Culinaire: A celebration of flavors and PH's best caterers

PHILIPPINES' top caterers and event suppliers gathered anew as Culinaire made its much-awaited comeback at SMX Convention Center Manila on Aug. 6, 2024.After a 4-year break due to the pandemic, Culinaire made a grand return with the theme, Flavor Flix, highlighting nine caterers, who showcased superb setups, inspired by their chosen movie or series. The Creamery Catering’s setup at Culinaire 2024 is inspired by the television series ‘Bridgerton.’ PHOTO BY VINA MEDENILLA The photo shows Juan Carlo the Caterer’s ‘Imagination’s Delight,’ which is recognized as the People’s Choice Award for Best Dessert at the Culinaire 2024. PHOTO BY VINA MEDENILLA Juan Carlo the Caterer’s setup at Culinaire 2024 is inspired by the television series ‘Stranger Things.’ PHOTO BY VINA MEDENILLA Competing for this year's Culinaire were Bizu Catering Studio, Conrad Manila, Hizon's Catering, Juan Carlo the Caterer, Kitchen City, M Catering and Fine Foods, The Creamery Catering, Tjioe the Caterer and Via Mare.The Creamery Catering won two awards: Best Appetizer for The Queen's Garden and Best Dessert for its Afternoon Tea with Charlotte. Meanwhile, Juan Carlo's Vecna Enigma took home the Best Main Course title.These awards were judged, based on creativity and storytelling, 30 percent; flavor, 30 percent; presentation, 20 percent; and originality, 20 percent. Judges of this year's competition included food digital creator Juju Imao, Rappler's Kitchen 143 host Michelle Aventajado of Momma 'N Manila and chef Angelo Guison.For the People's Choice Award, Juan Carlo the Caterer shone brightest for bagging all three accolades: Best Appetizer, Best Main Course and Best Dessert.Before the awards ceremony, Juan Carlo del Rosario, namesake of Juan Carlo the Caterer, told The Manila Times, "Regardless of the outcome [of the competition], I'm already proud of my team because we know we've put our hearts and souls into everything we do. This is why we position ourselves as the heart of tasteful celebrations."The event also recognized Pablo Bairan of Cosplay PH and Kyle Cervantes of Intas Destination as the Best Dressed Flix Characters of the Night.SMX Convention Center Vice President and General Manager Michael Jaey Albaña honored the presence of partners, clients, media friends, SM affiliates, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. executives, and other attendees.Albaña said: "After navigating the challenging waters of the previous years, we stand here together, resilient and ready to embrace a brighter chapter of our industry. The last time we gathered for Culinaire was in 2019, and the excitement of returning after such a long hiatus fills the air with a special kind of anticipation."He emphasized that each dish presented wasn't just food but a story and a piece of art that showcased the caterers' ability and eagerness to elevate the experience of guests at Culinaire 2024.As the host of the Culinaire event, Albaña stated that SMX Convention Center, the largest convention center operator in the country, continued to provide exceptional venues for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). However, he added SMX Convention Center was about more than just MICE; it could also be a place to celebrate life's important milestones such as birthdays, debuts and weddings.All in all, Culinaire 2024 was a feast for the senses, featuring live music and performances while guests savored the flavors of dishes prepared by the caterers within their meticulously arranged setups.