Melo Villareal
Spain and Philippines Sign Madrid Fusion Manila Deal Anew
There are more exciting things in store for fans of Spanish food and culture in Manila. The Philippine Department of Tourism and the ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 3rd Madrid Fusión Manila.
Madrid Fusion Manila Logo
The agreement was signed by Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo of the Philippines and Jaime García-Legaz of Spain. The MOU extends the Madrid Fusion Manila for another run after its successful staging in 2014 and 2015.
The 3rd Madrid Fusion Manila will take place on April 6 to 8, 2017. Its theme is “Towards a Sustainable Gastronomic Planet”. The Tourism department says the continuous staging of the event in Manila will be more than just for tourism. It will foster and deepen the existing ties between the two countries and promote culture and commerce.
According to Secretary Teo, Madrid Fusion Manila makes the Philippines one of the focal points of gastronomic interest all over the world. She adds that the 3rd edition will still have the gastronomy Congress as well as a trade expo. Additionally, there will be the month-long Flavors of the Philippines Festival across the country.
Madrid Fusion Manila has been recognized in different parts of the globe as one of the most anticipated gastronomic gatherings. It is a well-attended event, with famous chefs and food experts meeting to experiment on trends and discuss tastes.
Secretary Teo noted that Madrid Fusion Manila is designed to stimulate Tourism as well as create a larger demand for agriculture and different kinds of food products. It will promote trade, business partnerships and boost tourism and gastronomy.
For its part, the ICEX will be in charge of organizing a Tapas Festival which will bring the newest international developments in the food and beverage business to the country.
García-Legaz is concurrently Spain’s Secretary of State and Commerce. He explained that the 3rd Madrid Fusion Manila will still feature a Spanish Pavilion which will showcase the richness of Spanish culture and history. It will also prominently figure Spanish tapas which come in a wide variety.
Spain and the Philippines share more than 300 years of culture and history together. The first two Madrid Fusion Manila can both be considered as stellar successes. The Tourism department says they are looking forward to more partnerships between the two nations in the coming years.
The signing of the MOU was witnessed not just by key cabinet officials but also some key people in the Tourism and Trade departments.
