The Power of Pen 7: Regional Food Convergence

"An Appreciation of Philippine Archipelago of Flavors from North to South and East to West"

Our country, the Philippines, is a home of diverse and vibrant gastronomic culture. One of the many things that binds us Filipinos is food, which plays a big role in our identity.

Last May 20, 2017, STRAM Inc., an events company based in Manila, has asserted the effort to organize The Power of Pen 7: Regional Food Convergence which aims to bring together culinary talents, professionals, and enthusiasts, to address topics such as the following: 

• The Philippine Culinary Archipelago - food as a pivotal element of our history and culture; 
• Our Cultural Palette/Palate - food as the colorful band that binds us together; and 
• Food Ways and Tunnels - food as means to constitute change in society towards a sustainable gastronomic world. 

(Photo Credits: STRAM, Inc.)

This is the 7th installment for The Power of Pen - a food writing conference and forum that began in 2009. It is a food and lifestyle writing workshop which assimilates various discourses on food writing with topics such as food blogging, food photography, and many more. 

Here is the line-up of the writers who have been part of The Power of Pen 7: Regional Food Convergence:

• Ms. Amy Besa, Memories of Philippine Kitchen
• Dr. Macario Tiu, Davao Cuisine: Recipes of the Ten Tribes of Davao City 
• Ms. Cora Alvina, A Delicate Balance: Batanes Food, Ecology, and Community 
• Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, Philippine Cookery: From Heart to Platter
• Mr. Edgie Polistico, Philippine Food, Cooking, and Dining Dictionary
• Chef Claude Tayag, Linamnam: Eating One’s Way Around The Philippines, & Food Tour: A Culinary Journal
• Chef Shariff Pendatun III, On Halal Cuisine 
• Chef Xavier Btesh, French Kusina
• Ms. Maria Remedios “Pixie” Sevilla, Kasaysayan ng Kaluto ng Bayan 
• Ms. Michaela Fenix, a veteran food writer and researcher
• Ms. Myrna Segismundo, executive chef and a culinary consultant

The Power of Pen 7: Regional Food Convergence was held at UNILAB's Bayanihan Center in Pasig City. There were different activities during the event which includes the exhibits outside of MK Tan Hall which is composed of various publishing houses, art supplies, and food & beverage. 

A farm-to-table video presentations were also featured through the assistance of the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (AFID), under the Department of Agriculture spearheaded by Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.

The Doreen G. Fernandez Awarding Ceremony was also held during the conference. The winners for the 2016 theme, vinegar, were Angelo Comsti, 2nd place; and Elmer Nocheseda, 1st place.

May we be one in continuing to appreciate our very own gastronomic culture!

For more updates on the next Power of Pen and other upcoming lifestyle events, you may visit www.strameventsinc.com or www.facebook.com/strameventsinc.com