Held at the SMX Convention Centre Manila on August 19, 2025, Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined was a unique event that showcased the best of Filipino culinary art along with an impressive blend of technology and creativity. This event solidified SMX’s role as the top venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in the Philippines. It took place across three large halls and established a new benchmark for engaging, multi-sensory experiences in the MICE industry.

A Multi-Sensory Showcase of Culinary Art

At the core of Culinaire 2025 was the concept of reimagining an event as a canvas for creativity, innovation, and culture. The theme, “Canvas Reimagined”, was an invitation to experience culinary artistry like never before, blending traditional Filipino flavours with cutting-edge technology. The venue was transformed into a space where food, art, and technology were seamlessly integrated, offering guests an experience that went beyond simple tasting. It was an event that engaged all five senses, bringing a dynamic and interactive atmosphere.

Upon entering, guests encountered a state-of-the-art smart registration system that allowed for quick check-ins and real-time voting. This innovation not only enhanced convenience but also allowed attendees to actively participate in the event. As the evening unfolded, AI-powered chat terminals provided information about the event’s schedule, caterers, and menu items, making it easier for guests to navigate through the event. One of the most fascinating features was the appearance of an AI co-host, who interacted with RJ Ledesma on stage, offering live commentary and updates about the event in a futuristic, yet friendly manner.

Culinary Excellence Meets Filipino Artistry

The true highlight of Culinaire 2025 was the three-course culinary experience, which was carefully curated by ten of the country’s most renowned catering companies in collaboration with top Filipino artists. These partnerships blurred the lines between food and visual art, with dishes that were as much a feast for the eyes as they were for the taste buds. The creative collaborations were emblematic of Filipino culture, featuring both modern and traditional Filipino ingredients and cooking techniques.

Among the standout collaborations was Bizu Catering, which teamed up with Ycoy Sitchon, a celebrated Filipino visual artist. The fusion of fine dining and visual art left guests in awe, with each dish meticulously presented to evoke emotions and tell a story. Similarly, Juan Carlo the Caterer partnered with Katrina Cuenca, one of the country’s top visual artists, to create a menu that paid homage to Filipino heritage. The dishes were not only infused with bold, contemporary flavours but were presented in such a way that they seemed to come to life on the plate.

Other noteworthy collaborations included Conrad Manila working with Mark Justiniani, Hizon’s Catering teaming up with Patrick Pura, and Via Mare joining forces with Vanessa Bautista. Each pairing was a testament to the richness of Filipino culture, blending culinary expertise with innovative artistic expressions. The resulting dishes offered guests a new way of experiencing Filipino heritage, transcending the traditional boundaries of food.

Innovative Mobile Bars and Drink Creations

Culinaire 2025 wasn’t just about food; the event also redefined beverage experiences. SMX’s partner mobile bars took the spotlight, bringing a flair of creativity and artistry to the drink offerings. One of the most exciting features was the Best Cocktail and Mocktail Competition, which showcased the talents of mobile bartenders who worked alongside visual artists to create stunning, interactive drink presentations.

Event Shaker Mobile Bar, in collaboration with street artists Tinta Buscalan and Pasa Kalye Artists, delivered a vibrant fusion of street art and mixology. The drinks were served with artistic flair, incorporating elements of Filipino street culture into the design and presentation. This unique pairing brought a fresh twist to the mixology scene, elevating the drinking experience to an art form.

Similarly, GQ Mobile Bar, partnering with artists Elwah Gonzales, Pancho Alvarez, and Carlo De Laza, presented inventive drinks that were not only visually stunning but also deeply immersive. The mobile bar’s creative mixologists expertly paired flavours with visual artistry, creating an unforgettable experience that blended Filipino culture with modern flair.

Celebrating Culinary Talent Through Awards

As the evening came to a close, the spotlight turned to the Culinary Awards and the People’s Choice Awards, which were designed to recognise the standout performances of the evening. The awards, judged by a panel of renowned chefs and event professionals, acknowledged excellence in various categories, including the Best Appetiser, Best Main Course, Best Dessert, and Best Booth. Juan Carlo the Caterer emerged as the big winner of the night, taking home multiple awards, including the coveted People’s Choice Award and the Best Culinary Collaboration Award.

The Best Cocktail and Best Mocktail categories were equally competitive, with GQ Mobile Bar and Event Shaker Mobile Bar receiving high praise for their innovative drink creations. These awards highlighted not only the skill and artistry of the caterers and mobile bars but also the importance of creativity in shaping the future of events.

SMX’s Expanding Role in the MICE Industry

In his address at the event, Michael Albaña, Vice President and General Manager of SMX Convention Centre, emphasised the venue’s role in shaping the future of MICE events in the Philippines. He spoke about SMX’s continued expansion, including the opening of new venues in Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa, Sto. Tomas, Cebu, and Pasay. These new venues will further strengthen SMX’s position as a leader in the MICE industry, providing more opportunities for businesses and event organisers to host large-scale, high-impact events across the country.

Albaña’s remarks also highlighted SMX’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation. As part of its vision for the future, SMX seeks to transform the event experience by integrating new technologies, such as AI, immersive displays, and smart systems, into its offerings.

Redefining the Future of Events in the Philippines

Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined was more than just a food event. It celebrated the changing landscape of the Philippine MICE industry. By combining food, art, and technology, the event transformed what an immersive experience could be. It set a new standard for future events, showing how creativity, teamwork, and technology can enhance the guest experience.

As SMX grows and creates new event spaces, it remains dedicated to shaping the future of MICE events. They focus not only on filling spaces but also on changing them into lively environments that encourage creativity, connection, and collaboration.

[Image Source: The Manila Times]