MANILA, Philippines — The 11th Bakery Fair, organized by the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), successfully concluded last Feb. 17 at the World Trade Center.
The three-day event, Bakery Fair 2019, showcased the biggest trade show in the baking and food service industry. Thousands flocked to the venue, which only proved the growing interest of the public in baked goods.
Close to 200 booths by big and small exhibitors featured all kinds of baking supplies, equipment, confectionery and food service.
“We would like to thank our Bakery Fair 2019 exhibitors, allied members and bakery members, even guests and visitors, for their participation, continuous trust and unwavering support,” said FCBAI president Peter Fung, who welcomed everyone to the fair on behalf of the directors of the organization.
Guest of honor and speaker in the opening ceremonies on the first day of Bakery Fair 2019, was Domingo Yap, president of the Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Inc.
Delegates from Taiwan (Kao Chui Tsung), Vietnam (Kao Sieu Luc), Malaysia (Peter Khoo Po Min), Myanmar (Madam Thin Thin Kyao), Singapore (Lee Lai) and (Hong Kong) (Leo Chan) also flew in to Manila and graced the opening day of the event.
The foreign delegates also judged the cake competition, with close to 60 participants who joined and presented their colorful creations. The competition was one of the highlights of Bakery Fair 2019.
A seven-foot giant cake celebrating the Chinese New Year was meticulously created by award-winning cake designer James Anton Uy of Cubcakes Bakery. He is a respected baking and cake decorating instructor and the 2013 winner of Bakery Fair Cake Display competition, where he bested even some of the more established names in the local baking industry.
The ceremonial cutting of the special, red cake celebrating the theme, “Chinese New Year in the Year of the Pig,” happened on the first day of the event. The judging of the cakes displayed at the lobby of the World Trade Center was also done on the first day.
Meanwhile, the winners of the cake competition were announced on the second day of Bakery Fair 2019. First place went to cake entry No. 60 by Rodolfo V. Labios, who created a colorful, giant cake inspired by Little Mermaid’s Under the Sea. He took home P80,000 cash prize.
The special cake created by award-winning cake designer James Anton Uy.
Second placer was cake entry No. 13, baked by Ramil Gillesania who won P50,000. Third placer was cake entry No. 19, created by Reco Carl Ferrer, who bagged P30,000.
Started in 2001, the biennial Bakery Fair was again successful in fostering awareness on the importance of updating the baking industry, baking enthusiasts and the general public on the latest trends in baking technology.
Showcased in Bakery Fair 2019 were state-of-the-art and modern baking equipment, machines and technology from both foreign and local companies, as well as latest packaging products and materials.
“There were exhibitors who got as much as 25 booths,” offered Peter. “We are not really after the money. We just wanted to strongly promote the baking industry. The successful Bakery Fair 2019 meant more business for the exhibitors.”
The event allowed exhibitors to expand their client base and learn the latest in the industry even from their competitors or interact with other bakers. There were also baking seminars for adults, teens and kids, as well as training and competitions.
With FCBAI executive vice president William Ong, Peter said the Bakery Fair 2019 took one-year planning and preparation. No wonder, the officers and all the members left no stones unturned to ensure a successful event.