Gusto: A celebration of Mediterranean food and culture with Doña Elena

When it comes to Mediterranean food and culture, a new level of experience awaits.

As one of the most influential cuisines, thanks primarily to its abundant use of plant-based ingredients, it’s also widely celebrated for using olive oil in its various recipes. From fresh salads, flavorful dips, and sauces, to made-from-scratch stews and soups, olive oil is a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cooking that makes it one of the healthiest in the world.

As a market leader of olive oil and Mediterranean products in the Philippines, Doña Elena proudly celebrates its rich heritage of flavor and passion in a one-night exclusive event attended by VIP guests from Fly Ace Corporation‘s national trade partners and members of the media. The memorable evening celebrates Mediterranean flavors and Spain’s old-world culinary history with “Gusto” as the main theme to highlight Doña Elena’s success in the country. 

A luxurious Spanish feast 

A true feast for the senses, the journey begins with a buffet featuring famous tapas specialties. A culinary tradition in Spain, the Tapas section is a grand display of assorted meats, cheeses, nuts, crackers, and a whole Iberico ham as the centerpiece.

The buffet dinner is a gastronomic journey that begins with an appetizer trio: bite-sized tuna tartare in pani puri, eggplant caviar, and grilled pulpo. Laden in chimichurri and bonito aioli sauces, these dishes are generously infused with Doña Elena Olive Oil to enrich their Mediterranean flavor. 

Nothing beats a comforting tomato soup with simple and quality ingredients. Smooth and creamy, it’s a heartwarming treat made from a puree using Doña Elena Diced Tomatoes and Doña Elena Olive Oil. 

Collaborating for the event is restaurateur and Terraza Martinez executive chef Luis Martinez. His Presa Iberica de Cerdo is a buttery soft premium pork tenderloin with next-level marbling. This was followed by the show-stopping duck confit, foie gras, and Spanish Bomba Rice dish, reflecting Chef Luis’ Valencian roots. 

“The main course elegantly combines the flavorful tradition of passionate Spanish cuisine and commitment to quality ingredients,” says Chef Luis. 

There was no better way to end the feast than with a classic Basque Cheesecake with added apricots and pistachios for a balance of fruity and nutty notes. It was a crowd favorite with its rich caramel crust and creamy texture.

An evening of gastronomic and cultural delights

As a tribute to Spain’s art, culture, and music, guests were treated to an exclusive Flamenco show from an ensemble flown directly from Spain.

“Flamenco is considered one of the icons of Spanish culture, which evokes so much passion and energy. Every stomp, strum of the guitar, and clap of the singer’s hands is a testament to Spain’s rich history and complex roots. We just knew that our special dinner is best enjoyed with one of Spain’s most exhilarating art forms to give a full experience,” says marketing director Zen Prudentino.

The thrilling performances showcased the different styles of flamenco, transporting the audience to the land of Andalusia. A true feast for the senses, the entertainment brought energy and delight to the guests.

Bringing the best of the Mediterranean

With Fly Ace Corporation’s vision of bringing the best of healthy Mediterranean flavors, Doña Elena’s humble beginnings is one of the company milestones that proved to be pivotal in Filipino cooking. 

A trusted name in the Philippines, Doña Elena is a household staple with a wide selection of Mediterranean products. Doña Elena Olive Oil was first introduced in the Philippines with three variants—extra virgin, pure, and pomace. Since then, the brand has continuously expanded its product range with Mediterranean staples, sourced from Spain and all over the world, and brought to the Filipino household. To this day, Doña Elena Olive Oil continuously reigns supreme as the number 1 olive oil brand in the country, trusted by both chefs and home cooks. 

For Fly Ace Corporation president Jun Cochanco, the brand is a symbol of passion and innovation, with its partners and stakeholders as a big part of its success. “Over the years, we’ve cultivated and grown the brand into what it is today, the number 1 Mediterranean brand in the country. As a consistent number 1 brand in the country for over 12 years, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our great partners and stakeholders. We couldn’t have done this without you. We are proud to say that Doña Elena is a brand that stands for authentic Mediterranean quality and I can promise that we will continue to invest in the brand and create value in your categories.”

Doña Elena is exclusively distributed by Fly Ace Corporation. For more brand information, recipes, and promos, visit on Facebook and Instagram.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Fly Ace Corporation.