Daily Tribune
CITEM
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is set to showcase and champion Filipino chefs and their exceptional cuisine at the upcoming International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2025.
The 18th edition of IFEX Philippines, the country’s largest international food, beverage, and ingredients trade show, will take place on 22-24 May, 2025, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.
At the recent culinary showcase “A Sweet Spotlight” hosted by Chef Kalel Chan at Lobby 385, select members of the press and the IFEX Philippines team witnessed the announcement of a collaboration between the San Juan-based steakhouse and Abi Balingit, a Filipino-American pastry chef and recipient of the 2024 James Beard Emerging Voice Award.
Under this partnership, Balingit’s signature desserts, including Tsokolate Pandesal Pudding and Ube Macapuno Molten Lava Cake, will be available at Lobby 385 throughout March.
A day earlier, Balingit also revealed that some of her creations will be served this March at Guevarra’s by Chef Laudico, a renowned Filipino-themed buffet restaurant in San Juan City.
The collaboration with Chef Jac Laudico was formed under the banner of “Taste of the Philippines: A Global Journey,” an initiative aiming to bring Filipino cuisine to the global stage.
Chef Kalel Chan recognizes the value of international food trade shows, particularly in promoting local talent and products.
Sometimes you have a product, but it's hard to get it out there,” says Chan. “We [Filipinos] have great products out there. I’m sure IFEX Philippines will be a great help to connect products to the international market.”
For Balingit, trade shows like IFEX Philippines serve as a platform to amplify the voices of Filipino chefs worldwide.
“These trade shows and conventions are nice. Being here in person is so different from texting or emailing. To be able to taste the products and feel the products and talk to each other about your experiences — it’s very valuable,”explained Balingit, author of Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed.
IFEX Philippines 2025 is organized by CITEM, the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and continues to push for wider recognition of Filipino food and ingredients in global markets.
