The launch of the MAGGI and Nestle Cream Food Creators Network drew culinary enthusiasts of all levels to the Blue Leaf Pavilion in McKinley. Aptly named- Tasteblazers: Reinventing Culinary Inspirations, the event offered an immersive first-of-its-kind experience where attendees engaged with some of the most influential names in the food industry to inspire and elevate the culinary arts through shared knowledge and creativity.
"Helping Pinoys eat well do good, and connect around food moments has always been the driving force behind our brands MAGGI, Nestle All Purpose Cream, and Carnation. We all want to create a food movement that enables eating well, doing food for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Together, we will help create memorable food moments and bring the magic of Pinoy cuisine to everyone to savor and enjoy," said Rosa Simba, Business Executive Officer for Nestle Food Business Unit.
Showcasing culinary mastery in a series of dynamic cook-offs, interactive cooking stations, and lively sessions were top chefs and food creators including restaurateur Chef Tatung Sarthou; Vanjo Merano, creator of Panlasang Pinoy food vlog; Chef Jackie Ang-Po of Nestle Homebakers Club; Lalaine Manalo of Kawaling Pinoy; David Lichauco and Barbie Forteza; and Nestle Kitchen Studio Creators Seth Alonzo, Nica Soledad, Sam Bawasanta, and Trish Chua. There's also Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo and Melai Cantiveros-Francisco who represents MAGGI kitchen.
Hosting the event is Sam Oh, who helped the guests explore the interactive kitchen and create their very own culinary masterpieces.
An event highlight was the series of Tasteblazers Talks, where food creators shared their journeys and insights. Chef Tatung shared his Simpol cooking philosophy that emphasized simplicity, and discussed how the MAGGI and Nestle Cream Food Creators Network supports his mission to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone by reaching a wider audience with practical tips and easy-to-follow recipes.
Vanjo Merano of Panlasang Pinoy food vlog aims to share traditional Filipino cuisine by making it accessible and easy to prepare for home cooks around the world, ensuring that the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines is celebrated and passed on to future generations. Advocating for MAGGI Sarap Sustansiya, he encourages people to make healthier choices while enjoying flavorful meals.
For Chef Jackie Ang-Po, her stories of crafting award-winning desserts and her role in the newly relaunched Nestle Homebakers Club, inviting both novice and experienced bakers to join, as the club supports and inspired its members by providing a collaborative community for sharing techniques, feedback, and the joy of baking.
Inspired by her journey from being a Food Service Director to a full-time food blogger, Lalaine Manalo of Kawaling Pinoy merged storytelling and cooking delicious meals that encourages home cooks to experiment and create their own culinary masterpieces.
Nestle Kitchen Studio Creators Seth Alonzo, Nica Soledad, Sam Bawasanta, and Trish Chua infused their love for food and dynamic storytelling into the Tasteblazers event, giving attendees a peek into the ever-changing world of culinary content geared towards younger viewers.
For the Tastebalzers Talks, David Licauco and Barbie Forteza shared their personal cooking experiences, inspiring attendees to explore new flavors and cooking techniques. David emphasized the importance of embracing self-awareness for culinary creativity that even led him to going into food business. Meanwhile, Barbie encouraged young cooks to kickstart their cooking journey given the convenience of online resources and inspiration from food travels. Both represent a generation that loves to innovate and experiment in the kitchen. Then there's Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, the newest face of MAGGI Magic Chicken Cubes, she highlighted the importance of balancing a busy career with managing household meals, and how Maggi products make it easier for her to prepare delicious, nutritious food for her family. Melai's relatable stories and warm humor resonated with many in the audience, showing how anyone can create magic in the kitchen.
MAGGI celebrity endorser Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo reflected on her journey with the brand and the evolution of their partnership. She spoke about the new "Cook with Magic" initiative, which takes their collaboration beyond traditional advertising to interactive cooking shows. Judy Ann said that this approach is crucial for reaching today's young cooks, offering them practical, hands-on cooking advice and inspiration. Together, these talented chefs and food creators brought diverse perspectives and expertise to the event, enriching the culinary experience for all attendees. The MAGGI and Nestle Cream Food Creators Network aims to foster a community where food creators can exchange culinary ideas and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
The launch of the MAGGI and Nestle Cream Food Creators Network timed with the release of its first 'Cook with Magic' episode of Season 2. Foodies can tune in every Monday on the Nestle Goodness YouTube channel to witness the creative process, gain inspiration, and learn from the favorite recipes of special guests. By leveraging the expertise of its members and the quality of MAGGI, Nestle All-Purporse Cream and Carnation products, the network redefines culinary inspiration and elevates the cooking experience for all.
"The MAGGI and Nestle Cream Food Creators Network was created to harness the power of food to bring people together. It provides a platform for chefs, food creators, and enthusiasts to connect, inspire, and collaborate. We're dedicated to helping everyone start their culinary journey and explore their creativity to make memorable and magical meal moments both at home and beyond," said Chris Nazareno, Marketing Manager at MAGGI Philippines.