready with large chunks of Octopus ♥, Kuya Chito’s reminded me more of Okonomiyaki, rather than Takoyaki. Not that it’s a bad thing, I enjoyed eating mine. The veggies added a nice crunch and the sauce never overpowered the takoyaki. Plus having a choice between pork, chicken, and fish toppings (I assume it’s some sort of mahu / floss) was nice.
A food booth that piqued my interest was the one with the Smoked Tea Ducks. I wanted to taste it but missed out, what with all the booth hopping we were doing. Wondering though, do Tea Ducks grow from Tea Eggs? 
Oishi, a local manufacturer of snack food and drinks had a booth as always. Because they’re launching a new powdered Iced Tea drink, they had a bigger booth than usual, all for sampling. While there wasn’t anything new, I can’t help but love their booth with the spinning snack boxes. It definitely appealed to my imagination. Imagine, having that at home!
One thing that got me squealing was a box of tattooed Fuji apples! According to the seller, these apples were made with a special light that not only imprinted the fruit, it also sterilized it. He added that these characters were lucky ones and that these apples were intended for gift-giving. Imagine, using the same technology for corporate giveaways! Intel logos on Macintosh apples, anyone?
A lot of retailers / importers also had booths which were fashioned like a mini-grocery. I was jumping with joy at a Chinese goods booth because they had my favorite Mine Shine Milk Tea in bulk! They’re the blue bottles to the left.
Proof that Filipinos love rice is this booth. They sold the most delicious Jasponica rice which was like a cross between Jasmine and Japanese Koshihikari. It was so fragrant, with a nice texture that was slightly sticky, yet wasn’t mushy. Aside from white, it was also available as brown rice. It was interesting to note that this booth was infront of the Guyong booth which was sampling their canned goods. People would get a small cup of Jasponica rice then get some of the fried luncheon meat from Guyong. Now that’s mutualistic positioning!
And what’s a food expo without food tasting? Here’s the Eng Bee Tin booth with the looping jingle which will stick to brain like sticky buchi (Chinese sesame balls).
There was also an assortment of contests: a wedding cake designing contest, an artistic bread competition, and a fruit carving contest.
Was I satisfied? Yes. I loved the competitions, we spent some time gawking at the artistic cakes, bread and fruit. And I enjoyed poking through the booths, trying to uncover new food gems. Plus, I did get my token “Kao with a giant Mascot Shot (which I shall not be posting here. HA!)”
Was I deliriously happy? Not quite. Judging by our combined haul, we didn’t spend as much as we usually do at the WOFEX. Most of our haul was made up of stuff you can get at retail outlets, albeit at higher prices. Pretty drab compared to our haul from other fairs when we’d come home with new products and old expo-only favorites. However, I think it’s probably unfair to compare MAFBEX with WOFEX since the later has been around for years already and is probably THE food expo of the year.
But, will I be going to the next MAFBEX? Of course, and gladly! Wild horses won’t keep me away.
Related posts:
|
|
i wanted to goooo but i felt so beaten up (playing too much air hockey tends to do that) so i skipped it. when’s the next food expo?
I think the WOFEX is scheduled for August. I’ll let you know.
MAFBEX is slated on June 18-22, 2008 at World Trade Center.. : )
The 2nd Manila Food and Beverages Exposition is scheduled on June 18-22, 2008 @ the World Trade Center to be presented by WORLDBEX in coordination with the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), DLS-CSB School of Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management (DLS-CSB SHRIM) and 22nd DLS-CSB SHRIM Young Hoteliers’ Exposition (22nd YHE)
omgawd! who did those cakes!!!! i want them for…um, if ever i get married again…prolly in 20 years? sama sama tayo punta please????? ^_^
Here are the winners of the cake decorating competition:
Cake Decorating Competition- Invitational
1st Place – Lucky in Love (University of Sto. Tomas)
• Frances Casey B. Santos
• Gwen Anais O. Gatchalian
• Maria Elena C. Dumalaog
2nd Place – Paradise (Lyceum)
• David Socrates Jr.
• Flordeliza C. Medalla
• Analyn Marinas
3rd Place – Pillow Cake (Emilio Aguinaldo College)
• Connie C. Macapugas
• Aldreen F. Barron
• Jerlou D. Gatdula
What happened to the pictures?
the pictures are back! *drools*
@Bea
You’re such a sucker for pretty wedding cakes talaga, *rofl* Whoever said you had to get married for a pretty cake? Why not just splurge on a mini-version for a birthday or something?
@Drew
Did the pictures disappear? Durn, prolly a bug with my webhost. -_-;;
Waaah darn I should go to one of these things some time. I love the cupcake holders with feet, awww. I can’t believe you were able to resist buying them hehe.
Ish expensive e. Most silicon bakeware are
That’s why I love my silicon spatula. Especially since it has little green froggies embedded in the clear silicon part. 
Plus, I don’t bake as much as I used to
well…it seems that we both have experienced being in the WOFEX and MAFBEX…its enjoyable…right?especially the flair factor and the food tasting…i’ll be looking forward to the next event at wtc like this..
I agree. Food expos are fun.
The 2007 WOFEX is on August 1-4, I bet you’ll be there too? 
Thank’s a lot… Uhmm, what can i say… : )
More surprises with regards to the competition? hehehe…
Please visit us on June 18-22, 2008 at World Trade Center…
-the organizer : )
[...] Manila Food and Beverage Expo: I came, I saw, I ate. Lots. 9 stephania, kaoko, aoitenshi [...] [...]
MINESHINE MILK TEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
With the sheer number of exclams, I’ve a feeling I’ve just found another Mine Shine fangirl
Woah, those tattooed apples are extremely cool! Great info, Kaoko!
Yeah, totally blew my mind. I think me squealing at the booth, talking to the owner, and snapping pics like mad was good though, it drew a couple more people over who bought apples and lychees as well
CSB was there right?
Yeah, not sure if they were co-sponsors of the event of what, but there was a lot of CSB going around
CSB is our partner organization with regards to the competition…
They are the ones who help us… galing diba? : )
[...] mean, I understand schools with Hotel & Restaurant Management courses. It’s their thing. The MAFBEX was even co-sponsored by DLSU-CSB, a school. But schools whose courses have no relevance at all? I [...]
MAFBEX is in cooperation with
The 19th Young Hoteliers’ Exposition(YHE)
of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde
School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
YHE handled all competitions and almost all of the seminars
FYI:Every trimester, the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management of DLS- CSB takes pride in showcasing the talents of its students through an exposition. The event serves as a venue wherein students are given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and their unparalleled professionalism through healthy competitions.
The Young Hoteliers’ Exposition is a week-long event that is held every term. It gives students a chance to showcase their talents through different competitions focusing on culinary arts, hospitality management, and travel and tourism
Thanks for the info, I’m sure it’ll come in handy.
from what time to what time is the event?
Hi Donnie! My apologies but this post was for last year’s Mafbex. I have no idea what about the schedules for this year are. Perhaps giving CSB a call might be helpful?
[...] Free 50 cent back tattoo pictures and images qxqer1z Selecting and acquiring the ideal fishing boat is a real art for someone who has already gone through many experiences as far as boating is concerned. However, it can be a daunting task to those who have not yet experienced buying a fishing boat.To make the activity easier for the first timers, here is a list of tips that they can use when choosing an ideal fishing boat.1. It is important to consider the purpose of the fishing boat.Buying a fishing boat has only one purpose: to be used in fishing. However, before choosing the perfect fishing boat, it is important to consider also the other purposes.First, the place where the fishing boat will be used should be taken into account. Will it be in the ocean or in other bodies of water like lakes?Second, the time of the day it will be used. Will it be for day trips or for overnight fishing activities?If the fishing boat will be used for ocean cruising and overnight stays, it would be better to buy a fishing boat that has a hull. This is specifically designed for rough waters. This design is meant to ride with the waves, hence, providing more comfort to anglers while on board.2. The budgetWhen buying a fishing boat, it is important to know if the buyer can afford to acquire a boat. Fishing boats, or any boat for that matter, can be very expensive. Hence, the buyer should know how far his budget would go as far as fishing boat prices are concerned.3. The warrantiesIt is extremely important to know if the fishing boat has a warranty. It should be analyzed and meticulously scrutinized because not all warranties are created equal.Hence, it is best to buy a fishing boat from dealers that will provide the necessary services in case their product is found to be defective.4. The certificationWhen buying a fishing boat, it is important to take note if it is certified by the “National Marine Manufacturers Association” or the NMMA. This agency guarantees that the certification they give to every boat manufacturer is a guarantee that the fishing boat had passed the agency’s standard of excellence.The bottom line is that, people should do more than just look around when choosing the ideal fishing boat. They should learn how to look for the important details in order to ensure that the boat they have acquired is definitely worth their money.FishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishingFishing Posted by raicha at 11:54 [...]