The world’s largest sustainable gastronomy event in Asia-Pacific is set to unite thousands in Bacolod City, championing good, clean, and fair food.
Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 was officially launched at the North Forbes Pavilion in Makati, introducing the first-ever regional edition outside of Turin, Italy, where Slow Food—a global, grassroots movement that promotes good, clean, and fair food for everyone—organizes its biennial Terra Madre Salone del Gusto. The newly-launched event will be taking place in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, from November 19 to 23, 2025. Featuring immersive exhibits, tastings, conferences, and community meals, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025 is poised to attract thousands of visitors. It’s also expected to welcome over 2,000 delegates from more than 20 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and Pacific Island nations.
Beyond that, the event provides a platform for farmers, fisherfolk, food communities, chefs, cooks, policymakers, and advocates from across the Asia-Pacific region to share knowledge, celebrate culinary diversity, and advance the global call for a more sustainable food future. On top of this, it’s set to highlight Bacolod City’s designation as the Slow Food Hub in Asia and Center for Sustainable Gastronomy, as well as Negros Occidental’s recognition as the Organic Capital of the Philippines.
Modeled after Italy’s long-running Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, this regional edition will center on the rich culinary traditions and food systems of Asia-Pacific while connecting them to the broader Slow Food movement.
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A Taste Of What’s To Come
At the Manila launch, guests were treated to cocktails and appetizers made with Ark of Taste ingredients: Slow Food’s international catalog of endangered heritage foods that are sustainably produced, distinctive in taste, and rooted in specific eco-regions.
The catalog of ingredients inspired dishes and beverages prepared by participating chefs and mixologists. The line-up of talents included chefs Kevin Navoa & Thirdy Dolatre (Hapag), David Amoros (El Born Manila), Angelo Comsti (Offbeat Bistro), Tina Legarda (Kumba & Bamba Bistro), Pat Go (Your Local and Lanai), Charles Montañez (Liyab and Mamacita), Dedet de la Fuente, Lechon Diva (Pepita’s Kitchen); and mixologists Arkadius Rybak (Toma Toma), Kalel Demetrio (Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar & Kitchen, Alab Distillery and Lanai), and Ken Alonso (Proudly Promdi).
Each of their creations represented the abundant creativity and diversity present in the Philippine food and beverage landscape, demonstrating how innovation and mindful culinary practices can go hand in hand. The evening also featured a symbolic signing of inter-agency support, bringing together government officials, partners, participants, and sponsors.
A sit-down dinner curated by Amado Fores of Margarita Signature Catering showcased locally-sourced ingredients, while Congressman Javi Benitez spoke in support of Slow Food, championing local producers and reinforcing the link between gastronomy and sustainable development.
The program concluded with a celebratory toast led by Reena Gamboa, Executive Director of Slow Food Philippines, marking the historic launch of Terra Madre Asia & Pacific 2025.
With the successful Manila launch behind it, the spotlight now turns to Bacolod City: thanks to its rich culinary traditions and agricultural heritage, it stands as the ideal host, embodying Terra Madre’s mission to preserve local biodiversity, support small-scale producers, and champion a food system that’s built to benefit everyone.
Photos courtesy of Slow Food Philippines.
