What's cooking with Buhay Carinderia Redifined!

"Generous portions, affordable prices, short waits, and sumptuous dishes. Is it any wonder that carinderias are continuously growing everywhere in the country? From these cities and towns, we will identify the best dishes, the individuals that prepared them, and the carinderias where they work for. During this two-day exposition to showcase all the surrounding provinces culinary gems, we will also be searching for young individuals who will become our Philippine Tourism Millennial Ambassadors. They should be able to enlighten everyone of their town's (or city's) deep and multicultural food history. To cap off this nin-month-long culinary journey all over the Philippines, "Buhay Carinderia Redefined" will stage its biggest culinary exposition in November where all the regional bests under one roof will be showcased. There will be an exchange of knowledge and with the experts and most successful personalities we will invite, we will be honing if not refine previously undiscovered talents from the audience. The linkages between food and tourism also provide a platform for national but also regional economic development. These days anyone could notice the focus of many tourists has changed fromt he classic "must see" physical sights such as natural wonders of monuments towards a "must-experience" imperative to consume intangible expressions of culture. Not only of the community's rich agricultural heritage, but of the many recipe's linked to it. And based on what we have seen so far, with the help of the Tourism Promotions Board and the city's or town's ongoing appetite for celebrating its culinary roots, the future is bound to be just as delicious." ~Linda Legaspi of Marylindbert International, Inc.

CARINDERIA an affordable home-cooked Filipino specialty offers a glimpse into Filipino's culture and customs it becomes an integral part of our country's culinary and social identity. Where great recipes are handed down through generations. Buhay Caridneria Redefined food plays a key part in all cultures, a major element of global intangible heritage and an increasingly important attraction for tourists. There's a real pride in each of the town or city of our country when it comes to food specialties.

Those who knew Carinderia better appreciate the fact that there's more to this enterprise that has uplifted the lives of some 3 million individuals and their families. Marylindbert International, Inc. acknowledge this when, in 2011, initiated a unique advocacy called Carinderia Fiesta which was later on renamed Buhay Carinderia to help improve the carinderia's image, help the entrepreneurs behind them and present their generations.

Linda Legaspi of Marylindbert International, Inc.

Supported for the first time by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Department of Tourism, as its Sole Presenter, this year's event is scheduled to scour the whole country in search for the best of the best in our culinary scene.

First to be visited will be the areas of Northern Luzon - 15 provinces that comprise Regions 1 and 2 as well as the Cordillera Administrative Region. The local culinary experts will gather at Vigan Convention Center from June 28 to 29 where they will not only share their talent to everyone but also interact with chosen students of the area through mentoring partnership so they could also pass on their skills and experiences.

Buhay Carinderia Redefined explores:

Central Luzon (particularly Pampanga, regarded as one of the culinary capitals of the Philippines) area
The Bicol region
The Visayas Region (Regions 6, 7 and 8)
The Mindanao region (Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13).
Like what will happen in Vigan, there will also be a culminating 2-day event in San Fernando, Pampanga; in Naga; in Cebu; and finally in Davao City.

"These differing perspective have led me to wonder is it because we are so intimately connected tot he foods we grow and produce that we never take a step back and feel proud about all that we do here when it comes to our foods? The same could be said of our cadinderia. Aside from their loyal patrons, a lot of us knew so little of the home-cooked creations these humble eateries offer to their customers. But thanks in large part to the efforts of Marylindbert International and the advocacy it started in 2011, carinderia owners were given venue that gives them the identity, pride and a sense of belonging. Even their unique dishes are now capturing a wider audience. The Tourism Promotions Board recognizes these efforts of Marylindbert International This is why for this year; we not only fully support the "Buhay Carinderia Redefined" event but also designed it to be much bigger and grander. We will also be looking for young Ambassadors who should be able to present to the world, their town's unique food offerings and cooking styles. I expect "Buhay Carinderia Redefined" event to allow the people behind the carinderia, whenever they may be located, to have a chance to showcase their talents to a wider audience. We will become witness to the discovery of there noteworthy creations that celebrate the vibrant vibe of their town or city." ~Mr. Cesar Montano, TPB Philippines Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Cesar Montano, TPB Philippines Chief Operating Officer

"I may not be a Filipino food expert yet, there are so many dishes that I still need to discover, but I'm curious to keep learning and I am a staunch advocate of our culinary culture." ~Erwan Heussaff, "TheFatKidInside" Buhay Carinderia Redefined Content Creator

Foodie Erwan Heussaff "TheFatKidInside" once opened a pop-up carinderia, for one day last year, to promote his newest online game, the organizers of the this year's "Buhay Caridneria Redefined" immediately knew whom to tap as their Content Creator. Being a restaurant and Bard investor, an online personality, the husband of actress and TV host Anne Curtis as well as the brother of actress, TV host Solenn Heussaff has managed to create his food and beverage niche. But there's more to Erwan to just internet popularity. He has long been an advocate of healthy and affordable eating.A quick look at his youtube channel will also quickly prove that he is making lots of shows in the Philippines, from travel to food to farming and sustainability, a true love for country resonates in his content. He clearly represents the "Buhay Caridneria Redefined" advocacy: to focus and understand the history of local dishes; to popularize the use of natural and native ingredients, and to accentuate Filipino home-cooked flavors.

Mr. Erwan Heussaff, "TheFatKidInside" Buhay Carinderia Redefined Content Creator

Not only a showcase of Filipino culinary expertise, acumen and brilliance but also a venue for the Philippines to make a contribution to the culinary world.