DAVAO Tourism Association (Data) celebrated its 45th year through “One Davao Culinary Night”, an evening of gustatory journey as its member chefs prepared a sumptuous homage to the Dabawenyo culinary roots.
It was held at the grand ballroom of Marco Polo on January 31, and hosted by re-elected president (since 2016) Renato “Gatchi” Gatchalian and president-elect Cherry Faye Banquil Al-ag.
The feast is inspired by the authentic and diverse cuisine of Mindanao’s Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Each chef contributed to a fusion delight of several familiar regional dishes: Cassava Bread with Butter, Balbacua Crepe Roulade, Tiyula Itum (Black Beef) Soup, Roasted Goat Pastil with Coconut sidings of Coconut Eggplant Soup, Atchara and Caprese Kesong Puti. A fancy dessert table showcased a colorful array of Davao’s best: Kamote Durian Roll, Malagos Flourless Chocolate, Marang Cake, Durian Puff, Mangosteen Pana Cota, and Davao Pomelo Bits.
Department of Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato, Jr, was guest of honor and led the line of past DATA Presidents Mary Ann Montemayor, George Misa, Gene Bangayan, and Angel Puentespina.
Inducted as new Data officers were Cherry Faye Banquil Al-ag and Board of Trustees Bai Siang Lim, Nicole Bian, Pia Montano, Hermie Tabañag, Lynn Cheng Barlis, Susan Isabel Reta, Marilou Ampuan, Carlos Capitan II, Ken Kapulong, Lena Benedicto Marissa Tionko, Ronald Go, and Wit Holganza.
Many guests attended the evening including DOT Xl Regional Director Tanya Tan, City Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz, City Tourism Officer Gene Rose Tecson, media colleagues, representatives and sponsors.
Kudos to the collaborative efforts of chefs Noel Buenaventura, Choy Cerbo Llido lll, Nico Serafin, Pauline Benedicto, Ana Maria Cacho, Richie Ferrazzini, Olive Puentespina, Alex Destriza, Bianca Delgado and Clinton Gregorio.