Calling all foodies: Discover local flavors at the 'Gen Y to Z' food fest this weekend
The Filipino cuisine is rich in flavor, and with the skills of local food artisans, it is always a journey to explore and discover new flavors both in traditional and fusion dishes.
If you want to explore the vibrant gastronomic scene of the Philippines without the tiring (and expensive) part of traveling, Gen Y to Z Food Fest is bringing you both traditional and innovative flavors of Filipino cuisine through Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The event is the newest offering of the Nakakalocal campaign of PhilSTAR Media Group (PMG), this time in partnership with Mercato Centrale.
"Our objective is always to help our consumers support local, and at the same time, we want our MSMEs to grow globally," said Lucien C. Dy Tioco, executive vice president of PMG.
Take a quick breather this weekend and wander in the local food scene.
What to expect
There are over 80 local MSMEs lined up at The Spine, Met Park, that will showcase Philippine flavors, from traditional flavors of their localities to bold food innovations.
Whether you're an adventurous eater or a picky one, you'll find something to love at the food fest. For those with a sweet tooth, there's Delicielo, which offers vegan ice cream and donuts; Classic Petite with their mini ice cream served in a tiara; or, if you're willing to try something different, Silly Willy has a Dessert Hot Sauce you can pair with chocolate or fruit.
Meat lovers can enjoy Mamaters' authentic Vigan empanada and Vigan longganisa. You may also binge eat the mini burgers of Batburgs or taste the fusion flavor of Mexican and Filipino cuisine at La Frontera Filmex Cantina.
For vegan-friendly food, Cruising Platos offers pasta dishes, while The Good Choices has vegan-friendly offerings of Filipino favorites of longganisa and tocino. For drinks, Just Cold has vegan-friendly coffee, non-coffee drinks, and pastries.
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
Melanie Uson / PhilSTAR L!fe
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There are also food stalls for a cause. Caritas Margins offers Gourmet Bangus, Vegan Dinuguan, and Sinaing na Tawilis. The profits raised from their products support Caritas Manila's Youth Servant Leadership & Education Program (YSLEP).
All MSMEs food stalls are in the run to clinch titles under the Flavor Fame Awards, namely NakakaTakam for best booth in the savory category, NakakaGana for best condiment, NakakaTamis for dessert, NakakaTighaw for the drinks category, Nakakabighani for best decorated booth, and Pinakamasarap for best food overall.
If you need a break from indulging in the food, several booths offer engaging activities, from the 'Bike and Blend' where you pedal to create your own refreshing shakes, to the thrilling electric wire game, testing your steadiness with a metal rod, and a photo booth.
You can join the food fest for free with a regular pass by registering here. Walk-ins are also welcome; just head to the registration booth to get tickets.
If you want to go on a gastronomic trip across the MSMEs, the Feast Pass is available for only P100, inclusive of bite-sized samples in all food stalls (until supplies last), voting perks for The Flavor Fame Awards, a P100 discount at Boogie Bounce, and a raffle entry to win an exclusive prize.
Gen Y to Z will run until Sunday, March 2, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
