IFEX Kitchen partners with international Filipino chefs for cultural, culinary showcase

Photos courtesy of (l-r) Chefs David Pamplona, Nouel Catis, Michael Pastrana, and Morris Catanghal.

Some of today's celebrated Filipino chefs making waves across the globe will be on hand for a memorable IFEX Kitchen, a 3-day series of cooking demonstrations and a trade show component of the biggest B2B and export-oriented food trade show in the country, IFEX Philippines, as organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

With the 18th edition of IFEX Philippines, featuring the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition and Conference, CITEM’s efforts continue to elevate

Filipino talent and products toward the country’s global positioning as a top-of-mind food sourcing destination.

Helping push the boundaries of Filipino food, culture, and ingenuity on the IFEX Kitchen stage from May 22-24, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila is the intercontinental roster of dessert specialist Chef Nouel Catis of the viral Dubai Knafeh chocolate bar from his Sna’ap Chocolates brand out of Dubai; Melbourne-based supper club duo Adobros Chefs Michael Pastrana and Morris Catanghal; and Salon Culinaire Dubai multi-awardee Chef David Pamplona, who is also head chef of Naimas Cafe and Bistro in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The trio will headline Day 2 of the IFEX Kitchen, engaging audiences with cooking demonstrations using select products from IFEX Philippines exhibitors.

The display of talent, expertise, product quality, and innovation at the IFEX Kitchen speaks to the larger state of the country’s food industry, wherein opportunities need to be created to match the trove of food and creative resources to flourish. CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo opined that since not everyone has the means to grab these opportunities on their own, “we owe it to our industry to help level the playing field as well as provide inspiration, a compelling motivation.”

Some of the scenes from the IFEX Kitchen activity area in May 2024 included live cooking demos, Q&As, and food-tasting for viewers.

And the feeling is mutual. In February, Chef Nouel visited the FOODPhilippines Pavilion at Gulfood 2025, where he saw just how far Philippine cuisine has come and is now resonating with the world. That experience reminded him of his roots, inspiring him to return home and gladly take part in this year’s IFEX Philippines. He will be whipping up authentic culinary sweet treats using Philippine ube and cacao, while fellow Dubai practitioner Chef Pamplona, also known as Chef Dabo, will bring his Latin American and Pan-Asian expertise to create a savory revelation using local condiments. As for Adobros duo Chefs Pastrana and Catanghal, they will be incorporating an innovative soybean protein and coconut oil to come up with a cultural fusion of flavors.

A merging of craft, creativity, and culture in every creation by the international team of Filipino chefs joining this year’s IFEX Kitchen. (L-R) Pan-Asian Laksa Labok from Chef Dabo; the snap heard around the world, Sna’ap Chocolate Bar made with Pistachio and Kunafa from Chef Catis; and Crystal Sisig made of wagyu, lamb, and chimichuri from Adobros.

Seeing more and more Filipino food players emerge into the global scene with due success, what better way to drive the point home than by these timely collaborations that echo the gratitude and pride the country has for the sector, with Executive Director Ocampo stressing, “our national food security efforts are only as good as the strength of our food SMEs, who behind every penny earned or accolade gained lies a culmination of hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance.”

The IFEX Kitchen has also dedicated Days 1 and 3 to local counterparts who, along with other big-name brands in food from across the regions, will bring their own expertise for a memorable experience for IFEX Philippines guests and participants alike. They include seasoned HORECA professionals, namely: Chefs Reima Ancheta of Jeverps Manufacturing Corporation; Cecille Chang of Lionheart Farms (Philippines) Corporation; Zhe Jacinto of Top Chefs Food Supplies, Inc., and Riza Matibag-Muyot with Kenneth Asuncion and Robert Cosme from Mana Kitchen at Shambala Silang.

Managing the menus and dishes for IFEX Kitchen is the event partner Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila, with Cook Magazine as media partner. Meanwhile, cooking equipment and kitchenware are courtesy of La Germania and Masflex.

Visit ifexconnect.com and citem.gov.ph or connect with us through our official Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn accounts as you wait to experience memorable flavors and dishes at IFEX Kitchen, only at IFEX Philippines 2025 featuring Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition and Conference.