SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation’s (SMHCC) Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, in partnership with the Iloilo City MICE Center, successfully held “Beyond the Plate: A Masterclass in Gastronomical Storytelling.” The full-day workshop brought together content creators, students, and media professionals to explore and elevate the craft of food writing and content creation, further strengthening Iloilo’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Celebrating Food as Culture and Identity
The initiative reflects SMHCC’s wider goal to champion authentic Philippine cuisine. With Park Inn by Radisson properties across the country, this project marks the beginning of a series of programs designed to promote food tourism. SMHCC aims to act as a catalyst in showcasing the diverse culinary heritage of every region, highlighting traditions that reflect the Philippines’ rich gastronomic culture.
The event began with a guided urban farm tour led by Chef Cidj Jalandoni. Participants gained a hands-on understanding of where food comes from, reinforcing the importance of knowing the origins of ingredients in building authentic and meaningful gastronomy.
The formal program opened with a message from Iloilo City Mayor, Hon. Raisa Treñas. “This initiative highlights not only our culinary treasures but also our role as storytellers of Iloilo’s rich food heritage,” she said. “Food is not just food—it is culture, memory, and identity.”
Expert-Led Food Writing and Storytelling Sessions
The masterclass featured a roster of experts who shared both academic knowledge and practical insights. Dr. Hazel Palmares Villa, a respected writer and academic, led the session on the Elements of Food Writing and Sensory Storytelling. She explained how narratives built around taste, smell, and texture create more engaging content for readers.
Her lecture was followed by an interactive session with Ms. Leah Magallanes, Vice President for Quality and Sustainability at SMHCC. She focused on breaking down flavor, encouraging participants to taste, analyze, and identify textures in food. This segment gave attendees the chance to put theory into practice through guided tasting exercises.
Mr. Rouel Guanzon, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, delivered an engaging presentation on wine appreciation. His talk covered the basics of evaluating wine and delved into wine pairing with everyday dishes. By making the discussion accessible and practical, he gave participants tools to enrich their storytelling with knowledge that blends technical expertise with everyday dining experiences.
To emphasize the visual side of food content creation, Kristian “Kris” Cruz, an award-winning phone photographer and iPhone photography ambassador, shared insights on mobile food photography. His session focused on using smartphones to capture professional-quality food images, an essential skill for content creators and media professionals tasked with pairing words with striking visuals.
Putting Knowledge into Practice
To close the program, participants took part in an Output Challenge. Media guests and students from West Visayas State University were asked to produce an article paired with photographs of a featured dish from Ani Restaurant’s Heritage Menu. This exercise allowed them to apply the skills they learned throughout the day, combining storytelling, tasting notes, and food photography into one cohesive output.
The success of this challenge showed how participants could transform theory into practical application, reinforcing the workshop’s role in skills development for the city’s creative community.
Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo’s Commitment to Culinary Tourism
The event underscored Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo’s dedication to supporting not just tourism but also local culture and community development. In his closing remarks, General Manager Rouel Guanzon highlighted this commitment. “This workshop is more than just a gathering; it is a clear testament to our shared commitment to Iloilo. As the city proudly wears its distinction, we at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo are honored to be a proud partner of the local government in its mission to upskill and empower our local talent and resources. We believe that true progress is built on collaboration, and this event is a powerful symbol of what we can achieve together.”
Future of Beyond the Plate
The Beyond the Plate workshop series will continue in partnership with the Iloilo MICE Center. Future installments aim to further develop skills and nurture potential communities that can contribute to strengthening Iloilo’s place as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Through its continued initiatives, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo reinforces its role as a venue not only for hospitality but also for cultural exchange and creative growth, helping cement the city’s reputation as a center of food, culture, and innovation.
