FPP Mindanao

Davao is the Philippine's food basket, where rich lands produce most of the country's food requirements. FPP Mindanao brought to the region the latest products and services to help upgrade production facilities in Mindanao and to help increase production outputs. Now on its 2nd year, there is no doubt that the event is already the most important event in the region today!

L -On display were the latest F&B equipment and machineries available

R - Packaging and handling products gave buyers plenty to choose from

L - Shelves full of food products highlighting value added produce

R - By far the biggest F&B trade show in the whole of Mindanao

L - Seminars mostly standing room only due to huge visitor turnout

R - As always, food sampling is always a major attraction

L - Millions of transactions closed at the end of the 4-day event

R - "SOLD" signs sprouting everywhere throughout the exhibit

Singapore Once More

Finally, after so many trips to Singapore, finally got one in that was strictly for vacation. This time around, we managed to take in the sights and sounds of this culturally diverse city ... definitely a fun time with just the family ... should really do this more often :)

No longer limited to the business district, we go to check out the diff.

areas such as Little India, Chinatown by taking the bus, train and taxi,

L - The kids at Snow City for toboggon slides and snow fights!

R - At the Science Museum where you can virtually spend a whole day

L - Of course, food is always on the agenda, the authentic stuff

R - Couldn't resist this display of traditional Chinese spices

L - Singapore Zoo was the highlight for the kids (aside from their NDS)

R - The most attention was given by the kids to the playful otters The famous Night Safari was next on our agenda ... unfortunately, it

was a bit of a let down since it rained, the animals were in hiding and

it was too dark to take any decent pictures, so had to satisfy myself

with taking shots of my favorite animals - my kids :)

WOFEX in Visayas

Cebu was the location of the first regional leg of WOFEX or World Food Expo. Given the importance of Cebu as an economic hub in the region, we decided to bring the latest products and technologies available in Manila to Visayas. Sure enough, the event was met with much enthusiasm by those in the food business or interested in going into the industry.

L - Venue was the controversial Cebu International Convention Center

R - The facade at night - ours was one of the first events in CICC.

L - The opening was graced by Sen. Pia Cayetano among dignitaries.

R - The grand steps of CICC that leads to the trade hall.

L - Daily Cooking Demos had the visitors coming back everyday.

R - Of course, an expo is about business where buyers meet sellers

L - Seminars and Workshops done simultaneously in 3 rooms.

R - All for FREE, visitors from different provinces came in droves.

L - The exhibitors night done in the plush grounds of Chateau de Busay

R - A trip to Cebu would not be complete without buying danggit!

Got Milk?

PEPGroup recently completed the Dairy Congress & Expo at the Fontana Convention Center that focused on the plight of the country's milk production. Accounting for the biggest agricultural import in the Philippines, dairy products are a major source of dollar spending for the country. To help the national economy, Dairy Farming must increase to raise the current supply that is only 1% of total dairy demand.

L - The event billboard at a major site along the North Expressway

R - The newly renovated facilities of Fontana Convention Center

L - Senate President Manny Villar graced the Opening Ceremonies

R - The biggest Dairy Exhibition of products & supplies to date

L - The Milk Toast with Dairycon officers and various school children

R - Dairy Farmers from all over the country came in full force

L - No Dairy Congress will be complete without the milk & its byproducts

R - And cows, goats, carabaos ... the primary source of local milk!

Kuala Lumpur

With the prices of airfare at an all time low, just couldn't resist a short trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ... the bustling Asian city celebrating its Golden Year of Nationhood in 2007. Having gone to Malaysia only once in the past, we were excited to see how much the city has kept a lot of its culture intact amidst the modern highrises and huge themeparks.

L - The famous Petronas Twin Towers, world's 2nd tallest building

R - Kuala Lumpur is a metropolis full of that east-meets-west charm

L - One of the longest and steepest cable car rides in the world

R - Genting Island is a huge indoor & outdoor amusement park

L - Went on a weekday and park was jampacked - great tourist traffic

R - First roller coaster we ever rode LYING DOWN! Simulated flying!

L - Always try street food to taste the truest culture of a country

R - Durian is always much revered in this part of the world

L - Would you believe that this huge amusement park is inside a mall?

R - Kuala Lumpure Tower offers an excellent vantage point of the city

What About The Food?

Here are some of the fabulous creations of the students that competed in the Junior Chefs Congress. Masterpieces for such inexperienced foodies. The future is bright for the country's culinary profession! Enjoy the photos!