SMX Convention Center Hosts the Grand Return of Culinaire 2024

Known as one of the most sought-after event destination in the metropolis, SMX Convention Center showcased its extraordinary capacity and features once again as it celebrates the return of the grandest  signature culinary event, Culinaire!

Held in the expansive Function Rooms 3 to 5 of SMX Convention Center Manila, which together span a total venue space of 5,200 square meters, Culinaire 2024 gathered 10 of the best caterers in the metro to showcase their creativity and event styling inspired by a film of their choice from the world-renowned streaming platform NETFLIX. Guests had the chance to savor a full range of offerings, starting with free-flowing cocktails at the “Love Island” bar by Event Shakers, and a tantalizing set of appetizers, entrées, and desserts, from the rest of the caterers.

Carrying the theme "Flavor Flix", over a thousand guests enjoyed a unique dining experience showcasing the culinary excellence of esteemed partner caterers with the thrilling flair of movies and series such as BIZU with Bridgerton, CONRAD MANILA with Memoirs of a Geisha, The Creamery Catering with Queen Charlotte, Hizon's Catering with The Bear, Via Mare with Maria Clara, Kitchen City with Squid Game, Tjioe Chew with Mulan, Juan Carlo with Stranger Things, M Catering with Avatar, and Event Shakers with Love Island.

Throughout the evening, guests also participated in the voting process to determine the People’s Choice Awards with categories: Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, and Best Dessert. Meanwhile, a panel of culinary experts conducted a blind tasting earlier in the night to determine their own top picks.

The winners were announced with much anticipation: Best Appetizer was awarded to The Creamery’s "The Queen’s Garden," Best Entrée went to Juan Carlo’s "Vecna's Enigma," and Best Dessert was claimed by The Creamery’s "Afternoon Tea with Charlotte." In the People’s Choice Awards, Juan Carlo swept all categories, earning top honors for their appetizers, entrées, and desserts, with their "Stranger Things" theme.

Juan Carlo brought the eerie and intriguing world of "Stranger Things" to life with their standout culinary presentation, capturing the essence of the hit series at the 2024 Culinaire event.

Drawing inspiration from the movie "Avatar," M Catering transported guests to the mystical world of Pandora with their imaginative and visually stunning culinary presentation at the 2024 Culinaire event.

Inspired by the film series "Queen Charlotte," The Creamery captivated guests with a regal display of culinary artistry at the 2024 Culinaire event.

Opening the event, Mr. Michael Jaey Albaña, Vice President – General Manager of SMX Convention Center, highlighted the significance of Culinaire's return after a long hiatus since 2019. It can be recalled that the previous years have been challenging for the MICE and events sector, caused by the pandemic. "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 noted that as the industry begins to recover robustly in 2024, this event represented a celebration of its resurgence.

L-R: Mr. Michael Albaña, SMX Convention Center Vice President and General Manager; Mr. Walid Wafik, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp.(SMHCC) Senior Vice President – Operations; Ms. Agnes Pacis, SMHCC Vice President – Commercial; Ms. Leah Magallanes, SMHCC Vice President – Quality and Sustainability; and Mr. Neil Rumbaoa, SMHCC Vice President – Marketing and Business Development,  with the Best Dressed attendees of the night: Kyle Cervantes and Pablo Bairan. 

As the premiere event venue operator in the country, SMX Convention Center continues to lead the industry in providing exceptional venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE). However, as Albaña highlighted, Culinaire also exemplifies SMX’s flexibility in celebrating life’s important milestones, such as birthdays and weddings.

U.S. Angus Beef Tournados Rossini, Figs Beurre Blanc Foie Gras, Rosti Potato, Sauteed Garlic Spinach, and Pepper Madeira Cream Sauce

Awarded “Best Dessert” by the panel of judges  Pistachio Tres Leches, Vanilla Mascarpone on white Chocolate Cup. Garnished with Strawberry Shavings and Edible Butterfly

This year’s event was a remarkable collaboration between partner caterers and SMX-accredited event suppliers, including Black Tie Entertainment for the live band and DJ; 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.

The evening was filled with exquisitely prepared dishes and top-notch entertainment, ensuring guests experienced the full magic of Flavor Flix.