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\nIn Photo: Ms. Sandy Cu presenting the Filipino Food Plate<\/p>\n
Last August 9, TasteSetters\u00ae participated at the World Filipino Food Congress, as a part of the first International Manila Food Festival at Newport World Resorts. The event marked an important milestone for Filipino cuisine, with a focus on blending heritage and innovation. Industry leaders, culinary schools, and global voices came together in
\nTED-style panels and discussions to explore identity, innovation, sustainability, and the role of Filipino food on the world stage. Here, TasteSetters\u00ae presented the upcoming Taste Trends of 2026\u20132027, offering a glimpse into the evolving flavors, movements, and dining experiences that will shape the future of the Filipino culinary landscape.<\/p>\n
Our very own Ms. Sandy Cu took the stage to present these trends, highlighting dynamic culinary movements \u2014 these included the revival of regional dishes reimagined for modern tastes, to the upcoming localvore movement aimed at celebrating homegrown produce, and the renewed appreciation for heirloom ingredients that connect today\u2019s dining tables with the country\u2019s rich culinary heritage.<\/p>\n
Ms. Sandy began her talk through the question, \u201cWhat if the next big revolution isn\u2019t in tech, but on your plate?\u201d She emphasized that each meal and bite we partake in can tell a deeper story \u2014 transcending flavor and dipping into culture, sustainability, and innovation. She continued by explaining how the Filipino palate has been molded by layers of history, colonization, and exposure to global influences, all coalescing towards our everyday eating habits. <\/p>\n
\nIn Photo: Ms. Sandy Cu presenting the Filipino Food Plate<\/p>\n
From rice paired with rich viands and sawsawan, to the growing presence of noodles, dim sum, pasta, pizza, and even bread with palaman, the Filipino plate remains a living reflection of both tradition and adaptation. Through this lens, Ms. Sandy Cu continued into the trends mentioned, outlining how the local and international Filipino food industry can not only anticipate what\u2019s to come, but also shape the industry towards one that\u2019s more sustainable, rooted in culture and Filipino identity, and innovation.<\/p>\n
Following this enlightening discussion, TasteSetters\u00ae brought the trends to life through a specially curated tasting menu that showcased how heritage and innovation can coexist on the Filipino plate. Chef Sonny Mariano led the experience with standout creations \u2014 starting with a reimagined Chicken Pastil with Inasal Rice, elevated by <\/p>\n
Clara Ol\u00e9 Tapa Marinade and Inasal Barbecue Marinade. Guests then enjoyed Seafood Tamales, a fresh and flavorful dish enriched with TasteSetters\u00ae Brand Crab & Shrimp Flavor Savory Sauce. To end on a sweet note, the menu featured a decadent Black Rice Bibingka with Coconut Caramel, highlighted by TasteSetters\u00ae Brand Caramel Cream Dessert Paste.<\/p>\n
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\nIn Photo: Chicken Pastil with Inasal Rice, made with Clara Ol\u00e9\u00ae Tapa Marinade and Inasal Barbecue Marinade.<\/p>\n
Each course not only exemplified bold, inventive flavors but were also carefully designed to embody the Taste Trends \u2014 bridging the presented ideas into reality.
\nThe fun didn\u2019t stop there though, because on August 10, TasteSetters\u00ae joined the Lasa x Lahi Grand Tasting at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, where Chef Sonny Mariano brought the trends to life with his Chicken Inasal creation. Made with Clara Ol\u00e9 Inasal Barbecue Marinade and paired with a tomato and pesto ensalada using Clara Ol\u00e9 Cheesy Pesto Pasta Sauce, the dish was elevated with crispy inasal chicken skin, tinapa, and garlic bits. This flavorful showcase highlighted the revival of regional dishes and the localvore movement, proving how Filipino classics can be refreshed for today\u2019s tables.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/tastesetters.ph\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image_2025-09-10_115610427.png\")
\nIn Photo: Chef Sonny Mariano\u2019s Chicken Inasal<\/p>\n
The International Manila Food Festival ultimately highlighted how Filipino cuisine is evolving \u2014 honoring its roots while confidently stepping onto the world stage. For TasteSetters\u00ae, the experience reinforced its role as a trusted partner for chefs and food businesses, helping them create flavors and concepts that resonate with modern palates while staying true to heritage. With optimism for future editions of IMFF, and with Filipino cuisine gaining growing recognition both locally and globally, TasteSetters\u00ae remains committed to inspiring innovation and celebrating the rich diversity of our food culture.<\/p>\n
Check out a short video we made recapping the events!<\/p>\n