SMX Convention Center Manila transformed into a vibrant canvas of taste, technology, and art as it staged Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined, reaffirming its position as the country’s premier MICE venue and a leading force in the Philippine events industry.
Held at the expansive Halls 1 to 3, Culinaire 2025 elevated the traditional showcase into a multisensory spectacle—merging culinary artistry with immersive event technology. More than just a tasting event, it served as a bold statement of SMX’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and the evolving future of MICE.
Anchored on the theme Canvas Reimagined, this year’s edition redefined the event experience by engaging all five senses. Guests explored a smart registration system integrated with real-time voting, AI chat terminals for on-demand event information, and an AI-powered co-host who joined RJ Ledesma on stage. These innovations, paired with each caterer’s curated three-course menu, were thoughtfully designed to inspire interaction, spark creativity, and raise the bar for event personalization.
At the heart of the evening was a three-course culinary experience inspired by contemporary art and rooted in Filipino heritage. SMX’s partner caterers, in collaboration with acclaimed local artists, unveiled imaginative dishes that blurred the lines between fine dining and visual storytelling. Each partnership offered a unique fusion of food and creative expression:
- Bizu Catering x Ycoy Sitchon– Elegant compositions of emotion and beauty
- Conrad Manila x Mark Justiniani– Depth and imagination on a plate
- Hizon’s Catering x Patrick Pura– Celebrations of life’s richness
- Juan Carlo the Caterer x Katrina Cuenca– Pride in culture and Filipino identity
- Kitchen City x Mylene Quito– A shared language of creativity
- M Catering x Jaime Raphael Atienza– A harmony of complexity and grace
- Richgold Weddings x Samuel Penaso – Sustainable cuisine with bold strokes
- The Creamery Catering x JP Pining– Storytelling through shared local narratives
- TJIOE the Caterer x Emmanuel Miranda– Modern takes on oriental culinary heritage
- Via Mare x Vanessa Bautista– Nostalgia served with heart and heritage
These collaborations competed in the Culinary Awards, judged by a panel of renowned chefs and event professionals, alongside the People’s Choice Awards, which reflected the voice of the guests.
Culinary creativity extended beyond the plate. SMX’s partner mobile bars brought flair to the Best Cocktail and Mocktail Competition. Event Shaker Mobile Bar, together with Tinta Buscalan and Pasa Kalye Artists, delivered a vibrant fusion of street art and mixology. Meanwhile, GQ Mobile Bar, in collaboration with artists Elwah Gonzales, Pancho Alvarez, and Carlo De Laza, impressed with bold, inventive drinks and immersive presentation.
“Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined is more than just a showcase of culinary mastery—it’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and innovation in the events industry. Each plate, each space, each interaction is thoughtfully designed to spark the senses, and reimagine what events can be” said Michael Albaña, Vice President and General Manager of SMX Convention Center. “This also marks our return to a much bigger canvas—quite literally. With the expansion of our event spaces and a growing portfolio of eight SMX branches nationwide, including new venues rising in Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa, Sto. Tomas, Cebu, and right here in Pasay—we’re unlocking more opportunities to bring Meetings, Conventions, Exhibitions, and milestone events to more destinations across the country. At SMX, we believe events aren’t just about filling a space, but transforming it.”
As the largest privately-owned convention center network in the Philippines, SMX continues to lead the industry with scale, vision, and innovation. With its expanding footprint and trusted network of industry partners, SMX delivers high-impact event experiences that shape the future of MICE in the country.
Featured photo:
Culinaire 2025 brought together culinary excellence and industry leadership, graced with VIPs taking center stage, L-R: Tourism Promotions Board Chief Operation officer, Ms. Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Department of Tourism Secretary, Ms. Christina Garcia Frasco, Pasay City Mayor, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, SMX Convention Center Vice President-General Manager, Mr. Michael Jaey Albaña.
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