Phl emerges as Asia’s rising culinary capital

Following the inaugural selection of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DoT) is again placing the country at the forefront of global gastronomy by hosting the first-ever Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific (TMAP).

The regional edition of the world’s largest sustainable food gathering is set from 19 to 23 November at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.

The event, presented in partnership with Slow Food International, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, the City of Bacolod and key national agencies, underscores the Philippines’ rising stature as a premier gastronomy destination.

Terra Madre’s hosting, anchored on the nation’s rich food heritage and agricultural abundance, strengthens sustainable, inclusive and community-rooted gastronomy, an approach that complements the momentum generated by the Michelin Guide’s recent entry.

Together, these milestones advance the Philippines’ pathway toward becoming a global culinary capital under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco underscored the event’s importance in championing local communities, indigenous ingredients and Filipino creativity.

“This landmark event brings the world to our tables and into our communities — where every ingredient represents the industry of our people, every dish tells of our proud history, and every meal supports local livelihoods,” Frasco said, adding that the event positions Bacolod City, the Negros Island Region and the Philippines as a vibrant gateway to gastronomy tourism.

She added that with the arrival of the Michelin Guide and the hosting of the Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines is fast emerging as Asia’s Rising Culinary Capital.

The global event is celebrated with the theme “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes & Traditions.” It brings together local producers, farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, food communities, chefs, cooks, policymakers and advocates from the Asia-Pacific region to exchange knowledge and advance the global call for a more sustainable food future.

Bacolod City, home to over 20,000 hectares of land dedicated to organic farming, serves as a strategic venue. Negros Occidental also features a 32,000-hectare marine reserve, offering exquisite seafood and traditional fishing methods.

As an anticipated highlight of the event, the DoT organized the Slow Food Travel Pavilion, featuring immersive, community-based food experiences from various regions and provinces, including the Cordilleras (Pasil), National Capital Region (Manila), CALABARZON (Cavite), Central Visayas (Cebu), and Western Visayas (Bingawan, Capiz, Boracay).

Furthermore, the DoT arranged street food booths offering diverse selections of dishes, delicacies and cooking experiences from across all regions of the Philippines, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, with concessionaires presenting items that align mostly with Slow Food principles.