Altruism and an attention to and appreciation for Filipino cuisine are key trends running around in the industry these days. While these might not be the most innovative things to ever happen this year, they hammer home the point that the F&B community grapples with certain issues in the most humane and affecting way possible.

With Curar La Resaca, five chefs join forces for a good cause—and great tacos

With well-chosen tacos by Miko Calo of Metronome, Jorge Mendez of Mōdan, Nicco Santos and Quenee Vilar of Café Aurora, and Charles Montañez of Alegria Manila, the one-night charity event Curar La Resaca certainly has distinguished itself as food philanthropy of the highest order.

On July 4 at Alegria Manila, Curar La Resaca will play host to five of the Philippines’ most talented chefs to sate not only internal customer appetites but also the external needs of a local charity that provides assistance to the elderly.

Charles Montañez of Alegria Manila
Charles Montañez of Alegria Manila will host four of the country’s best chefs

“Curar La Resaca is about making delicious food and enjoying some late-night fun in the process,” says Montañez, the executive chef of Alegria Manila. “And if we can lend a helping hand while doing so, why not? It is an honor for both my team and I to welcome these talented chefs into our kitchen.”

For a donation of any amount at the door, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in four tacos crafted by some of the country’s top culinary talents. And knowing the culinary backgrounds of each, the 10-hands event would draw on flavors rife with heart and soul.

“Curar La Resaca is about making delicious food and enjoying some late-night fun in the process,” says Montañez, the executive chef of Alegria Manila. “And if we can lend a helping hand while doing so, why not? It is an honor for both my team and I to welcome these talented chefs into our kitchen.”

The event however will only admit the first 100 walk-in guests. A limited beverage service will be available, offering shots, beer, and water to complement the taco feast.

Curar La Resaca is scheduled on July 4, Tuesday, 9 p.m. at Alegria Manila, located on the ground floor of Uptown Parade, 9th Avenue corner 38th Street. Taguig City.

New course gives a crash course on Filipino food fundamentals

When the Special Committee on Creative Industries and Performing Arts of the Lower House of Representatives called for the worldwide promotion of Filipino cuisine in 2020, many took this as an opportunity to bolster culinary heritage and education.

An end result of this appeal is CCA Manila’s new course Fundamentals in Filipino Cuisine, a comprehensive 16-day short course designed to provide students with a deep appreciation of Filipino gastronomy, cuisine, and heritage. It covers the culinary traditions of all 17 regions in the country through hands-on training in ingredient selection and preparation, cooking and plating techniques, and palate calibration of select Filipino dishes.

Traditional dishes from Minandao: Sinuglao (Davao), Piyanggang Manok (Tausug), Randang Maranao, and Satay na Apahap (Zamboanga)
Traditional dishes from Minandao: Sinuglao (Davao), Piyanggang Manok (Tausug), Randang Maranao, and Satay na Apahap (Zamboanga)
Tilmok (pinangat) from Bicol
Tilmok (pinangat) from Bicol

John Sherwin Felix, a young food and agricultural heritage advocate and founder of Lokalpedia, led its June 26 launch where he shared insights on popularizing Filipino food heritage Ingredients.

Fundamentals in Filipino Cuisine covers the culinary traditions of all 17 regions in the country through hands-on training in ingredient selection and preparation, cooking and plating techniques, and palate calibration of select Filipino dishes.

“With this program, we aim to train a new generation of culinary professionals who will showcase the unique flavors and heritage of Filipino cuisine. By offering this course, we take pride in our leadership in owning the narrative of Filipino culinary education,” said Kerwin Funtanilla, CCA Manila program manager.

The course curriculum focuses on developing key competencies in food safety and sanitation, knife skills, cooking methods, food presentation, and techniques specifically applied to Filipino cuisine. In addition, students will embark on immersive excursions to gain firsthand experience and strengthen their appreciation for Filipino cuisine.