Mercato Centrale is Coming to MOA, It's Fiesta Bahia

         

       I've been blogging about food tourism for years already.   You see, aside from the country's well-known diverse natural and man-made attractions, the Philippine food remain one of the country's best -kept secret which is relatively unknown in many parts of the world.  However, the popularity had been slowly gained through Filipino bloggers situated all over the world, one example is the Kulinarya Cooking Club, which I happen to be a part of.  

     Talking about food tourism, many organizations have been promoting it and have been quite successful with their campaign.   Just last year, the Department of Tourism and the 114th Independence Day celebration Inter-agency Committee have partnered with the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) for the “Kulinarya Kalayaan Festival,” which high-lighted Filipino cuisine and those that our very own National hero, Jose Rizal's favorite.

       This time around, we will get to experience a different take on Food Tourism as Mercato Centrale group, the organizers of Metro Manila’s premier night food and lifestyle markets, brings a new ‘food destination’ experience to the SM Mall of Asia By the Bay with Fiesta Bahia!

       Dubbed as  ‘the food tourism’ market, Fiesta Bahia will be open to the public during weekends, that's – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting July 12 (Friday) from 4pm to 3am.

      The Mercato group have pinned their night food markets at  Eastwood, Trinoma, The Fort and just recently at Pampanga (Cocina Centrale), so why at Mall of Asia this time?

      Did you know that one of top tourist destinations in Manila is the SM Mall of Asia (MOA)? And what’s one of the best ways to welcome foreign guests to one of Manila’s top tourist destinations?  By sharing with them a variety of great-tasting dishes from different parts of the Philippines!  
        
          “In an interview with Today Show food blog, Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmen predicted that Filipino will be the next big thing.  Chef and culinary expert Anthony Bourdain of “No Reservations” also shared in his blog on the Travel Channel website that he enjoyed sisig and Cebu lechon during his visit to the country.” said Anton Diaz, co-founder of Mercato Centrale and the popular food and travel blogger behind www.OurAwesomePlanet.com.

          “As our tourism industry continues to boom, I’m sure many foreigners, balikbayans and even locals would like to sample the richness of our Filipino cuisine. That’s what Fiesta Bahia is all about – a food market where you can enjoy popular dishes from the different regions all in one place!” Anton added.  “Aside from that, they can enjoy the popular gourmet and artisanal food from our suki Mercato Centrale vendors.”

          “Our location along SM By the Bay is also a great place to bring tourists, friends and family!” shared Vanessa Ledesma, co-organizer of Fiesta Bahia. “They can take in the beauty of the Manila Bay shoreline, enjoy the weekend fireworks, and listen to live acoustic music while enjoying a great salo-salo meal.”

          “We’re actively looking for food entrepreneurs who specialize in provincial cuisines from all around the Philippines.” Said Rache Diaz, co-organizer of Fiesta Bahia. “If you’ve got a great homemade dish from your hometown, we would love for you to share a taste of your own local culture with foodies from around Manila and the rest of the world!”

          For interested food vendors who want to join Fiesta Bahia, 

please contact (+63 917) 840-1152 or (+632) 812-0102 

or admin@mercatocentrale.ph. 

They are prioritizing vendors who specialize in 

regional/provincial food. 

The more unique, the better! 

Visit their FACEBOOK page HERE