SMX Culinaire showcases Filipino destinations through food

Insider Spotlight

• Culinaire 2026 showcased culinary influences from destinations represented across SMX Convention Center’s Philippine network
• Accredited caterers reinterpreted dishes and ingredients associated with cities from Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao
• SMHCC is expanding its hospitality and MICE footprint with upcoming convention and trade hall properties
  
  
  
  

SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) is putting Philippine destinations on the menu as its convention center business uses food to showcase local culture, heritage and hospitality.

Culinaire 2026–Flavors of Possibility, the annual culinary showcase of SMX Convention Center Manila, brought together accredited caterers and partners to create dishes inspired by destinations represented across the SMX network.

Archipelagic identity

The event drew inspiration from the Philippines’ archipelagic identity, featuring influences from Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Participating caterers were assigned cities and challenged to reinterpret their local flavors. Creations included Bizu Catering Studio’s Higupin–Poached Duck Egg Penoy for Mandaluyong, Hizon’s Restaurant and Catering’s Sinuglaw for Davao and Kitchen City’s Kapampangan Sisig Crisp for Clark, Pampanga.

Locally sourced ingredients

Other dishes included M Catering and Fine Foods’ Coconut Inutak Brûlée representing Taguig, Richgold Weddings’ Cebu Lechon, The Creamery Catering’s Chicken Inasal Pani Puri for Bacolod and Tjioe The Caterer Inc.’s Laguna Angus Kulawo for Sta. Rosa.

Via Mare Corporation represented Sto. Tomas, Batangas with Tawilis Fish and Chips with Calamansi Aioli, while Juan Carlo The Caterer showcased Pasay through Ginto: Gateway to the Islands (Halo-Halo). Mobile bar partners also developed drinks inspired by SMX cities.

Distinctive culinary creations

“Over the years, Culinaire has become a channel for SMX, its caterer partners, and sponsors to showcase creativity and culinary craftsmanship. Year after year, participating partners transform familiar ingredients, regional influences, and Filipino traditions into distinctive culinary creations that guests can enjoy and remember. We deeply value the partnerships forged through the years and the many ways our partners continue to infuse creativity and flavor into the offerings at SMX,” SMHCC senior vice president for operations Walid Wafik said during his speech.

Upcoming properties

SMHCC said its expanding hospitality and MICE portfolio will continue using events, dining and other offerings to highlight Philippine destinations.

Its upcoming properties include SMX Seaside Cebu, SMXCITE in Pasay and SMX Trade Halls in Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, and Sto. Tomas, Batangas. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma