PAVING the way for timely cultural events that have never been done in the metro, SM Lanang Premier organized an event inspired by the world's largest food congress, the Madrid Fusión Manila, on April 24 to 26, 2015.
The event dubbed as "Tapas Y Sangria" was a gastronomic feast that celebrated elements of Spanish cuisine.
Held at the 2nd Level of The Fountain Court, it paid tribute to the Madrid Fusión, which brought together the most prestigious and innovative chefs from around the world to share their talents and expertise for the very first time in Manila at the SMX Convention Center.
Tapas Y Sangria, as the name suggests, put the spotlight on the tapas, a wide variety of appetizers and snacks, and Sangria, a fruit-based wine with its heritage well rooted in Spain. The event offered a venue where Spanish cuisine was accentuated and made accessible to mallgoers, Dabawenyos and tourists alike.
No less than Honorary Consul to Spain Francisco Genaro Lon and wife Genette Lon, and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Davao Director Roberto Alabado III graced the Tapas Y Sangria launch together with Malaysian Consul General Abdullah Zawawi Tahir and Japanese Consul and Director Tomoko Dodo.
Hijos de Davao, led by its driving force and former secretary, Atty. Rose Cabaguio, and current Vice President Amy Diano and the Ikebana International Davao Chapter 133 headed by its President Piedad Reina-Roman and former President Danney Barnett, both Latinas, were present to show support for the said event.
SM officials led by SM Supermalls AVP for Operations (Mindanao) Debby Go, AVP for Marketing (Mindanao) Russel Alaba, SM Lanang Premier Mall Manager Mary Therese Lapeña-Manalo and SM Lanang Premier Assistant Mall Manager Jerome Yeo gave the guests a warm welcome.
Guests enjoyed the program, which was hosted by Hijos de Davao's Public Relations Officer Marissa Salonga-Tionko and included acoustic Spanish repertoire performances by vocal veteran Anna Cortes and paso doble dances.
The highlight of the event was the spread of tapas dishes and sangria concoctions by Cellar de Boca, Bistro Selera and Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta. Bistro Selera owner Googie Sanga, presents the unique tapas dishes of Bistro Selera. Cellar de Boca owner Vince Arcenas and Archipelago 7107 by Barrio Fiesta manager Monica Asuncion described the respective offerings of each restaurant before these were served to the guests.
The Tapas Y Sangria at SM Lanang Premier was conducted in support of the Department of Tourism's Visit Davao Fun Sale and Flavors of the Philippines campaign.
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