All eyes in the culinary world were on the Philippines when it successfully hosted the first Madrid Fusión Manila. Organised by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board, the gastronomic congress marks the first time Madrid Fusión is brought to Asia. Featured in the weekend-long event are the chefs from Spain, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines—all highlighting the wonders of Philippine and Spanish cuisine and culture.

Among the renowned chefs from Spain who talked about the future of food were Quique Dacosta, Elena Arzak, Paco Torreblanca and Mario Sandoval. Meanwhile, the Manila food scene were represented by distinguished chefs Juan Carlos de Terry, Fernando Aracama, Myrna Segismundo, Claude Tayag, Bruce Ricketts, Margarita Fores, Pepe Lopez, Rob Pengson, J. Luis Gonzalez, and J. Gamboa.