WORLD Food Expo (WOFEX), which bills itself as the Philippines’ biggest food show, returned to Cebu for a three-day trade show from April 12 to 14 in the Cebu Trade Hall of SM City Cebu.
Participants were provided with information, with industry experts and the academe sharing their knowledge and skills adapted from WOFEX University, a year-round series of training programs.
On the trade show’s first day, Chef Edward Mateo, a culinary consultant, instructor and the owner of Royal Patisserie, showed participants how to “Dress the Cake” during the Baking Series track from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The track was certified by Pastry Alliance of the Philippines.
“Arm yourself with knowledge to create masterpieces that will impress your clients,” Mateo advised.
Followed his session, Chef Buddy Trinidad, president and CEO of Park Avenue Desserts, shared his thoughts and experience on “How to Open your Dream Café.” Learn how to take your passion for baking into a profitable business venture, he suggested.
Food enthusiasts also participated in the second track, the Food Service Series, last Friday with Chef Menoy Gimenez, owner of Tito Chef Restaurant and Culinary. His talk was titled “From Tried and Tested to Trending Catering Set-Ups.”
Cris Abiva, a partner and consultant of Blue Plate Management Consultancy and editor-in-chief of World Food Magazine, discussed how to “Understand Food Handling and Safety.”
On Day 3, the last track, “Food Creatives Series” ended the event with a promising start for the participants as they witnessed Chef Gerd Gendrano, Global Academy’s international cuisine program head, deliver his talk on “New Trends with the Art of Cooking.”
Food offerings, he said, should be elevated by creative plating ideas. After him, Chef Paulo Sia, a senior sous chef in Unilever Food Solutions, talked about food photography.
“Today’s generation has become very visual and nothing speaks louder than well-crafted food shots,” he said.
WOFEX Visayas 2018 also featured self-development tracks by internet marketing specialist and e commerce advocate Janette Toral, who spoke about strategies for making money online and social media marketing, advertising and public relations. (Jazzy Lyle S. Samson, CNU Intern)