Hong Kong Food Expo '09

Amidst the Swine Flu scare that caused the closure of the entire Metropole Hotel, the show went on for HOFEX or Hong Kong Food Expo. One of Asia's largest food shows, HOFEX very visibly suffered from a smaller exhibition and fewer visitors which are probably the offshoot of the looming global economic slump and the fear of an epidemic. However, for the stakeholders of the Food and Beverage industry, business must not wait for anything or anyone.

There were more country-led pavilions but fewer corporate bookings

but as a whole, the event was still a sight to behold. The Philippines was ably represented in both the exhibiton and in the

competition where the Pasty Alliance brought home the gold. Some awsome creations of the competing chefs and bakers.

On the left is a chocolate creation and on the right - too pretty to eat!

New products, new concepts, new techonologies, these were all

carefully laid out on the floor of the Hong Kong Convention Center.

Generous food tasting treats from breads, wines to even caviar and

truffles (the mushroom) had us going back for seconds.

Hong Kong is still a nice vacation place. But on the dates we were

there, face masks were unfortunately the fashion trend ...

CWC Watersports Boost Local Tourism

Camarines Sur hit a goldmine when they decided to transform some of its idle land into the country's best water sports park. CWC boasts of some of the best facilities for wakeboarding anywhere in the world which accounts for the huge influx of foreign tourists to the province.

Long lines are a common site as wakeboard enthusiasts wait for their

turn on this extreme sport. Celebrity sighting is also quite common.

The newest attraction is this water park that caters for the entire

family and not only to those brave at heart. Lots of fun in the water!

"Fun and relaxation" is the only order of the day once billeted inside

the compound of CWC. Its like being in a different world.

A few meters away, the EcoVillage offers a view of plant and wildlife.

Of course, a side trip to the famous Mayon Volcano is a must!

DairyConEx in Camsur

Once again, milk took center stage during the recent Dairy Congress and Expo at Camarines Sur. The event continues to build up on the need to boost dairy production in the country to counter the effects of its being the largest agricultural import of the country.

Milk farmers, processors and other stake holders once again

gathered in this annual event to discuss strategies on dairy farming.

Suppliers of this growing industry was also seen in full force during the

3-day exhbition that went concurrent with the congress proceedings.

Attracting full support to the industry were Senate President Juan Ponce

Enrile and Sen. Richard Gordon who are both staunch allies of dairy. The young Senator Chiz Escudero was also on hand along with

Congressman Edsel Lagman who both pledged more help.

Exhibitors happy, delegates happy .... mission accomplished.

Finally, the turn-over of hosting ... see you in Cebu in 2010!

The Edge Coaster

Had to try Cebu's newest attraction, the Edge Coaster, part of the Sky Experience Adventure at the Crown Regency Hotel in Cebu. Not bad but not great, good thing it was reasonably priced so it was worth a try.

Supposed to be the world's first of its kind, its at the 38th floor of the

hotel and sits on a rail at the edge of the building.

Lasting just 4 minutes, it encircles the building giving the rider a 360

degree view of Cebu. Heard its better to take this ride at night time.

A lever tilts the ride a maximum 55 degrees ... somehow wishing it

would go 90 degrees. The rain gave the ride additional excitement!

WOFEX Visayas in Cebu

Last April, WOFEX Visayas had its 3rd year run and, while we were hit with a province wide brownout on our last day, the results of the exhibit was still really positive and remains the most attended food show in the region.

Many of the speakers and exhibitors were from Manila and even

overseas, guaranteeing the quality of the products and seminars.

Some exhibitors had in-booth activities like this flairtending exhibition

from the distributors of Monin. Of course, plenty of food all around!

The Ms. Nancy Reyes-Lumen had hands on food styling and, as the

photo shows, had its attendees fully satisfied with what they learned!

What good is a food show if there is no food? WOFEX Visayas did

not fail in bringing in a focused trade show for the F&B industry.