The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu prides itself on serving one of the best, if not the best, buffets in town. And in keeping with its hard-earned reputation, the only five-star hotel in the city once again showcased a wide array of Canadian cuisine during the “Canada Pork at Café Marco” food festival .
Guest of honor Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornley together with the property’s general manager Hans Hauri officially launched the gastronomic event with a ceremonial slicing of the pork carving. They were joined by Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and Honorary Consul of Canada in Cebu Robert Lee and his wife Anna.
In his brief remarks, the ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Cebuanos for their continued support and for being active in maintaining an excellent relationship with his country. He welcomed the newly established Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines Cebu Chapter with offices at Ayala FGU Tower.
He likewise mentioned that with cutting-edge research and a rigorous regulatory system, Canada is one of the largest exporters of meat in the world with the Philippines as its sixth largest market for pork products.
We gathered that the Canadian pork industry maintains extremely high standards for health, care, and feeding of its livestock, and for its pork processing and distribution systems to meet the stringent food safety standards in the marketplace.
The food promotion was organized by the Embassy of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service with support from Canada Pork International, Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (CanCham).
Giving full support to the affair were officials from the Embassy of Canada in Manila such as Andrew Smith, senior trade commissioner; Yvette Buendia, trade commissioner; and Kat Reambillo for communications. Representing the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines were Mercedes Laurel Marquez, second vice president, and Sean Georget, executive director.