The SMX Convention Center, the nation’s premier convention center operator, celebrated the return of its much-anticipated culinary event, Culinaire, on August 6, 2024. The event, themed “Flavor Flix,” provided over a thousand guests with a unique dining experience of 10 partner caterers that combined the art of cuisine with the popular films and series from streaming platforms.
Michael Jaey Albaña, Vice President – General Manager of SMX Convention Center, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of Culinaire’s comeback after a long break since 2019 due to the pandemic.
“The last time we gathered was in 2019, and the excitement of returning after such a long hiatus feels the air with a special kind of anticipation,” Albaña said. He noted that as the industry begins to recover robustly in 2024, this event represented a celebration of its resurgence.
The event took place in the spacious Function Rooms 3-5 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, which boasts a combined area of 5,200 square meters. The venue was transformed into a gastronomic wonderland where ten distinguished partner caterers showcased their culinary prowess and event styling, each inspired by a chosen film.
The evening’s festivities began with free-flowing cocktails at the “Love Island” bar, courtesy of Event Shakers. Guests were then treated to an array of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The caterers and their selected film themes included BIZU inspired by Bridgerton, Conrad Manila channeling Memoirs of a Geisha, The Creamery Catering paying homage to Queen Charlotte, Hizon’s Catering with The Bear, and Via Mare interpreting Maria Clara, Kitchen City with Squid Game, Tjioe Chew with Mulan, Juan Carlo with Stranger Things, and M Catering with Avatar.
Guests participated in a voting process to award the People’s Choice Awards in categories such as Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, and Best Dessert. Simultaneously, a panel of culinary experts conducted a blind tasting to select their top dishes. The Creamery Catering won Best Appetizer with “The Queen’s Garden” and Best Dessert with “Afternoon Tea with Charlotte,” while Juan Carlo took Best Entrée with “Vecna’s Enigma.” Juan Carlo also dominated the People’s Choice Awards, winning in all categories with their Stranger Things-themed offerings.
Albaña shared that Culinaire not only showcased SMX’s leadership in the MICE industry but also its adaptability in celebrating significant life events and its commitment to enhancing event experiences. “Each offering is not just food but a story, a piece of art that showcases the ability and eagerness to elevate the experience of your event,” he enthused.
The successful event was a collaborative effort with SMX-accredited event suppliers, including Black Tie Entertainment, Metrotech, CNS Events Solutions, FORSC INK INC, City Neon Philippines, Inc, Centrex, MSD Godspeed, Ginger Event Styling, RSL for lights and sound, GEV ME for the automated registration system, and STAGES as event organizers.
