Saturday, June 26, 2004

A Toast to Good Food, Great People

The world of media and advertising certainly has its perks. Just this week, the strings pulled me to attend not one, but two great food fests. Now I'm feeling bloated and I could see that once again my fourth mound's rising. But what the heck, when it's free food, there's really nothing else to do but eat and be merry.

Around the World of Gastronomic Flavors (June 23)

40 dishes. A banquet of Italian, Safari, Filipino, and (wait, let me check my PR) Fusion (East & West) food all whipped up by Creative Cuisine's Derek Dytian.

I've never seen the Fort (San Pedro) so lovely. Soft lights twined with the trees, giving the place a subdued glow that made the people all look so beautiful.

And because the event was launched for the benefit of Clothes for Life Foundation and the rehabilitation of Fort San Pedro & Magellan's Cross under the Cebu City Tourism Commission, the place was overflowing with the rich and familiar faces, the politicos, the wacky designers, and of course, media friends.

The food was interesting though it was kinda bland for the Filipino taste. Emi's doctor friend said the marinated fish with the unusual sauce won by popular vote. But nah, I think the barbecued chicken bathed and soaked with tequila-based sauce was the best. Hot and tender at the same time. Yuuummmmmyyy.

Then there was great music by the UC Chorus-- jazzy with a bit of OPM thrown in. It was a refreshing break from the mainstream noise. And Jude Bacalso's spiels -- so original and funny, sure fired up the night. You couldn't help but agree when this guy in a woman's dress quipped, "I don't want to be tolerated. I want to be celebrated."

Then what better way to spend the night than with a very dear and stimulating companion, Emi, who at least managed to taste half the menu in half a plate. I've got to admit, the conversation with her was way, way better than half the food there.

It warmed my heart to meet so many Cebuanos, though garbed in rich clothing, who managed to stay honest and down to earth. It reaffirmed my belief that most people who are up there are usually the nicest and simplest ones. That beneath the fancy clothing beats the heart of a true-blue Bisaya. And the true-blue Bisaya don't mince words when criticizing food. He or she'd give it to you straight-- whether it's good or not. And you can't force one to eat what he or she doesn't like, either. And it's nice to see people bonding together for a good cause -- that is, to preserve a cultural heritage. Makes me proud to be a Cebuano, really.

The presentation was great and smooth. Cheers to the designers who made every table unique and the chef for making all those food possible. And kudos to Ana of GFX for doing such a great job of putting everything together.

The heavens smiled upon us that night. It looked like it was about to rain but it didn't till the affair was over. The night was beautifully punctuated by the lone quarter moon, the quiet stars, the gentle breeze, and the clang of wine glasses.

Yep, definitely one of my best moments in the city.


Canadian Food Fest 2004 (June 25)

It was a CDN-sponsored event but that didn't stop me from feeling right at home with the crowd in one of the spacious rooms at Waterfront. Well, it helped to have the gracious presence of fellow adventuress, Dani, and a handful of familiar faces from the media. The affair was on time, so I was late. The speeches were unusually short, so I missed it-- thank God. I didn't know it was purely cocktails. Good for me I stuffed myself first with snickers and pringles before coming over.

Again, I found the cakes a bit bland. The shrimp-something was interesting. The pale chicken was surprisingly tasty. They said the roast beef, pork, and mini burgers were mouthwatering but I've stopped being crazy over those kind of food a long time ago. But the wine, ahhhh, so smooth and tasteful. I especially loved the red. I didn't drink anything at all but the wine. Had about two glasses. Yeah, yeah, the crazy and talkative ayin surfaced again, but hey, I managed to walk from there to the Village without falling on my face, so I was fine.

One unusual thing happened that night though that made Dani say I was meant to be there. A stranger asked for me and she introduced us. Told me he read my stuff. Made me feel giddy and warm all over, and that was even before i had my first sip of wine. Wow. Nothing really beats an unexpected compliment. We talked for awhile and we parted.

To Mr. Anthony Yu, THANK YOU, kind sir. When words are scarce, it's people like you that make me "rage, rage against the dying of the light."

I capped the night with good moccaccino, great talk, and a handful of Marlboro Lights. Now my nose hurts like hell but even that isn't enough to dim the night.

Thank you, manang, for the privilege.


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