The fire is out for Madrid Fusion Manila this year

Originally planned for April, the fourth year of premier gastronomic event Madrid Fusion Manila is put on hold following its sudden transfer from the Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

TPB is negotiating with Spain-based Foro de Debate, owner of the Madrid Fusion franchise, for the new date of the event, according to Maricon Ebron, TPB’s officer-in-charge, office of the deputy chief operating officer for marketing and promotions sector.

Ebron commented that it is now too late to hold it in April as TPB has yet to issue the tenders for the event management and venue, which in the last three years went to the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS) and SMX Convention Center Manila, respectively.

Holding it in end-July or early-August is in doubt as well because it will clash with mega event World Food Expo. TPB and Foro de Debate are also concerned about the availability of foreign chefs to participate in Madrid Fusion Manila.

Pamela Samaniego, DoT’s project director for Madrid Fusion Manila 2018, explained that the handling of the gastronomy event was transferred to TPB since the latter is responsible for the venue and event management bids, a standard procedure for government agencies.

The gastronomy event has helped put underrated Filipino cuisine and ingredients onto the international table, gaining the attention of critics and foodies alike as the next big food trend.