Simply, I don’t know how to cook.
They always say that “a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and it was a long, long, long time ago I somehow believe in that. But then I realized, cooking food is not for me – I’m a kind of lady that was not born for the kitchen, rather I’m a lady who could teach you how to be a better cook. I’ve come to realized that cooking is a talent, it can be learned yes – but the best cook comes within.
And I respect that. Indeed, people having born with those skills are truly blessed.
Well, unless boiling an egg is considered cooking? Hahaha
For some, that quote will make you discourage – but not I am. I know myself very well, and I know that there are many other ways to get to the right path (whether it includes getting a man for your life). I’m an adventurous lady, and the least of my favorite place is in the kitchen. But that wouldn’t stop me from learning the ins-and-outs of it.
So I told myself… if I’m not good in operation (cooking), why not explore the other parts of the ocean? The ocean is too wide and has lots of opportunities to learn for new knowledge, hence I discovered I am good at sourcing goods and materials, finding the right ingredients, and learning its craft.
I am more interested in how these ingredients are coming from, how these people make it grow healthier in utmost quality, and how these ingredients and goods are available to the market – much easier, without compromising its quality.
And for those simple reasons, I came to visit last year’s exhibition – Asia’s Ethnic Food & Ingredients Show. A very inclusive event that only commences every 2 years, I told myself I should never miss this for the world. For me, who doesn’t know the ways of cooking, but is interested in sourcing and learning where to find those ways, then it would be a great opportunity!
This event was hosted by CITEM (Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions) and launched the IFEX – the International Food Exhibition Philippines, a biennial trade platform for international markets to access Asian ethnic food and ingredients. Together, they collaborated to bring us the best of the best of the finest ingredients and specialty food throughout Asia. The most interesting part is, it brings together the region’s tropical fruits and vegetables, fresh and processed seafood, and natural, gourmet, organic, healthy, and functional food products.
This event, it is a perfect avenue for people in various food industries to source new foods and ingredients, meet new suppliers and contacts, discover new ingredients, and check out what are the newest trends in the food and supply industry – all of that stuff!
Anyway, this exhibit is not only for big businesses…
As an online influencer, and someone who is fascinated by all things new, I’ve jump-in into this opportunity (anyway, that is the perks of having the right contact).
One of the tricks to enjoy the most of the exhibit – come over with a space in your stomach. I mean, this is a food and ingredients show, for Christ's sake! It is expected that exhibitors will showcase their products, and visitors would like to give a try with their food. Especially for those who something new (or weird), as a shopper, I would like to taste first and decide if I’m buying or not.
This event was held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, and they occupied the whole top and ground halls with over 700 local and international exhibitors, from 20 different countries in Asia and another part of the globe.
Guilty as charged, I’ve enjoyed it a lot!
I got to taste different types of foods, from appetizers going down to desserts, tried different kinds of tea from various suppliers and country origin, and partake in those locally made drinks which include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Who loves sake?
Tons of chocolates and candies, made locally (which I didn’t know we have that here!).
And enjoyed those aromatic spices, like you are in some local market in India or Dubai.
I can say that this is not just a food tradeshow – for me it is also my way of learning about our neighbor countries, having the quickest access to what are their food specialties, their cooking techniques, and their secret ingredients! Ahh, it was amazing!
Only fellow travelers and grocery shoppers would understand.
If you missed last year’s event, then you have a chance to experience this spectacular event next year, scheduled for May 2017.
I enjoy cooking and trying new things. But Asian cuisine is so difficult for me to master. I would love to attend a show like this to watch the technique of the chefs on hand at the show.
ReplyDeleteHahaha I know the feeling! Yeah Asian cuisine are quite difficult for some but the only secret of it is the proper use and combination of spices :)
DeleteWow, its nice that you get to see and taste the different food and flavors. The expo looks like so much fun!
ReplyDeleteYeah I felt so lucky!
DeleteI intentionally went with empty stomach, and by the end of my tour - geez, I'm soo full and a bit tipsy, LOL
I'm a happy guest!
This looks freaking awesome!!!! I wouldn't loved to visit this. Foodie status!
ReplyDeleteI know! and the fruits, vegetables, and other products are quite affordable :)
DeleteI bet all this food is awesome. I'd certainly want to try them. I'd love the chocolates!
ReplyDeleteThey are pure chocolates made of cocoa, and manually processed. I tried to it and I felt a bit dizzy, hahaha its strong!
DeleteThis would be my idea of F-U-N! I love cooking, so would love to attend these food shows!
ReplyDeleteYeah, when I shared this to my Momma, she's bugging me to tag along next year :)
DeleteWhat a great trade show! I think it would be great to see all the different ingredients at ifex!!
ReplyDeleteBeth || www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Oh Beth there are TONS OF SPICES in one roof! Its crazy!
DeleteI love food shows.You can eat and buy .I loved that you went with an empty stomach. Only way to enjoy
ReplyDeleteSo true! It's like a party :)
DeleteWhat a great event! You're lucky to have in this event and to taste different foods and ingredients.
ReplyDeleteThis coming May 2017 is the next leg! I'm sooo excited :)
DeleteWhat a spectacular event and so true, some of us where not made for the kitchen but definitely know how to appreciate the many wonderful ingredients that go into our foods.
ReplyDeleteYeah, so I think am more of a shopping for ingredients than do the actual cooking :)
DeleteOh My! I love to cook and this would be perfect for me to attend. I have to put this on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteAm excited for this event this May! Oh my I will go stomach empty because visiting this convention is like visiting in a huge buffet, and lots of free booze!
DeleteMy mother used to say the same thing! I learned how to cook, but guess what? Still single! Lol. Glad you enjoyed yourself at the event.
ReplyDeleteWell, am still learning to cook. But I must say I will be fully motivated to learn when am start living with my boyfriend :)
DeleteYou had me at food. <3
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it was an amazing event. Definitely something that I would be interested in attending. :)
Christie's Take on Life. x
Hello Christie!
DeleteDo you have something like this in near you?
woah the trade show would be something for me! :D
ReplyDeleteYou know I hated cooking in college but then I was away from the food I liked and in order to get the taste I ended up teaching myself to like cooking. It helped. wahaha =P
Hahaha me too Helene! Is there an event like this near you?
DeleteThis looks like such a fun experience! I am a HUGE fan of cooking. I don't get to enjoy it as much as I would like because of other competing priorities, so I like to find quick shortcuts in the kitchen. But, man, would I love to attend an event like this one!
ReplyDeleteI've learned a lot from attending this show, and am excited to learn more this coming May! And of course to discover many products too :)
DeleteI love asian food but I have never really cooked any at home. maybe I need to look into that cause I am trying to cook every weeknight this year!
ReplyDeleteThat's great Stacey :) Thanks for visiting :)
DeleteMy grams used to tell me the same thing, "learn how to cook so you can get married." I learned andi want to stay single. Sorry grams!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL, yeah same here.. but when I met my Dada, geez I need to learn how to cook!
DeleteOK I want to go. This looks like fun. I love food shows.
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerie! Hope you could come :)
DeleteThis looks like my kind of heaven! I am such a foodie! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Megan, I like to free booze too!
DeleteI hope I can also attend this event! I am now practicing my cooking skills. You have to do learn too! Now I am loving it!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to learn but not fully motivated, hahaha.
DeleteIt looks like they have a little bit of everything here! My mouth is watering looking at all the photos!
ReplyDeleteThanks dear, hahaah that's exactly my reaction when I visited this exhibit. Am excited for this coming season :D
DeleteThe show looked awesome. I never realized that there was something like this for food. If there is ever anything like this closer, I'm going.
ReplyDeleteIt is also the best way to get to know new suppliers and brands for future collaborations :)
DeleteThis sounds like an awesome event. I'm a self proclaimed foodie, but don't spend a whole lot of time in the kitchen. II'm willing to bet you left full, good call going with an empty belly.
ReplyDeleteHi Roxy, am excited for this coming IFEX! More exciting food and booze and awesome new contacts :)
DeleteThanks for sharing your experience! Glad that you get to go to source out food. Love all the beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon!
DeleteThese was captured two-year ago - as IFEX only held every 2-years. This coming May will be more spectacular :)
My grandma used to say the same thing! "Learn how to cook so you can get married" LOL, I did learn, still single. Sorry grams!!!
ReplyDeleteLOL That's funny!
DeleteWell grandma should wait longer :)
Your pictures are great and what an opportunity! My husband is a great cook so if you get a good man, get a great cook and your talents can be used elsewhere :-)
ReplyDeleteHello Sheila,
DeleteYeah, that's why I fell in-love with my Dada. He's a good cook and served mostly Italian, and I love it!
This looks awesome and definitely a great display of brands and products I haven't been to many trade shows but I love the food ones!
ReplyDeleteHello Charlotte,
DeleteVisiting trade shows is one of the best ways to collate stories for my blog, meet new contacts, try good food and drinks, and captured amazing photos. I will never get tired of it.