CLARK FREEPORT — It was truly a unique experience as the irresistible magic of the Yuletide season was amplified with the accompaniment of a 71-piece philharmonic symphony orchestra amidst the backdrop of the old Kelly Theater at the Air Force City here during the ‘Pamangan Capampangan Food Expo 2013 hosted by the Alliance of Travel and Tour Agencies of Pampanga (ATTAP) on Dec. 14.
Gilda Padua, ATTAP president, said the live musical concert was the first of its kind in this bustling freeport which complemented the Capampangan food expo as a salute to Pampanga’s culinary masters producing renowned and delectable cuisines.
Padua added that the event was the start of a yearly parade of delectable Capampangan cuisine serenaded by a local homegrown ensemble – the Marciano Paras Philharmonic Orchestra (MPPO) – in an al fresco atmosphere.
During the affair, the first Pamangan Audio-Video Presentation (AVP) featuring Pampanga’s top culinary destinations, fresh farm produce, sweet/baked products and specialty dishes was presented to bigwigs in the food, hotel and tourism industries alongside local and foreign visitors who attended the event.
The cool evening breeze made the affair more pronounced as guests dressed in formal and business attires dined with classical Christmas carols performed live by the MPPO.
The orchestra is composed of local talents under the baton of Maestro Mark Jan N. Caspe, an ingenious and exuberant conductor.
The evening of musical and food extravaganza was done in cooperation with the Department of Tourism Region 3 and with the able support of the Clark Development Corp., Clark International Airport Corp., Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, North Luzon Expressway, Greater Clark Visitors Bureau, Pampanga Association of Travel Society, Hotels and Restaurants of Pampanga and Mabalacat City.
It was also participated in by the Apag Marangle Restaurant, Binulo Restaurant, Angeles Fried Chicken, Bale Kapampangan Restaurant, and Cocina de Aleisa.
Padua said the event is “a major step towards the attainment of our shared vision of making Pampanga the preferred culinary destination in the country to further boost the tourism and economic competitiveness of the province.”
She added that ATTAP’s objective is to help the small and medium entrepreneurs in the food industry.
For his part, DOT Regional Director Ronnie Tiotuico said he welcomed the event that could showcase Capampangan culture to the world through its delectable cuisines.
