Not only is the Philippines home to breathtaking destinations that attract travelers from around the world, it also boasts mouthwatering dishes that have turned foodies into fans. With such a distinct mix of local delights on offer, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has cooked up a festival that aims to showcase not just our country’s regional sights, but its sumptuous flavors, too.
In partnership with Ayala Malls, the DOT presents Kaon Ta! Food & Travel Festival, a nationwide event touring seven regional Ayala Malls in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with the mission of promoting diverse Filipino cuisine and tourism destinations and ultimately bolstering the country’s reputation as one of the world’s gastronomy hubs.
The Davao region leg of Kaon Ta! brought a rich fusion of food and tourism to Ayala Malls Abreeza on December 7. Besides gathering gastronomic and cultural offerings from all over the region—specialty food products, vegetables, juices, handicrafts, and culinary tour packages—renowned local chefs sweetened the celebration by preparing delectable degustacion: Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun, essayist and culinary consultant who served as Kaon Ta! Davao’s curator; Chef Giovanna “Bang” Sibala, Seda Abreeza Hotel’s executive sous chef; and Chef Paolo Garcia, Balik Bukid Farm and Kitchen’s owner and head chef.
Leading the distinguished names that graced the Davao region launch was no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, who himself calls Davao City his home. Joining him onstage were DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei Nograles, and Davao Oriental Congresswoman Corazon Malanyaon. Meanwhile, representing Ayala Malls were Ayala Corp. Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land President Bernard Vincent Dy, and Ayala Land Malls Inc. President Jenylle Tupaz.
Following the launch, Kaon Ta! kept its doors open to the public until December 9.
The Davao leg of Kaon Ta! happened simultaneously with other regional legs in Ayala Malls Solenad in Laguna and Ayala Malls Marquee in Pampanga, with another one coming up on December 19-21 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City. Prior to these legs, the food and travel festival made its way to Ayala Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Legazpi, and Ayala Malls Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City. The DOT is looking to take the food and travel showcase to other regions in the coming year.
No wonder Secretary Puyat, whose leadership made Kaon Ta! possible, said, “‘Food trip,’ as we Filipinos love to say, is definitely ‘more fun in the Philippines!’”
